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Chris Cloete starts his first match for the Pumas this weekend in Kimberly – 17 August 2017
Posted on Aug 17, 2017 Aug 17, 2017 by Pumas
Chris Cloete starts his first match for the Pumas this weekend in Kimberley - 17 August 2017
Chris Cloete gets his first starting line-up for the Steval Pumas in their clash against the Tafel Lager Griquas on Sunday in Kimberley.
Photo: Andre Meintjes
SA A flanker Chris Cloete will start his first match for the Pumas when they travel to fortress Kimberley to face the high-riding Griquas in an all-important Currie Cup match.
Cloete has produced a couple of cameos from the bench and gets a deserved opportunity to play a bigger role in the Starting XV.
Cloete replaces Francois Kleinhans in the number six jersey with the latter packing down at eight, a move which give the Pumas the luxury of two specialist fetchers.
Another ex-Kings player, Stefan Willemse gets a start at lock in place of Jeremy Jordaan, who is out with concussion.
The versatile Gerrit Smith, who had a blinder in the midfield against the Cheetahs, is back at fifteen this week, replacing Devon Williams.
His selection at fullback necessitated a change in midfield where Jerome Pretorius will partner captain Hennie Skorbinski while JP Lewis is drafted in on the right wing.
The Pumas would target this match to open their Currie Cup account but they will have taken notice of the Peacock Blues’ recent form and their victories over WP and the Cheetahs.
1.Mona Khwezi 2. Mark Pretorious 3. Scholtz Pieter 4. Willemse Stefan 5. Kloppers Hugo (VC) 6. Cloete Chris 7. Groenewald Lambert 8. Kleinhans Francois 9. Ungerer Stefan 10. Van Staden Justin 11. Isbell Ruwellyn 12. Skorbinski (C) Hennie 13. Pretorius Jerome 14 Lewis Jean-Paul 15. Smith Gerrit 16. Herne Frank 17. Terblanche De-Jay 18. Cameron Lindsay 19. Bholi Thembelani 20. Greeff Carel 21. Van Rooyen Reynier 22. Ebersohn Sias
Wedstryd: Griekwas vs Steval Pumas
Plek: Tafel Lager Park, Kimberley
Chris Cloete maak sy buiging in die beginspan van die Pumas Sondag in Kimberley
Die SA A-span flank Chris Cloete sal in sy eerste wedstryd vir die Pumas begin waneer hulle Kimberley toe reis om die Griekwas in ‘n belangrike Curriebeker-kragmeting die stryd aansê.
Cloete het sy plek met ‘n paar sterk vertonings van die bank af oopgespeel en kry ‘n welverdiende kans om ‘n groter rol in die beginspan te speel.
Cloete vervang Francois Kleinhans in die nommer-ses trui met laasgenoemde wat agtsteman toe skuif om die Pumas die gerief van twee baljagters te gee.
Nog ‘n voormalige Kings-speler, Stefan Willemse kry ‘n kans op slot in Jeremy Jordaan, wie weens harsingskudding nie beskikbaar is nie, se plek.
Die veelsydige Gerrit Smith, wie skitterend in die middelveld teen die Cheetahs was, is terug op 15 in Devon Williams se plek.
Sy keuse op heelagter veroorsaak ‘n verandering in die middelveld waar Jerome Pretorius sy vennootskap met die kaptein Hennie Skorbinski hervat terwyl JP Lewis op vleuel ingetrek word.
Die Pumas sal hierdie wedstryd teiken om hul Curriebeker-rekening te open maar hulle het kennis geneem van die Poubloues se oorwinnings oor die WP en die Cheetahs.
Pumas claw back in second half – 9 August 2017
Posted on Aug 9, 2017 Aug 9, 2017 by Pumas
Pumas claw back in second half - 9 August 2017
Kwezi Mona scored 2-tries in the second half of the clash against the Toyota Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium
Photor: Dirk Kotze
The Pumas staged a huge fightback against the Currie Cup champions, the Cheetahs, at Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday afternoon and played some of their best rugby of the season during this period.
The defending champions ran out 45-34 winners after leading 38-3 minutes before the break.
A brilliant try by Pumas flyer Ruwellyn Isbell two minutes before the break sounded the start of the Pumas fightback.
