There’s no room for slip-ups this weekend as the Airlink Pumas travel to Wellington to face Sanlam Boland in a pivotal SA Cup clash that could determine Bolands Currie Cup destinies. With the semifinals looming and Boland desperate to stay in the hunt, Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse is fully aware of what’s at stake – not just for the opposition, but for his own team too.
Speaking to Renaldo Bothma on the latest episode of Coach’s Corner, Stonehouse laid it out plainly: this is no ordinary match. With just two rounds remaining in the SA Cup, it’s a high-pressure fixture, and Boland are throwing everything at it – including some well-known reinforcements.
“It’s a massive game,” Stonehouse said. “They have to win this one to qualify for the Currie Cup. You can see it in the team they’ve picked – they’re under pressure. They’ve brought in players from Western Province like Sithembiso Sitole and Gary Porter. That tells you everything you need to know.”
Boland Desperate, Pumas Determined
While the pressure is on Boland, Stonehouse made it clear that the Pumas won’t be backing off. In fact, they thrive away from home and are treating this clash as crucial for their own ambitions – particularly in the fight for a home semi-final.
“It’s a home game for them, but we also need the win. We actually enjoy playing away – we travel well and stay tight as a unit. We’re looking forward to it,” he said.
A packed stadium is expected at Boland Stadium, and with both teams fighting for playoff position, fireworks are all but guaranteed.
Addressing the Controversy
Stonehouse also responded to the swirling debate over last weekend’s tense win against the Griquas in Mbombela – a match marred by controversy after a late try was awarded under questionable circumstances.
With no TMO in use for SA Cup fixtures, the final call rested with the referee and assistants – and plenty of fans were left with more questions than answers.
“Yes, there was a knock-on at the try line, and I know people are going mad about it,” Stonehouse acknowledged. “But let’s be honest – we could also talk about the quick tap they took where players weren’t five metres back. That could’ve been a penalty try for us.”
Rather than dwell on it, the veteran coach took a pragmatic view.
“You can go into a game and pick it apart looking for why you should’ve won or why the ref got it wrong – but at the end of the day, we take the points and we move on. I’ve lost plenty of games in my career on referee decisions. That’s just rugby.”
Respect for Griquas, Focus on Boland
Despite the drama, Stonehouse had nothing but praise for the Griquas, who pushed the Pumas to the edge in a fiery Lowveld encounter.
“They’re a great side. Well coached, physical, and hungry. And they’ll bounce back. That’s why this Boland game is just as important for us. Both teams are chasing home semis – it’s going to be another proper scrap.”
The Bigger Picture
With the SA Cup standings incredibly tight, Boland are on the ropes, needing a win to keep their Currie Cup Premier Division dreams alive. The Pumas, meanwhile, are eyeing a top-two finish and home advantage in the playoffs.
Every decision, every tackle, every missed opportunity could tilt the balance in this competition that has served up drama in spades.
“We played well for about 76 minutes last weekend,” Stonehouse reflected. “Now we need 80 this week.”
