The Airlink Pumas are back on home turf this Friday night, and they’re itching to bounce back when they welcome the red-hot Sanlam Boland Kavaliers to Mbombela Stadium for a mouth-watering Currie Cup fifth-round clash.
It’s a big one for Jimmy Stonehouse’s side, who’ve shown flashes of their trademark attacking flair but are yet to string together a consistent run of form. After falling short against the Lions in their last outing (25-36), the Pumas know they’ll need to sharpen up if they’re to stop a Boland side currently riding high on the log.
Attacking Firepower Meets Gritty Defence
On paper, this encounter has all the ingredients of a Currie Cup classic. The Pumas, sitting mid-table, have scored a whopping 21 tries – the most in the competition so far – with that ruthless demolition of the Bulls in Pretoria (41-7) and their dominant win over the Griquas in Kimberley (49-28) fresh in the memory.
But the Kavaliers are flying too. In their return season to Premier Division rugby, Hawies Fourie’s men have taken no prisoners, notching up three wins from four, including a gritty victory over the Bulls last week. They’re level on points with the log-leading Cheetahs, and they’re not just here to make up the numbers – they’re here to make history.
What makes this clash even juicier is the fact that both teams have conceded the exact same number of points – 113 – in their first four games. The margins are tight, the confidence is high, and neither side will want to blink first under the Mbombela lights.
Danrich the Deadeye Leads the Charge
If there’s one man who’s been at the centre of the Pumas’ attacking fire, it’s flyhalf Danrich Visagie. The sharpshooting No.10 leads the competition points tally with 50 points to his name. His five penalty goals and 15 conversions make him a constant threat, and when he’s in the groove, he can turn territory into points from just about anywhere inside the opposition’s half.
Behind a pack that loves the physical contest, Visagie will once again team up with vice-captain Ross Braude at scrumhalf. That halfback duo has been instrumental in setting the tempo for the Mpumalanga side and will be crucial in dictating terms against a well-drilled Boland outfit.
New Faces, Familiar Fight
Stonehouse has named a powerful starting XV for the clash, with Willie Engelbrecht continuing to lead from No.8. The experienced campaigner has been a calming influence in a dynamic loose trio that also includes Ntsika Fisanti and Ruwald van der Merwe – both known for their relentless work at the breakdown.
Up front, Etienne Janeke, Eduan Swart, and Sampie Swiegers form a solid front row, while the second-row pairing of Jeandre Leonard and Tiaan de Klerk brings balance and mobility. The backline remains full of pace and potential, with Andrew Kota at fullback and Darren Adonis and Stefan Coetzee providing width out wide.
On the bench, the Pumas have some serious impact players ready to roll – Jan-Henning Campher, Russwill Fredericks, and Dalvon Blood all capable of swinging momentum in the final quarter.
All Eyes on Mbombela
The match kicks off a jam-packed weekend of Currie Cup action, and you can be sure that all eyes will be on the Lowveld as two of the most exciting attacking teams in the competition go toe-to-toe.
The Pumas may have had Boland’s number in recent encounters, including two narrow wins earlier this year, but this is a different Boland side – confident, clinical, and desperate to prove they belong among the top dogs.
“We know the threat Boland brings, but we back ourselves at home,” said Stonehouse. “It’s about sticking to our plan, tightening up the discipline, and making sure we take our chances.”
AIRLINK PUMAS vs SANLAM BOLAND KAVALIERS
📍 Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
🕖 Friday, 23 August | Kick-off: 19:00
🏆 Carling Currie Cup – Round 5
PUMAS STARTING XV:
- Etienne Janeke
- Eduan Swart
- Sampie Swiegers
- Jeandre Leonard
- Tiaan de Klerk
- Ntsika Fisanti
- Ruwald van der Merwe
- Willie Engelbrecht (C)
- Ross Braude (VC)
- Danrich Visagie
- Darren Adonis
- Wian van Niekerk
- Sango Xamlashe
- Stefan Coetzee
- Andrew Kota
Replacements:
16. Jan-Henning Campher
17. Zuki Sali
18. Dewald Maritz
19. Hanno Theunissen
20. Andre Fouche
21. Russwill Fredericks
22. Tiaan Pretorius
23. Dalvon Blood
