The Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women remain unbeaten in the Pick n Pay Women's Super League 2 after dismantling the SWD Eagirls 44-17 in Nelspruit, a result that confirms them a home semi-final in Mbombela with two rounds still to play.
The Pumas were dominant from the outset, crossing for three tries and collecting a penalty try to lead 22-3 at the break. The Eagirls showed some fight late on, scoring twice in the final five minutes, but the contest was long decided. Seven tries to two tells the story of a defending champion that has no intention of relinquishing its title. The Eagirls remain in fourth on the log.
Griquas produced the comeback of the round, overturning a 14-7 half-time deficit against Leopards Women at Olën Park in Potchefstroom to win 24-19 and claim a bonus point that lifts them to second on the log. The Leopards had looked comfortable after flyhalf Okuhle Njemla and wing Abrinah Matshoga scored in quick succession to open a 14-0 lead, but Griquas responded with a maul try just before the break to cut the margin to seven.
The visitors scored twice early in the second half to take the lead, but flanker Martha Yokwane restored the Leopards' advantage in the 50th minute. Tighthead Nicole van Wyk then crossed for Griquas to put them back ahead, and they held on through a tight final 20 minutes to secure the win.
The Griffons delivered the most emphatic performance of the round, beating Limpopo Blue Bulls Women 50-21 in Polokwane for their first away win of the competition. Wing Thato Rantai scored a hat-trick — opening the scoring in the third minute and adding two more late in the second half for 15 points. Scrumhalf Pinky Touto was even more productive, converting six tries, kicking a penalty and scoring one herself for a personal tally of 20 points. Three tries in each half put the result beyond doubt.
The Valke had a bye in round four.
Round five sees the tables turned on geography: Leopards Women host Griquas, Pumas Women host the Eagirls, and Limpopo Blue Bulls Women face Griffons — all at home venues — with Valke again on a bye.