The Pumas beat the Golden Lions XV 35-24 in Nelspruit, while there were also Currie Cup Qualifier wins for the Blue Bulls, Griquas and Western Province on Saturday.
In an open, fast-paced match, the Lions dominated territory and possession but the Pumas made the most of their chances. In the end, both teams scored four tries to bag a bonus point.
The hosts led 23-12 at the break courtesy of three penalty goals by Heinrich Steyl and two converted tries. Wing Anthony Volmink and No 8 Ruaan Lerm accounted for the Lions' two tries.
The second half was equally entertaining, with both sides adding 12 points via two tries and a conversion, but Steyl’s first-half penalties kept the Pumas ahead.
Meanwhile, flank Roelof Smit and wing Kefentse Mahlo scored two tries apiece in the Blue Bulls’ emphatic 57-28 triumph over the Griffons. The Bulls held a slender 26-21 lead at the break, but pulled away in the second half.
In Kimberley, log leaders Griquas beat the Free State XV 44-31, with flyhalf André Swarts top-scoring with 15 points, while Western Province beat the Leopards 43-34 in Potchefstroom.
Pumas (35) – Tries: Renier van Rooyen, Bernado Botha, Frank Herne, Heinrich Steyl. Penalties: Steyl (3). Conversions: Steyl (3).
Golden Lions XV (24) – Tries: Anthony Volmink, Ruaan Lerm, Fabian Booysen, Shaun Reynolds. Conversions: Ashlon Davids (2).
Griffons (28) – Tries: Daniel van der Merwe (2), Heinrich Roelfse, Siward Mavundla. Conversions: George Whitehead (4).
Blue Bulls (57) – Tries: Roelof Smit (2), Kefentse Mahlo (2), Alcino Isaacs, Corniel Els, Marquit September, Theo Maree. Conversions: Kurt Webster (5), Joshua Stander, Divan Rossouw. Penalty: Webster.
Griquas (44) – Tries: Penalty try, AJ Coertzen, Devon Martinus, Ederies Arendse, Tiaan Dorfling. Conversions: André Swarts (3), Clinton Swart. Penalties: Swarts (3).
Free State XV (31) – Tries: Carl Wegner, Reinhardt Erwee, Reniel Hugo, Tertius Hugo. Conversions: Niel Marais (4). Penalty: Marais.
Leopards (34) – Tries: Rhyno Smith (2), Marno Redelinghuys, Jaco Hayward. Conversions: Smith (4). Penalty: Smith. Drop goal: Smith
Western Province (43) – Tries: Grant Hermanus (2), Beyers de Villiers, Freddie Muller, Jean Kleyn, Khanyo Ngcukana. Conversions: Scott van Breda (5). Penalty: Van Breda.
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