The Pumas scored 31 points from this moment on while the Cheetahs could only muster another seven points.
The Pumas’ 34 points are the most any team has scored against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup for the past two seasons.
The difference between the two teams was former Puma and current Cheetahs scrumhalf Shaun Venter who initiated three great tries.
Pumas lock Jeremy Jordaan had his best game yet for the Pink and Grey’s while centre Gerrit Smith was a menace on the attack.
Loosehead prop Kwezi Mona overshadowed the highly rated Ox Nché and scored two great tries in succession for the home side.
Pumas: Tries: Kwezi Mona (2) Ruwellyn Isbel, Trompie Pretorius, Frankie Hrne. Conversions: Justin van Staden (3). Penalty: Van Staden.
Cheetahs: Tries: Malcolm Jaer (2), Reniel Hugo, Jacques du Toit, Makazole Mapimpi, Rayno Benjamin, Niell Jordaan. Conversions: Niel Marais (3), Clayton Blommetjies (2).
Cat fight encounter coming to the Pumas fortress – 8 August 2017
Posted on Aug 8, 2017 Aug 8, 2017 by Pumas
Cat fight encounter coming to the Pumas fortress
Hennie Skorbinski will once again captain the Steval Pumas team against the Toyota Cheetahs this Wednesday 9th August
Photo: Harold Cleland
The Pumas will field a brand-new pack and half back combinations with their short turn-around time for Wednesday afternoon’s Currie Cup fixture against the Cheetahs in the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Captain Hennie Skorbinski will also once again lead the team with only fullback Devon Williams, centre Gerrit Smith and winger Ruwellyn Isbell retaining their places.
Jerome Pretorius and flyhalf Justin van Staden are promoted from the bench while centre Neil Maritz gets a first opportunity in the Match 23.
Van Staden will once again be partnered by scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer.
Sias Ebersohn, who made a huge impact at inside centre against Western Province, wasn’t considered for selection after a knock to his head.
It was always coach Brent Janse van Rensburg’s intent to rest some of his first-choice players for the Cheetahs match which they’ve obviously targeted for a possible win on their home turf.
With Francois Kleinhans once preferred as the open side flanker Chris Cloete will start from the bench for the second week running.
Die Pumas span Woensdag in die Mbombelastadion in Nelspruit teen die Cheetahs ‘n splinternuwe agttal en skakelpaar in weens die kort tyd tussen die kragmetings en die een teen die WP.
Die kaptein Hennie Skorbinski sal die span weer lei met net die heelagter Devon Williams, senter Gerrit Smith en vleuel Ruwellyn Isbell wie hul plekke behou.
Jerome Pretorius en die losskakel Justin van Staden word van die bank af bevorder terwyl die senter Neil Maritz sy eerste kans in die Wedstryd 23 kry.
Van Staden se skakelmaat sal weer Stefan Ungerer wees.
Sias Ebersohn, wie ‘n groot impak van op binnesenter teen die Westelike Provinsie gemaak het, is weens ‘n harde stamp teen sy kop nie oorweeg nie.
Dit was altyd die afrigter Brent Janse van Rensburg se bedoeling om party van sy eerstekeuse-spelers te rus vir die Cheetahs-stryd wat hulle teiken vir ‘n moontlike wen op hul tuisveld.
Met Francois Kleinhans wie weer as oopkantflank verkies word sal Chris Cloete vir die tweede agtereenvolgende week van die bank af begin.
Pumas versus Cheetahs:
1. Kwezi Mona
2. Marko Janse van Rensburg
4. Jeremy Jordaan
5. Hugo Kloppers
7. Thembelani Bholi
8. Lambert Groenewald
9. Stefan Ungerer
10. Justin van Staden
13. Gerrit Smith
14. Jerome Pretorius
15. Devon Williams
16. Frank Herne
17. De-Jay Terblanche
18. Cameron Lindsay
19. Chris Cloete
21. Kobus Marais
22. Neil Maritz
Pumas come close to a Currie Cup upset at Newlands – 5 August 2017
Posted on Aug 5, 2017 Aug 5, 2017 by Pumas
Pumas come close to a Currie Cup upset at Newlands - 5 August 2017
Devon Williams of the Pumas dives over to score a try during the Currie Cup match between DHL Western Province and Steval Pumas at DHL Newlands in Cape Town, South Africa on the 5th August 2017.
