Griquas and Boland Extend Perfect Starts Amid Lightning-Forced Abandonment in Bloemfontein

Griquas and Boland Kavaliers secure dominant bonus-point wins to lead the SA Cup, while the Cheetahs vs Pumas match is abandoned due to lightning.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 9:37 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Atmospheric Conditions Force Shared Points

The weekend's marquee fixture between the Cheetahs and the Pumas ended in frustration as severe lightning in the Free State capital rendered the match a "no-result." Following an hour-long delay, play briefly commenced with both sides trading tries to reach a 7–7 deadlock. Despite a penalty from Clinton Swart that momentarily put the Pumas ahead 10–7, the return of lightning in the 24th minute forced the referee to call the game off. Under competition regulations, as less than 40 minutes were completed, the match could not stand, and both teams were awarded two log points.

Boland and Griquas Assert Dominance

In Wellington, the Boland Kavaliers delivered a statement performance, outscoring the Valke by 11 tries to three in a 73–24 rout. The Kavaliers established control early, leading 40–17 at the interval, with Erik Lambrecht and Xavier Mitchell each contributing two tries. Meanwhile, in Kimberley, Griquas produced a clinical display against the Border Bulldogs, recording a staggering 97–7 victory. The hosts crossed the line 15 times, with Thomas Nel, Marco de Witt, Dylan Maart, and Connor Mahoney all securing braces. These results leave both Griquas and Boland with a full house of 15 points from three matches.

Hard-Fought Victories for Griffons and Eagles

The Griffons strengthened their semi-final credentials with a resilient 29–23 win over the Leopards in Welkom. Despite a late surge from the visitors ignited by a Noegh Hayward try and a brace from Zachery Bester, the Griffons held firm through a disciplined defensive effort in the final quarter. In Gqeberha, the SWD Eagles claimed regional bragging rights with a 26–22 derby win over Eastern Province. A 14-point swing around halftime, punctuated by a Gunther Janse van Vuuren try, shifted the momentum away from the hosts and secured the points for the Eagles.