Staff Reporter.
The Airlink Pumas started their 2025 Currie Cup campaign with a 49-28 bonus-point win over Griquas at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday evening.
Both teams started the match at breakneck speed and were more prepared to run the ball at every opportunity.
Flyhalf Danrich Visagie scored one of the Pumas’ six tries and booted five conversions and three penalties from the tee, while the visitors crossed three times in reply.
Sango Xamlashe and Eddie Swart also dotted down in a frantic first half, giving the hosts a narrow 25-23 advantage at the break, with George Whitehead keeping Griquas in the hunt through a try, two conversions and three penalties.
But once the dam wall broke, the flood followed.
Wiaan van Niekerk, JJ Scheepers and Darren Adonis added second-half tries as the Pumas romped clear, sealing a statement win to kick off their Currie Cup campaign in style.
Airlink Pumas – Tries: Sango Xlamlashe, Danirch Visagie, Eddie Swart, Wian van Niekerk, JJ Scheepers, Darren Adonis; Conversions: Visagie (5); Penalties: Visagie (3).
Suzuki Griquas – Tried: Gustav Erlank, George Whitehead, Mnombo Zwelendaba; Conversions: Whitehead (2); Penalties: Whitehead (3).