Exclusive: Pumas Edge Boland to Stay Unbeaten as Stonehouse Demands Greater SA Cup Exposure

The Pumas kept their unbeaten record intact with a thrilling 34-32 victory over Boland in Wellington last Saturday, securing their place at the top of the SA Cup standings with one fixture remaining. 

With a home semi-final now in sight, head coach Jimmy Stonehouse has more than just on-field performances on his mind—he’s calling for increased exposure and recognition for teams competing in the SA Cup.

Speaking after the narrow win, Stonehouse didn’t mince his words when assessing the performance.

"I don't think our flyhalf [Clinton Swart] can be this bad ever in his whole life," said Stonehouse. 

"Clinton has been great this season but it was his worst game. We could’ve clinched the game early in the second half but we just made too many mistakes. All credit to Boland for the comeback."

Stonehouse pointed to the team’s error count as a major factor in allowing Boland back into the match.

“Especially with the kick-offs and knocking the ball on. They scored off our mistakes. Winning in Boland is not easy—I don't think any other team has won here this season.”

Title Aspirations and a Slice of Luck

With the regular season drawing to a close, the Pumas are on the cusp of a potential SA Cup title. 

While Stonehouse is confident, he’s also refreshingly honest about the role fortune has played in their campaign.

“We take it game by game and sometimes you get lucky,” he said. 

“Against Boland we were lucky, but overall we deserve to be on top. We have played some great rugby.”

Luck has been a theme in the Pumas’ recent fixtures. A controversial victory over the Griquas raised eyebrows when a late try by Cameron Hufke [Griquas winger] was reversed after the referee viewed a stadium screen replay, despite the SA Cup not implementing official TMO (Television Match Official) protocols.

“I said this in the media—the last try we scored, the number 9 knocked it on and the linesman showed it but the ref couldn't change the protocol on the screen [laughs]. At the end of the day, we will take the win.”

A Call for Fairness and Visibility

Stonehouse has called on SA Rugby and SuperSport to provide more coverage for the SA Cup, particularly given the tournament’s role as a feeder into the prestigious Currie Cup Premier Division.

“If this is the game to see who goes to the Currie Cup, surely you want the best. Where is the television?! There was no team playing this weekend on TV. Why aren't these fixtures on TV?”

His sentiments echo a broader concern over the lack of support and visibility for the teams fighting for promotion, while top-tier teams rest.

Engelbrecht Returns to Boost Pumas

The Pumas received a significant boost recently with the return of experienced loose forward Willie Engelbrecht, who rejoined the side after a three-year spell with the Stormers. Initially loaned out, Engelbrecht signed a permanent deal with the Cape-based franchise before making his way back to Nelspruit.

“Willie still had a contract at the Stormers and they are building with new players,” said Stonehouse. 

“His family is in Mbombela and he has two kids, so I think the family aspect was very important. They released him back to the Pumas. He’s still available for URC, but we’re very glad to have him back.”

With one regular-season fixture left and a home semi-final locked in, the Pumas have more than just form on their side—they’ve got belief. And if Stonehouse’s passionate pleas are heard, they may soon get the platform they deserve too.