The Pumas, for nearly an hour, looked to score a surprise Currie Cup victory over Western Province at Newlands on Saturday but a yellow card and penalty try eventually cost them dearly and saw the WP home 34-19.
The Pumas were leading 12-10 at half-time and 19-10 soon afterwards but a yellow card shown to hooker Frankie Herne changed the momentum of the game and Province scored.
After three tries, by Stephan Greeff, Devon Williams and Trompie Pretorius it seemed that the Pumas would emulate their famous and only victory over Province at Newlands in 1999.
The penalty try that coincided the yellow card helped Province to a 29-19 lead and took the game away from the visitors.
Pumas: Tries: Stephan Greeff, Devon Williams, Trompie Pretorius. Conversions: Kobus Marais (2).
WP: Tries: Seabelo Senatla, SP Marais, Bongi Mbonambi, Dillyn Leyds, Nizaam Carr, Penalty Try. Conversion: SP Marais.
Die Pumas het Saterdag vir sowat ‘n uur gelyk asof hulle ‘n verrassende oorwinning op Nuweland oor die Westelike Provinsie sal behaal maar ‘n geel kaart en ‘n strafdrie het die WP in staat gestel om 34-19 te wen.
Die Pumas was met rustyd 12-10 voor en kort daarna 19-10 maar ‘n geelkaart aan Frankie Herne het die momentum van die wedstryd verander.
Na drie drieë, deur Stephan Greeff, Devon Williams en Trompie Pretorius het dit gelyk asof die Pumas hul geskiedkundige Curriebekeroorwinning van 1999 op Nuweland sou herhaal.
Die strafdrie wat die geel kaart voorafgegaan het, het die WP in staat gestel om 29-19 voor te loop.
Pumas: Drieë: Stephan Greeff, Devon Williams, Trompie Pretorius. Doelskoppe: Kobus Marais (2).
WP: Drieë: Seabelo Senatla, SP Marais, Bongi Mbonambi, Dillyn Leyds, Nizaam Carr, Strafdrie. Doelskop: SP Marais.
Brian Shabangu leads Pumas side this Saturday at Newlands against DHL W.P. – 3 August 2017
Posted on Aug 3, 2017 Aug 3, 2017 by Pumas
Brian Shabangu leads Pumas side this Saturday at Newlands against DHL W.P.
Brian Shabangu gets a deserved opportunity to lead the 22-man squad for the first time in the Pumas jersey against DHL Western Province this weekend.
Flanker Brian Shabangu earns a deserved opportunity to lead Pumas side featuring some new combinations in their Currie Cup fixture against Western Province at Newlands on Saturday afternoon. Due to 2-games being played within 3-days of each other the coaching team are experiencing some challenges to select the teams for the 2-games. This presents opportunities for players that have not had the same amount of game time to stand up and be counted.
Shabangu, who has donned the Pumas jersey 32 times during the last three seasons, leads a team with a number of Currie Cup debutants, including flanker Chris Cloete.
Lock Cameron Lindsay and flanker Stefan Willemse, two other new recruits from the Kings, will make their Currie Cup debuts for the Pumas, along with Cloete, Willie Engelbrecht, Kobus Marais and scrumhalf Theo Maree.
Sias Ebersohn, who has been playing at fullback and flyhalf in the SuperSport competition, will start at inside centre to relieve the pressure on Kobus Marais.
Loose head prop De-Jay Terblanche will be playing his 165th game in the Pumas which makes him the second most experienced player ever for the Pumas/South Eastern Transvaal.
Flanker Francois Rossouw is still the record holder in 183, followed by Terblanche on 164 and Corné Steenkamp on 159.
15 Williams Devon
14 Lewis Jean-Paul
13 Smith Gerrit
12 Ebersohn (VC) Sias
11 Isbell Ruwellyn
10 Marais Kobus
9 Van Rooyen Reynier
8 Engelbrecht Willie
7 Willemse Stefan
6 Shabangu (CPT) Brian
5 Lindsay Cameron
4 Greeff Stephan
3 Kotze Jacques
2 Pretorius Mark
1 Terblanche De-Jay
16 Herne Frank
17 Albertse Louis
18 Stander Jannie
19 Cloete Chris
20 Maree Theo
21 Van Staden Justin
22 Pretorius Jerome
Pumas out of depth in Shark tank – 30 July 2017
Posted on Jul 30, 2017 Jul 30, 2017 by Pumas
Pumas out of depth in Shark tank - 30 July 2017
Justin van Staden ball in hand, Cell C Sharks vs Steval Pumas at Growthpoint Kings Park 29thJuly 2017
The Steval Pumas travelled to Durban to play the Cell C Sharks in their second game of the Currie Cup Premier Division and was beaten 29 - 0.
