Currie Cup Final: Pumas Player Ratings from defeat to Griquas

The Pumas made the stronger start on the scoreboard when Jaycee Nel intercepted a George Whitehead pass before feeding Darren Adonis, who finished the counter-attack.

Clinton Swart added the conversion and two penalties as the visitors took a 13–10 lead into half-time.The second half became a battle of composure and territory. Whitehead eventually levelled the match before another long-range penalty put Griquas ahead 16–13. Swart responded from the tee to make it 16–16 with the final entering its decisive stages.

Griquas then produced the match-winning moment. Whitehead’s 50:22 created the platform for a powerful rolling maul, with replacement Janco Uys crossing for the try. The Pumas could not find a response in the closing minutes, despite having one final attacking opportunity.For the Pumas, Adonis was the standout attacking threat, while Swart’s goal-kicking kept them in the contest. Their inability to convert several opportunities inside the Griquas 22 ultimately proved costly.

15. Jaycee Nel — 8/10
A major contributor to the Pumas’ best attacking moment. His interception and awareness created the opening try.

14. Darren Adonis — 8/10
Finished the Pumas’ best attacking move with composure and remained dangerous whenever he received space.

13. Sango Xamashe — 7/10
Worked hard defensively and helped keep the Griquas midfield under pressure.

12. Wian van Niekerk — 7/10
Put in a committed defensive shift and competed well in a physical midfield battle.

11. Banie Britz — 6.5/10
Had limited opportunities but worked hard without the ball.

10. Clinton Swart — 8/10
A reliable presence from the tee and kept the Pumas within striking distance throughout the final.

9. Thomas Bursey — 7/10
Provided steady service and tried to increase the tempo when the Pumas had possession.

8. Willie Engelbrecht — 7.5/10
Led from the front in a bruising final and worked tirelessly around the park.

7. Andre Goedhals — 8/10
One of the Pumas’ busiest forwards. His work rate and physicality stood out in a demanding contest.

6. Ntsika Fisanti — 7/10
Put in the hard yards defensively and contributed around the breakdown.

5. Tiaan de Klerk — 7/10
Strong in the physical exchanges and gave the Pumas a solid presence in the pack.

4. JJ Scheepers — 7.5/10
Came agonisingly close to scoring before losing the ball over the line. His physical presence was important throughout.

3. Sampie Swiegers — 7/10
Worked hard at scrum time and stayed involved in the tight exchanges.

2. Chyle van Zyl — 7/10
Busy around the field and competed well in a difficult forward battle.

1. Etienne Janeke — 7.5/10
A strong effort in the front row as the Pumas fought to match Griquas’ physical challenge.

16. Gustav du Rand — 7/10
Added fresh energy when introduced and helped maintain the physicality of the Pumas pack.

17. Zukisa Sali — 7/10
Provided fresh legs in the closing stages and continued the effort of the starting front row.

18. Junior Banda — 7/10
Made an impact in the tight exchanges after coming on.

19. Stephan Krugel — 6.5/10
Had a difficult task entering a final that was already being decided by small margins.

20. Ruwald van der Merwe — 7/10
Added physicality and worked hard during the final stages.

21. Thabo Ndimande — 7/10
Brought energy when the Pumas needed to chase the game.

22. Tino Swanepoel — 6.5/10
Had limited time to influence proceedings but remained involved as the Pumas searched for a late opening.

23. Russwill Fredericks — 6.5/10
Entered during a tense closing period and helped the Pumas maintain their attacking effort.