The Airlink Pumas got their 2025 Currie Cup campaign off to a thunderous start on Friday night, outmuscling the Suzuki Griquas 49–28 at the Mbombela Stadium in a match that delivered both chaos and class.
It was a night where attacking flair met rugged intensity, but discipline—or the lack thereof—proved to be the decisive factor. The hosts ran in six tries to three, grabbing a bonus-point win and making a bold early statement to the rest of the competition.
A Wobbly Start… Then the Fireworks
Things couldn’t have started worse for the home side. Straight from kick-off, they conceded a penalty, which Griquas flyhalf George Whitehead coolly slotted for the first points of the match. But the Pumas struck back in style almost immediately. A charged-down kick from Heinz Bertram landed fortuitously for Sango Xamlashle, who scooped up the loose ball and raced over for the first try just three minutes in.
Griquas showed fight early on and were rewarded when eighth man Gustav Erlank finished off a patient build-up with a try in the 12th minute. But the lead was short-lived. Pumas flyhalf Danrich Visagie sliced through the Griquas’ midfield defence for a sharp solo effort, though he was caught out by the shot clock and missed the chance to convert.
Whitehead kept the scoreboard ticking with two penalties to stretch Griquas’ lead, but the Pumas replied with penalties of their own through Visagie before scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams crossed the whitewash for the visitors’ third try. Yet, just before half-time, Pumas hooker Eduan Swart capitalised on a powerful maul to crash over. Visagie’s conversion made it 25–23 to the hosts at the break, setting the stage for a manic second half.
Griquas Unravel After the Break
If the first half was balanced, the second half belonged firmly to the Pumas—and Griquas had only themselves to blame.
Within 10 minutes of the restart, Griquas were down to 13 men. Both Abrahams and Whitehead were shown yellow cards for cynical play and repeated infringements. The numerical advantage proved fatal, with Wian van Niekerk dotting down for the bonus-point try in the 52nd minute, stretching the Pumas’ lead.
Two minutes later, Gurswin Wehr became the third Griquas player sent to the bin, further compounding their woes.
While Griquas eventually mounted a late surge, culminating in Mnombo Zwelendaba’s try in the 71st minute, the Pumas were far from done. Replacement forward JJ Scheepers powered over in the 77th, before winger Darren Adonis capped off a dazzling attacking display with a brilliant finish from a clever kick-pass.
Tactical Edge and A Standout Performance
The Pumas controlled the tempo through sharp decision-making, none more so than from man of the match Ross Braude. The energetic scrumhalf was relentless—his quick delivery, support running and game management kept the Griquas on the back foot. Whether probing around the fringes or linking with his backline, Braude was the conductor of the Pumas’ attacking orchestra.
Visagie, despite an early misstep with the shot clock, was instrumental, racking up 19 points through five conversions and three penalties. The tight five laid a strong platform at scrum time, and the loose trio were tireless on both sides of the ball.
Discipline the Downfall for Griquas
For the Griquas, the warning signs were clear. Three yellow cards in just 10 minutes derailed any momentum they might have had. While they had moments of brilliance—particularly through Erlank and Abrahams—their inability to keep 15 men on the field ultimately cost them dearly.
With a late squad reshuffle forcing an unusual 7–1 bench split, Griquas appeared out of sync when it mattered most. Coach Pieter Bergh will be scratching his head over the discipline issues that plagued their second-half collapse.
Final Thoughts
The Pumas sent a clear message: Mbombela is a fortress, and they mean business in 2025. With a balanced mix of flair and forward grunt, and a general like Braude pulling the strings, they’re going to be a handful this season.
For the Griquas, it’s back to the drawing board—starting with discipline and cohesion. Their next outing will demand far more structure and composure if they’re to avoid another slip-up.
Final Score: Pumas 49 – 28 Griquas
Tries: Pumas 6 – Griquas 3
Yellow Cards: Griquas 3, Pumas 1
Man of the Match: Ross Braude (Pumas)
This one had everything—drama, tries, cards, and momentum swings—and it’s only round one. Buckle up. The Currie Cup is back.
