The Pumas strengthened their chances of qualifying for this year’s Currie Cup after beating the Griffons 37-27 in a Vodacom Cup match in Witbank on Thursday.
The Pumas scored four tries to move to 32 points on the log, four points ahead of the Leopards, who play the Border Bulldogs in East London on Friday.
At the start of the day, the Leopards were in the crucial second Currie Cup qualifying position, with the Falcons likely to take the other place given to teams from the Vodacom Cup.
Sacha Marot scored the Pumas’ first try, with Niel Visagie, Ashieq Wise and Hyron Thysse also dotting down.
Leading 24-9 at half-time, the Pumas never looked like conceding the game, even though Griffons flyhalf Andre Hough was once again a factor with the boot.
The competition’s leading scorer kicked five penalties and a conversion for a personal tally of 17 points.
While the victory moved the Pumas to fourth on the log, they have played two games more than the Leopards and the Boland Cavaliers, the other side with a chance of qualification. — Sapa