RIVALRY OF THE YEAR: PUMAS VERSUS GRIQUAS IN SA CUP FINAL

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May 24, 2025

Airlink Pumas - Suzuki Griquas 

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

On Saturday, May 24 at 6:30 PM, Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit will host what could be the most dramatic final in South African rugby history. The unbeaten Airlink Pumas will challenge defending champions Suzuki Griquas in a rematch of last year's final. This SA Cup showdown promises to be the rugby phenomenon of the season.

The statistics speak volumes – Pumas have scored 81 tries in nine league matches and accumulated 351 points, just two more than Griquas with their 80 tries and 349 points. This is the most evenly matched final in SA Cup history, where a mere two-point difference over an entire season demonstrates the quality of both teams.

Unbeaten home heroes

Airlink Pumas are enjoying a dream season with one goal – to claim the trophy on home soil. An unbeaten season, 81 tries in nine matches, and home advantage at Mbombela Stadium are their main trump cards. Key figure Danrich Visagie has 98 points and has proven to be the team's decisive kicker.

The semifinal drama against Boland Kavaliers showed Pumas' true character. In the second half, they received three yellow cards within four minutes and played with only 12 men. Despite this, they managed to overturn an unfavorable score and win 31-29, proving their mental strength.

Defending champions with killer instinct

Defending champions Suzuki Griquas know how to win finals. George Whitehead leads the SA Cup scoring with 103 points and as captain decided the semifinal against Cheetahs with a decisive kick ten minutes from time. Dylan Maart and Gurshwin Wehr each shone with 14 tries and rank among the tournament's top scorers.

Historic rivalry

The rivalry between Pumas and Griquas is legendary. Over the past eight years, they have met in five finals across different competitions. In 2018, Pumas won the SuperSport Rugby Challenge 32-20, with Griquas responding the following year with a 28-13 victory. In 2022, Pumas triumphed in the Currie Cup final 26-19, but last year Griquas claimed the SA Cup with a 46-24 win.

Contrasting styles

The approaches of both teams differ significantly. Pumas prefer structured rugby with emphasis on discipline and tactics, territorial play controlled by Visagie's kicking, and strength in set pieces. Griquas, conversely, play open attacking rugby, specialize in broken play, and excel in the unpredictability of their players.

The mental battle will be crucial. Pumas have the advantage of an unbeaten season, home support, and proven comeback ability. Griquas can rely on champions' experience, performances in decisive moments, and good away results.

Saturday evening at Mbombela Stadium promises a rugby feast of the century. The two best SA Cup 2025 teams, incredibly evenly matched with just a two-point difference, historic rivalry, and a clash between an unbeaten season and defending champions – all combine to create the conditions for an unforgettable rugby thriller.


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