Human: Griquas face uphill battle
Griquas coach Pote Human has admitted much work still needs to be done by his side before they face the Pumas in the second leg of the promotion/relegation play-offs next week.
The hosts narrowly beat the Pumas 21-19 in the first of two matches in Kimberley on Friday.
"We beat the Pumas, but only managed to do so in the final minute. Now we have to travel all the way to Nelspruit to try and beat them at home," Human said after the game.
"We experienced how difficult a side they are and now we face another huge challenge against them in the Mbombela Stadium."
The hosts struggled until the final whistle, with flank Marnus Schoeman diving over from behind a driving maul to give Griquas the upper hand.
Up to that point, a highly-motivated Pumas side had led 19-14 and looked to continue their run of form after a successful First Division competition.
Griquas were successful in the scrums and line-outs, but their inability to control the ball on attack, together with all their unforced errors, made life difficult for the Kimberley-based side.
They lacked discipline – and paid the price in the first half of the match, gifting the Pumas a 13-0 lead at the break.
"Our discipline was very poor and it is something that we will really have to work on," Human said.
"Come Friday, the game can be won by a small points margin and we can ill-afford to give away penalties within striking distance. It almost cost us dearly and we have to eliminate that."
SAPA
