The Pumas beat the Valke 28-22 in Nelspruit on Friday, while the Free State XV were also victorious.

The Valke led 8-3 after 20 minutes thanks to a try from scrumhalf Anrich Richter and a penalty from flyhalf Jaun Kotze.

The Pumas then went in front when wing Bernado Botha scored a converted try, only for Richter's second try to give the visitors a 15-13 lead at the break.

Pumas fullback JW Bell scored a try early in the second half and that was followed by one from scrumhalf Reynier van Rooyen that made it 25-15.

Valke No 8 Friedle Olivier crossed the line for a try, but JC Roos's third penalty sealed the win for the Pumas.

In Friday's other Vodacom Cup match,  the Border Bulldogs suffered their fifth consecutive loss when they went down 14-10 to the Free State XV.

Pumas (28) – Tries: Bernado Botha, JW Bell, Reynier van Rooyen. Conversions: JC Roos (2). Penalties: Roos (3).
Valke (22) – Tries: Anrich Richter (2), Friedle Olivier. Conversion: Juan Kotze (2). Penalty: Kotze.

Border Bulldogs (10) – Try: Lindokuhle Welemu. Conversion: Coyi Banda. Penalty: Banda.
Free State XV (14) – Try: Sergeal Petersen. Penalties: Daniel Marais (3).

Photo: Duif du Toit/GalloImages