Eastern Province returned to winning ways with a 39-26 bonus-point victory over the Phangela SWD Eagles in an open and fast-paced SA Cup showdown in George. In a match featuring nine tries, Eastern Province’s sharper execution and tactical kicking proved the difference despite a spirited fight from the Eagles.
First Half: End-to-End Action
The Eagles got the early momentum, with Marco Fuhri (20′) powering over from close range, and Braam Abrahams adding the conversion. Eastern Province replied swiftly through Shirwin Cupido (24′), converted by Christian Humphries, who would go on to have a strong afternoon with the boot.
The hosts reclaimed the lead when Damon Royle (30′) crashed over, with Sachin Toring converting. But discipline issues crept in as Eastern Province capitalized: JJ Scheepers (39′) went over just before halftime, capping a dominant phase following CJ Velleman’s yellow card (36′).
At the break, Eastern Province edged the contest 17-14, despite the Eagles matching them physically and on the scoreboard.
Second Half Surge from the Visitors
The match turned decisively early in the second half. The Eagles were reduced to 14 when Sachin Toring was yellow-carded (42′), and Eastern Province pounced. In a six-minute spell, Siya Nzuzo (43′) and Deon Plaatjies (46′) both crossed for tries, both converted by Humphries, stretching the lead to 31-14.
The Eagles weren’t done yet—Clive Kruger (57′) found a gap and dotted down to give the hosts hope. But Humphries again punished indiscipline with a late penalty (73′), before Masikane Mazwi (75′) scored Eastern Province’s fifth and final try.
To their credit, the Eagles never gave up. Dian Basson (79′) crossed in the final minute, converted by Toring, giving the home fans something to cheer about in the closing stages.
Discipline a Defining Factor
Both sides had issues with discipline. The Eagles had one yellow card, while Eastern Province’s CJ Velleman received a yellow and then a red card in the second half. However, the Griffons were better able to control the game while shorthanded.
Standout Performers
- Christian Humphries (Eastern Province) – 4 conversions and 2 penalties, instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking.
- Clive Kruger (Eagles) – A constant threat in attack and scorer of a fine solo try.
- Siya Nzuzo & JJ Scheepers (Eastern Province) – Dominant in the physical exchanges, each scoring critical tries.
Final Thoughts
The match highlighted Eastern Province’s improved tactical sharpness, particularly through their fly-half Humphries, while the Eagles once again showed promise in patches but were undone by lapses in discipline and defensive positioning.
The result pushes Eastern Province further up the SA Cup standings, while the Phangela SWD Eagles will need to tighten up defensively if they are to stay competitive in the upcoming rounds.