Early play was patchy, if impassioned, as both teams had their attacking game interrupted by handling errors, and effective defence.
The Cell C Sharks opened the scoring with a Curwin Bosch penalty in the 5th minute, 3-0, but after that, the game would remain scoreless for the rest of the first half.
The Cell C Sharks seemed to suffer the after-effects of their bruising Super Rugby quarter-final, while the Steval Pumas couldn’t maintain the momentum generated by their win over the Xerox Golden Lions last weekend.
The second half started with an exchange of penalties at the breakdown, eventually leading to Lukhanyo Am scoring for the Cell C Sharks. Curwin Bosch converted, 10-0.
Minutes later, Sibusiso Nkosi scored on debut for the Cell C Sharks, Bosch converted, 17-0.
Both sides started ringing the changes around the 50-minute mark, and the Steval Pumas tried to step up their game to attack the 17-point deficit, but again, these efforts were undermined by handling errors.
Following an exchange of turn-overs, Kobus van Wyk, on debut, would eventually crash over in the corner for the Cell C Sharks. Bosch missed the side-line conversion, 22-0.
The Cell C Sharks kept up the pressure, and some deft handling in the backline eventually sent Jeremy Ward over under the posts, securing the bonus point. Bosch converted, 29-0.
Stefan Ungerer, Cell C Sharks vs Steval Pumas at Growthpoint Kings Park 29thJuly 2017
The Steval Pumas attacked strongly in the final minutes, but the Cell C Sharks defence denied them the chance to score.
The Cell C Sharks ran out 29-0 victors.
Steval Pumas coach Brent Janse van Rensburg said the Sharks are a very physical team and they thrive off momentum.
“I was very encouraged by the effort of the players. The players really put their bodies on the line. They stopped a lot of the Shark’s momentum. Unfortunately, we had very little ball in the game. When you have to tackle that much, there is only so much you can do in the game. It emptied our tanks and depleted our energy quite a bit.”
The coach said that in the second half their managing of the game cost them.
“The momentum changer was when we kicked in the second half off the lineout. We did not have a chase line, we tried to run the ball out of our own 22 and forced it, and that resulted in a turnover ball from which they scored from. We lost two vital lineouts in the game, one off their try line in the first half and in the second half as well which they went to score from. On the counter attack in this game, we tried to force it at times and run the ball wide when we had no numbers and lost the ball in the breakdown. The sharks scored from that as well,” said Janse van Rensburg.
He said that unfortunately the players conceded some turnover ball tries because in their decision making with ball in hand of when to run and when to kick, it just wasn’t good in the second half.
“These are basic errors, soft moments, that against a team like the Sharks, proved to be costly. We made it a bit easy for the Sharks in the second half. I think the score line flatters them a bit, they got life off our mistakes. This is life, this is rugby. I believe we can build on this” said Janse van Rensburg.
Tries: Sibusiso Nkosi (1), Lukhanyo Am (1), Kobus van Wyk (1), Jeremy Ward (1)
Conversions: Curwin Bosch (3)
Penalties: Curwin Bosch (1)
Currie Cup Premier Division Round 2: Cell C Sharks vs Steval Pumas – 27 July 2017
Posted on Jul 27, 2017 Jul 27, 2017 by Pumas
Currie Cup Premier Division Round 2: Cell C Sharks vs Steval Pumas
Thembelani Bholi makes his debut appearance wearing the no.6 jersey and Chris Cloete will join the Steval Pumas 22-man squad for the first time this weekend when they play the Cell C Sharks at Growthpoint Kings Park.
The Currie Cup Premier Division got off to a great start for the Steval Pumas this past weekend and now they are preparing to make it two wins from two against the Cell C Sharks in Durban this Saturday.
Coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has been forced into several changes for this week's match, with Ryan Nell, Francois Kleinhans and Nardus van der Walt not available for selection through injury. New on the field is Thembelani Bholi in the number 6 jersey and Chris Cloete on the bench.
"Fortunately, rugby is a full squad effort, so we are looking forward to giving other players who are hungry for game time an opportunity to show what they can do," said Janse van Rensburg, who added that he was impressed by the performance from his side during the 43-36 win against the Xerox Golden Lions. Meanwhile, the Sharks will be intent on bouncing back from a thumping 47-12 loss against the Cheetahs in their first match of the Currie Cup.
"The players have taken a lot of positive energy from the past game, but we can't get too comfortable. We need to press the reset button. The Sharks are a very good team - they are very abrasive, physical and direct," the coach said.
Janse van Rensburg added that it will be critical to contain the Sharks at set pieces.
"We will have to contain them in the set piece. The Sharks work hard in the contact areas defensively as they try to hold you up or hit you back and stir the breakdown area. Our ball carrier body height and work rate of the cleaners will be key to securing possession. Every player will need to execute their duties on the field in order to put together another good performance," he said.
Don’t miss the next instalment of the Currie Cup Premier Division this Saturday, 29 July at the Growthpoint Kings Park in Durban. The match will be televised on SuperSport 1. Kick-off is at 17h00.
Curriebeker Premierliga Tweede Rondte: Cell C Sharks vs Steval Pumas
Die Steval Pumas het die Curriebeker Premierliga op die voorvoet begin die afgelope naweek, en werk tans hard om Saterdag twee oorwinnings in ‘n ry te verseker teen die Cell C Sharks in Durban.
Brent Janse van Rensburg, die Steval Puma-afrigter, moet noodgedwonge veranderinge maak, met Ryan Nell, Francois Kleynhans, en Marius van der Walt wat tans beseer is. Thembelani Bholi sal as debutant in die nommer 6 trui opdraf, terwyl Chris Cloete, die ander nuweling, op die plaasvervangerbank begin.
“Rugby vereis toewyding van die hele groep, so ons sien uit daarna om aan spelers wat honger is vir wedstryd-tyd, die geleentheid te bied om te wys wat hulle kan bydra,” het Janse van Rensburg gesê. Hy het bygevoeg dat hy beïndruk was met sy span se vertoning tydens die 43-36 oorwinning oor die Xerox Golden Lions. Die Cell C Sharks sal wraak wil neem na hul 47-12 pakslae teen die Toyota Cheetahs in hul eerste Curriebeker-wedstryd.
“Die spelers het baie positiewe energie opgewek met die oorwinning in die laaste wedstryd, maar ons mag nie op ons louere rus nie. Ons moet die ‘herstel’ knoppie druk. Die Haaie is ‘n baie goeie span, hulle is fisies, en hulle is direk,” het die breier gesê.
Hy het bygevoeg dat die vaste fases van die spel krities sal wees teen die Cell C Sharks.
“Ons sal hulle in die vaste fasette moet vasvat. Die Sharks werk hard op verdediging in die kontak areas. Hulle probeer om hul opponente daar te verstrengel en dan terug te slaan deur 'n voordeel te bewerkstelling by die volgende afbreukpunt. Ons baldraers se liggaamshoogte en ons baljagters se werks verrigting sal die sleutel wees om balbesit te verseker. Elke speler moet sy kant bring en sy take op die veld uitvoer om nog 'n goeie vertoning te verseker," het hy gesê.
Moenie die volgende episode van die Curriebeker Premierliga misloop nie.
Saterdag, 29 Julie, Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban.
Beeldsending op SuperSport 1, kanaal 201. Afskop is om 17h00
15 SMITH GERRIT
14 ISBELL RUWELLYN
13 PRETORIUS JEROME
12 SKORBINSKI HENNIE (CPT)
11 LEWIS JP
10 VAN STADEN JUSTIN
9 UNGERER STEFAN
8 GREEFF CAREL
7 GROENEWALD LAMBERT
6 BHOLI THEMBELANI
5 KLOPPERS HUGO
4 JORDAAN JEREMY
3 SCHOLTZ PIETER
2 JANSE VAN RENSBURG MARKO
1 MONA KWEZI
17 TERBLANCHE DE-JAY
20 VAN ROOYEN REYNIER
21 EBERSOHN SIAS
22 WILLIAMS DEVON
CJ van der Linde joins Steval Pumas as Forwards Coach – 25 July 2017
Posted on Jul 25, 2017 Jul 25, 2017 by Pumas
CJ van der Linde joins Steval Pumas as Forwards Coach
CJ van der Linde joins the Steval Pumas coaching team for the Currie Cup 2017 season. Brent Janse Van Rensburg (Head Coach) and CJ van der Linde (new Forwards Coach).
