The Pumas kept their place in the Currie Cup Premier Division with a comprehensive 49-5 win over the Griffons in the promotion-relegation playoff in Nelspruit on Friday.

The first half was hard-fought as the Pumas and Griffons both tried to use their physicality to get on to the front foot, but it was the hosts’ ability to make the most of the point-scoring chances that handed them an 11-0 half-time lead, which they built on progressively in the second half.

The Griffons’ only try of the match came through centre Danrich Visagie.

Two penalties from Chris Smith and a try from hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg gave the Pumas a narrow lead at the break.  Smith added his third penalty goal three minutes into the second half to extend their lead.

The home side’s powerful rolling maul continued to pay off as Janse van Rensburg crossed the tryline for the second time soon after. They then backed this up with a try by wing Luther Obi, who gathered a loose ball and forced his way through a defender to touch down.

Further tries by scrumhalf Ashlon Davids and centre Alwayno Visagie all but sealed the match, before Obi went over for his brace late in the game to bag an emphatic win.

Pumas – Tries: Marko Janse van Rensburg (2), Luther Obi (2), Ashlon Davids, Alwayno Visagie. Conversions: Chris Smith (3), Devon Williams, Kobus Marais. Penalties: Smith (3).
Griffons – Try: Danrich Visagie.

Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images