Pumas make big statement with nine-try rout

MATCH REPORT: The Pumas were in a ruthless mood in Nelspruit, beating Griquas 66-26 in the Currie Cup Round Four match on Sunday.

Jimmy Stonehouse’s men put nine tries past the visitors for the impressive victory.

*To recap all the action CLICK HERE!!!

Deon Slabbert, Darren Adonis and Clinton Swart scored a brace of tries each, while Swart also added 21 points (nine conversions and a penalty) with the boot.

Phiko Sobahle, Stefan Coetzee and Lundi Msenge were the other try-scored for the Pumas on the day.

For the Griquas, Cameron Hufke, Thomas Bursey, Sako Makata and Connor Mahoney were the try-scorers, while Robinson added three conversions to his team’s tally.

The result means the Pumas are third on the Currie Cup table with 15 log points. They are level on points with second-placed Cheetahs.

The Griquas are seventh with seven points.

It was a near perfect start for the Griquas who dominated the opening exchanges and scored the first try of the match.

Zinedine Robinson spotted the gap and sent Cameron Hufke in for the five-pointer. Robinson added the conversion for the 7-0 lead.

Pumas hit back immediately. A strong run by De-an Ackerman got his team inside the visitors’ half and Deon Slabbert dived over the line for. Swart kicked the conversion.

Mintes later No.8 Slabbert bagged his brace courtesy of a turnover ball by Swart.

But the lead was short-lived as Griquas leveled matters thanks to former Western Province man Bursey, who dived over for the try.

The tit for tat battle continued as the hosts took the lead after a quick tap and go eventually saw centre Swart beat a couple of defenders before he scored. The centre converted his own try for the 21-14 lead.

Phiko Sobahle extended the lead when he powered over the line for the 28-14 lead at the break.

The hosts built on their first half momentum as Adonis join the try-scoring festivities. The wing benefited from a lovely pass by scrumhalf Ross Braude.

Swart was again solid from the tee, adding the conversion and later a penalty for the 38-14 lead.

Griquas finally enjoyed a brief period of possession, and they made Pumas pay. An incredible break from Hufke set up Matata for his team’s third try.

Griquas refused to surrender, however Pumas proved to strong and continued with their onslaught.

Coetzee rounded of great team try, before Swart bagged his brace on the hour mark.

52-21 soon became 57-21 as Coetzee made a break before sending Adonis over the line for his double.

In the last 10 minutes Griquas managed to salvage a losing bonus-point with Mohoney crossing for the fourth try for his team.

But the men in pink had the final say. Msenge marching over the line for the ninth try and Swart kicked over the conversion for his flawless day from the tee.

The Pumas host the Sharks next week, while Griquas take on the Lions.

The scorers:

For Pumas:
Tries: Slabbert 2, Swart 2, Sobahle, Adonis 2, Coetzee, Msenge
Cons: Swart 9
Pens: Swart

For Griquas:
Tries: Hufke, Bursey, Makata, Mahoney
Cons: Robinson 3

Teams:

Pumas: 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 De-an Ackermann, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Phiko Sobahle, 10 Danrich Visagie, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Kwanda Dimaza, 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Jeandre Leonard, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Eduan Swart (captain), 1 Etienne Janeke.
Replacements: 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Stephan de Jager, 18 Dewald Maritz, 19 Malembe Mpofu, 20 Andre Fouche, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Wian van Niekerk, 23 Lundi Msenge.

Griquas: 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Zinedine Robinson, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Hanru Sirgel, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Stephan Smit (captain), 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Leon Lyons.
Replacements: 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Njabulo Gumede, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Thabo Ndimandse, 21 Gusdtav Erlank, 22 Bobby Alexander, 23 Connor Mahoney.

Referee: Christopher Allison
Assistant referees: Local
TMO: Marius Jonker