In a momentous move for the Steval Pumas, world-cup winning Springbok prop and highly regarded coach CJ van der Linde has signed as forwards coach for the 2017 Currie Cup season.
36-year-old Van der Linde retired from professional rugby after the 2015/16 season with French Top 14 side Montpellier, but remained in the setup as scrum coach. Van der Linde, who made 75 appearances for the Boks and was an integral part of the team which won the 2007 World Cup, will now replace Hein Kriek at the Steval Pumas.
Kriek has been given an early release to take up an opportunity to join the coaching staff of the Czech National Rugby Union under Director of Rugby Phil Pretorius.
Van der Linde said that he is happy to be back in the country to join a quality coaching staff.
“It is great to be back in my own country and to work with quality people at the Pumas. I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” said Van der Linde.
He added that he is excited to work with head coach Brent Janse van Rensburg again, whom he played under and coached with at the Eastern Province Kings.
“I was very impressed with Brent’s way of coaching and managing the programme at the Kings. It’s exciting to be able to work with him again,” Van der Linde said.
Janse van Rensburg said that Van der Linde brings a wealth of international experience with him.
“Being an ex-Springbok who won the 2007 World Cup, and more recently coaching at Montpellier, CJ brings us a wealth of experience. Having coached with him before, I know what huge value he can add. He is very sound both technically and in character. We warmly welcome him to the Steval Pumas family,” said Janse van Rensburg.
Pieter Burger, Mpumalanga Rugby CEO said that with the early departure of Hein Kriek, the board feels it is important to increase support to players and coaching staff.
“CJ's specialized set piece and scrum knowledge will be invaluable over the course of the Currie Cup Premier Division. We look forward to his contribution and impact, and thank him for his time during his tenure over the next two and a half months.”
The Steval Pumas got off to an excellent start in the Currie Cup Premier Division this past weekend, defeating the Xerox Golden Lions 43-36 in a bonus-point victory at Mbombela Stadium. This Saturday, the Mpumalanga side will face the Sharks in Durban.
Puma-Woema prevails in Currie Cup – 23 July 2017
Posted on Jul 23, 2017 Jul 23, 2017 by Pumas
Puma-Woema prevails in Currie Cup
Captain Hennie Skorbinski scored one of 6 Pumas tries, in the 65-minute of the clash between the Steval Pumas and Golden Lions at Mbombela Stadium today
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Mbombela Stadium braced itself for the latest instalment in the ongoing catfight between the Steval Pumas and the visiting Xerox Golden Lions. This instalment was the opening match of the Currie Cup Premier Division for both teams.
It was always going to be a humdinger, and with 34 points scored in the first 20 minutes of the game, the crowd knew they were in for a serious game of rugby.
The Steval Pumas were the first to bother the scorers when Justin van Staden slotted a penalty in the 3rd minute, 3-0.
The Xerox Golden Lions hit right back with a try, converted by Shaun Reynolds, 3-7.
It took the Steval Pumas only two minutes to return the favour. Gerrit Smith scoring and Justin van Staden converting, 10-7.
3 minutes later, Shaun Reynolds kicked a penalty to level the scores, 10-10.
As testament to the ding-dong nature of the game, both teams would score within 3 minute intervals, the Xerox Golden Lions with a converted try in the 14th minute, 17-10, and the Steval Pumas courtesy of a 17th minute Nardus van der Walt try, converted by Justin van Staden, 17-17.
Both teams tightened up their defences and it would be 16 minutes before Francois Kleinhans scored a try, converted by Justin van Staden in the 33rd minute to give the home team a 24-17 advantage at halftime.
