Currie Cup result: Pumas power into Currie Cup semis
The five log points propelled the Pumas to third on the log, with the Cheetahs ending the league stage in second.
The Pumas secured a spot in the Currie Cup semi-finals with a dominant 52-26 victory over the Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Saturday. The hosts scored eight tries, with hooker Chyle van Zyl and lock JJ Scheepers each contributing two touchdowns. The Pumas' five log points propelled them to third place in the standings, while the Cheetahs finished the league stage in second. Sixth-placed Boland could potentially leapfrog the Lions into fourth with a win against Griquas in Wellington on Sunday.
The Pumas displayed clinical execution from the outset, with centre Sango Xamlashe scoring first. Hooker Chyle van Zyl added another try shortly after to put the Pumas ahead 14-0. Despite the Cheetahs gaining a one-man advantage through a deliberate knock-down by winger Darren Adonis, they failed to capitalize. Flanker Andre Goedhals swiftly responded for the Pumas, and Xamlashe's kick-through provided space for Van Zyl to score his second try. This extended the Pumas' lead to 28-7 at halftime.
After the break, both teams entered the fray with determination. Hooker Stefan Venter crossed for the Cheetahs, followed by JJ Scheepers' second try and Tiaan de Klerk's sixth, extending the Pumas' lead to 40-14. Scheepers added a second try before Cheetahs winger Darren Adonis was deducted a penalty, resulting in a 20-minute red card.
The Cheetahs managed to score tries from replacement loose forward Daniel Maartens and winger Michael Annies, securing their bonus point. Finally, replacement loose forward Ntsika Fisanti sealed the win for the Pumas.
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