Eastern Province Secures First SA Cup Victory While Unbeaten Griquas Maintain Dominant League Lead

Mpho Ntsane scores a hat trick as Eastern Province secures their first SA Cup win. Griquas stay unbeaten while Pumas dominate Border in East London.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 5:07 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Eastern Province Breaks Season Stalemate in Potchefstroom

The Eastern Province squad finally translated defensive resilience into a winning result, securing a 43–31 victory over the Leopards to mark their first success of the current campaign. Despite an encouraging start from the hosts, the Eastern Cape side maintained their composure to lead by two points at the interval. According to match data, the tactical shift occurred after the break as the visitors increased their intensity, utilizing a more expansive attacking rhythm to pull away from their opponents in the final forty minutes of play.

Ntsane Hat Trick Anchors Crucial Away Victory

The offensive charge for Eastern Province was led by Mpho Ntsane, who crossed the white line three times to dismantle the Leopards’ defensive structures. Supported by scores from Garth April and replacement Hlomla Zondani, the visitors managed to withstand a late surge from the home side. While the Leopards remained competitive through tries from Naiden Jaarts and Brandon Keevy, the disciplined game management of the Eastern Province backline ensured the victory remained secure, lifting them off the bottom of the table.

Griquas Extend Unbeaten Run with Wellington Bonus Point

In the Western Cape, the Griquas maintained their perfect season record by defeating the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 24–14 in a physical encounter. The visitors took full advantage of two yellow cards issued to the hosts, establishing a firm 19–7 lead by the half-time whistle. Former Kavaliers players Gurshwin Wehr and Dylan Maart were instrumental in the victory, both scoring tries against their old club to secure a vital bonus point that keeps the Northern Cape side three points clear at the summit of the standings.