Boland and Pumas secure hard-fought away wins

THE Boland Kavaliers, Pumas, and Valke all got their 2026 SA Cup campaigns off to winning starts on the road, while Griquas and the Griffons also secured wins in the opening round as the 10 teams chase qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The Bolanders were off to a flying start when they defeated the Cheetahs 34-24 in Bloemfontein on Friday evening, while the defending champion Pumas had to dig deep to beat the resurgent SWD Eagles 28-26 in a thrilling contest in George. Eastern Province made a good start but could not last the pace as the Valke won their match 29-23 in Gqeberha.

Saturday’s two fixtures saw a runaway 101-7 triumph for Griquas over the Leopards in Kimberley, while the Griffons beat the Border Bulldogs 36-17 in Welkom.

Next weekend’s second-round action sees the Leopards hosting the Cheetahs in Potchefstroom on Friday, while the Pumas play Eastern Province in Nelspruit.