The race for the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked Championship is wide open after the Pumas was placed into isolation after positive Covid19 tests on Friday.
According to media reports, only the tight five of the Pumas was placed in isolation for the prescribed 10 days. Uncertainty surrounds the number of players placed in isolation which could affect the chances of the Pumas to field a team against the Bulls on Saturday 20 November.
A SARU media release stated that plans are already being made to reschedule both Phakisa Pumas’ matches against the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls.
This statement could open up a new can of worms if the Cheetahs and Lions insist on the rescheduling of their cancelled fixture. The Cheetahs and Lions were "forced" to share the four points on offer. However, if the match is rescheduled, and the Cheetahs won with a bonus point they could potentially end up being "crowned" as champions.
Therefore, three scenarios are possible:
One: The Bulls insist that the Pumas do field a team. The Pumas should be able to field a severy weakened side which should allow the Bulls to "earn" the needed 5 points to secure the crown.
Two: Postponed and cancelled matches could be rescheduled and played during the Currie Cup on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to determine the winner. Both the Lions and Cheetahs have already committed themselves to a rescheduled match.
Three: The Pumas claim that their squad's depth will not allow them to play against the Bulls and the points are shared. This will "open up" the championship as the Bulls will end with 21 points, while the Sharks, Stormers as well as the Cheetahs all have the mathematical possibility to overtake the Bulls.