It was a weekend of thrillers and blowouts as the SA Cup kicked off with some unexpected fireworks. The Boland Cavaliers shocked the Cheetahs right in their den in Bloemfontein, while the Griquas didn’t just beat the Leopards, they practically rewrote the record books.
The Cavaliers set the tone early, storming to a 24-0 lead by halftime. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by the Cheetahs in the second half, Boland held strong to seal a 34-24 win. Xavier Mitchell, Thurlow Marsh, and Lunathi Nxele punched in early tries, and Juan Mostert was both sharpshooter and playmaker, slotting kicks and scoring a try himself. "We came out with intent and it paid off. This is a big win for us," Mostert said after the game.
"We came out with intent and it paid off. This is a big win for us,"
Meanwhile, the defending champions, the Pumas, faced a tough challenge from the SWD Eagles, trailing 19-7 at halftime. But they turned it around in the second half with Ntsika Fisanti, Valentino Wellman, and Dalvon Blood crossing the whitewash to snatch a nail-biting 28-26 victory.
The Valke also made headlines with a gritty 29-23 win over Eastern Province. Despite EP's early lead, the Valke's forward strength shone through, culminating in Musa Tshabalala's late try which clinched the game.
However, the match that left everyone gobsmacked took place in Kimberley where the Griquas obliterated the Leopards 101-7. Yes, you read that right – a century-plus scoreline, featuring a staggering 15 tries. Lourens Oosthuizen and Sako Makata each notched up hat-tricks in a game that will be talked about for ages.
The Griffons weren't to be left out of the winners' circle, dispatching the Border Bulldogs 36-17. Chad Tshimanga was in fine form, scoring a hat-trick that helped secure a solid victory for his team.
Looking ahead, the next round promises more action as the Leopards try to lick their wounds against the Cheetahs, the Pumas host Eastern Province, the Eagles clash with the Bulldogs, and the Cavaliers welcome the Griffons. One thing's for sure, if the opening round is anything to go by, rugby fans are in for a treat this season.
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It was a weekend of thrillers and blowouts as the SA Cup kicked off with some unexpected fireworks. The Boland Cavaliers shocked the Cheetahs right in their den in Bloemfontein, while the Griquas didn’t just beat the Leopards, they practically rewrote the record books.
The Cavaliers set the tone early, storming to a 24-0 lead by halftime. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by the Cheetahs in the second half, Boland held strong to seal a 34-24 win. Xavier Mitchell, Thurlow Marsh, and Lunathi Nxele punched in early tries, and Juan Mostert was both sharpshooter and playmaker, slotting kicks and scoring a try himself. "We came out with intent and it paid off. This is a big win for us," Mostert said after the game.
"We came out with intent and it paid off. This is a big win for us,"
Meanwhile, the defending champions, the Pumas, faced a tough challenge from the SWD Eagles, trailing 19-7 at halftime. But they turned it around in the second half with Ntsika Fisanti, Valentino Wellman, and Dalvon Blood crossing the whitewash to snatch a nail-biting 28-26 victory.
The Valke also made headlines with a gritty 29-23 win over Eastern Province. Despite EP's early lead, the Valke's forward strength shone through, culminating in Musa Tshabalala's late try which clinched the game.
However, the match that left everyone gobsmacked took place in Kimberley where the Griquas obliterated the Leopards 101-7. Yes, you read that right – a century-plus scoreline, featuring a staggering 15 tries. Lourens Oosthuizen and Sako Makata each notched up hat-tricks in a game that will be talked about for ages.
The Griffons weren't to be left out of the winners' circle, dispatching the Border Bulldogs 36-17. Chad Tshimanga was in fine form, scoring a hat-trick that helped secure a solid victory for his team.
Looking ahead, the next round promises more action as the Leopards try to lick their wounds against the Cheetahs, the Pumas host Eastern Province, the Eagles clash with the Bulldogs, and the Cavaliers welcome the Griffons. One thing's for sure, if the opening round is anything to go by, rugby fans are in for a treat this season.
SA Cup Round 1 results: