The Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women and AVBOB Griquas Women meet in the Pick n Pay Women's Super League 2 final at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Friday at 15h30, with the Pumas chasing back-to-back titles and Griquas eyeing a first championship.
The Pumas were the competition's dominant force, winning all seven league matches at an average margin of 48-13. Griquas' only defeat came in the opening round against the Pumas — a 67-29 loss played without a significant contingent of players who were on duty for Sol Plaatjie University at the USSA tournament. Once those players returned, Griquas reeled off six consecutive wins, averaging 38-25 across the league phase.
The attacking output of both finalists is reflected in the tournament's top-try-scorer standings. Pumas trio Megan Guambe (10), Alicia Mahlalela (9) and Pauline Sianga (8) occupy three of the five top spots, while Griquas wing Maserati Bangaza sits alongside them on eight. Pumas wing Sandisile Mkhabela leads all points scorers with 57.
Griquas' defensive resolve in the semi-finals adds a layer of intrigue. They held a SWD Eagirls side — one of the competition's more attack-minded teams — to just 10 points in a 73-15 demolition of Limpopo in their semi-final, with Bangaza crossing four times and prop Nicole van Wyk contributing a hat-trick. The Pumas, by contrast, were held to 7 points in the first half of their semi against the Griffons before pulling clear.
The final is broadcast on SuperSport and livestreamed on the SA Rugby YouTube channel, with Angie Bezuidenhout as referee.