The Lowvelders crossed the try line five times in their victory over the Peacock Blues at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, bringing an end to the defending champions’ unbeaten streak in the competition.

With this win, the Pumas climbed to the top of the series log and proved they are more than just a dangerous attacking unit — they can defend when it counts.

The first half was a tightly contested arm-wrestle, with neither side willing to concede ground. Both teams 

The Pumas’ tries were the result of slick, fast-paced attacking play, with the ball flowing through multiple hands in the build-up.

Clinton Swart - Morgan Piek

Early in the second half, the Pumas came within meters of the Griquas’ try line but failed to convert. The visitors gained possession, and shortly thereafter, fullback Cameron Hufke sliced through for his second try. George Whitehead added the conversion, giving Griquas a 25–26 lead.

Griquas then stepped up a gear and extended their lead when Whitehead dived over in the corner after a turnover.

Soon after, the Pumas suffered a setback when replacement prop Dewald Maritz received a yellow card. But they weren’t ready to surrender. With just over 10 minutes remaining, center Sango Xamlashe powered over for his second try, and the conversion edged the score to 32–34 in Griquas’ favour.

George Whitehead - Morgan Piek

The Pumas struck again when winger Lundi Msenge crossed the whitewash for his second try, reclaiming the lead.

In the dying moments, Hufke completed his hat-trick, ready regained the lead, as the try was initially awarded. However, as Whitehead lined up the conversion, referee Christopher Allison controversially reversed the decision after watching the stadium screen replay — despite the competition not having TMO protocols in place.

Allison ruled that the ball had not been grounded, even though there was no clear evidence to support overturning the call. His decision seemed to be swayed by the crowd’s reaction, raising serious concerns about officiating standards.

Cameron Hufke - Morgan Piek

Just moments earlier, Allison had also incorrectly shown a yellow card to Griquas flanker Marco de Witt.

These incidents reignited the debate over SA Rugby’s failure to provide TMO systems — especially with qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division on the line. A team failing to quality for the Premier Division could cost a team up to R20 million, and this could be avoided by spending a few thousands.

Despite the setbacks, the Griquas kept fighting and launched one final attack. In a cruel twist, Hufke — with the try line wide open — knocked the ball on, ending a rollercoaster of a match in heartbreak for the visitors.

Pumas: Tries - Lundi Msenge 2, Clinton Swart, Sango Xamlashe Conv. - Swart 4 Pen. - Swart 2

Griquas: Tries - Dylan Maart, Janco Uys, Cameron Hufke 2, George Whitehead Conv. - Whitehead 3 Pen. - Whitehead

Morgan Piek OFM Sport