The start of the second half echoed the start of the match, with Bradley Thain scoring for the Xerox Golden Lions in the 42nd minute. Shaun Reynolds was on hand to convert, 24-24. Jerome Pretorius saw yellow for the hosts in the 50th minute. The one-man disadvantage did not deter them and Justin van Staden scored a converted try within minutes, 31-24. Aphiwe Dyanti hit straight back with a try for the Xerox Golden Lions. The conversion sailed wide, 31-29.
The visitors kept the momentum going and scored another converted try 4 minutes later, 31-36.
Hennie Skorbinski scored shortly after, Justin van Staden converted, and at 38-36, with 15 minutes to play, the game was finely poised.
Gerrit Smith tipped the scales in favour of the home-team with his 2nd try 2 minutes later. The conversion was wide of the mark, as was a penalty a few moments later, but it took the scoreboard to the final score of 43-36.
Steval Pumas coach Brent Janse van Rensburg said it was a good game and that the players gave absolutely everything.
They put their bodies on the line today, for that I am thankful and respect the effort given. We made life hard for ourselves though as we didn’t look after the ball well enough at times and coughed up possession too easily. With a team like the lions you need to be able to keep the ball for a decent period of time. But the players really wanted to play well and I think that pressure resulted in some impulsiveness evident, which happens. We will take a lot of good out of this match as there were certainly some great touches out there, but at the same time, we realize there is always work to do so that we can improve." said Janse van Rensburg
Justin Van Staden scored 18 points for the Steval Pumas to win a 43 v 36 win against the Golden Lions at Mbombela Stadium today
Steval Pumas wen naelbyt-stryd
Die Steval Pumas se eerste Curriebeker-wedstryd teen die Xerox Goue Leeus het Sondagmiddag in die Mbombela-stadion afgespeel. Terwyl dit welbekend is dat ‘n kat nege lewens het, blyk dit dat 'n katgeveg ook heelwat lewens het.
Na ‘n naelbyt stryd, kon die Steval Pumas uiteindelik hul eerste oorwinning van die seisoen oor hul Gauteng opponente voor ‘n waarderende skare beklink.
Die wedstryd het in hoogste versnelling begin, met 34 punte wat in die eerste 20 minute aangeteken is.
Hanteer foute deur beide spanne het die drieë-fees effens hokgeslaan voordat die Steval Pumas nog ‘n drie kon aanteken om ‘n 7-punt voordeel te geniet teen halftyd.
Die tweede helfte het kliphard begin, met die spanne wat gereeld die voorsprong geruil het. Na 80 minute se opwindende Curriebeker-rugby het die Steval Pumas as wenners van die veld gedraf.
Gerrit Smith, Nardus van der Walt, Francois Kleinhans, Justin van Staden, en Hennie Skorbinski het almal vir die tuisspan in die doelgebied gaan kuier, met Smith se tweede drie wat uiteindelik die eindtelling van 43-36 bewerkstellig het.
Die betroubare Justin van Staden het 5 doelskoppe en ‘n strafskop bygevoeg.
Vir die Xerox Goue Leeus het Stokkies Hannekom, Shaun Reynolds, Bradley Thain, Aphiwe Dyanti, en Ashlon Davids almal vir die besoekers gedruk, terwyl Shaun Reynolds sy kant gebring het met 4 doelskoppe en ‘n strafskop.
Dit was so amper-amper of een van die losskakels het Frik du Preez se beroemde vertoning, soos deur Mof Myburg beskryf is, geewenaar, maar vandag was nie die dag nie.
Dit was wel ‘n welverdiende oorwinning vir die Steval Pumas, en ‘n droom, bonuspunt, begin vir hul Curriebeker-seisoen.
Brent Janse van Rensburg, afrigter van die Steval Pumas, het gesê dit was n goeie wedstryd en dat sy spelers hul kant gebring het.
"Hulle het met hart en siel gespeel, ek is daarvoor dankbaar en respekteer hul toewyding. Ons het die spel vir onsself moeilik gemaak omdat ons soms nie ons balbesit goed genoeg opgepas het nie en te maklik besit omgekeer het. Teen 'n span soos die Xerox Goue Leeus moet jy die bal vir lang periodes behou. Maar die spelers wou werklik goed speel en ek dink daardie druk het soms die impulsiewe besluite veroorsaak. So is die lewe. Ons sal baie plus-punte uit hierdie wedstryd neem, want daar was definitief wonderlike oomblikke in die wedstryd, terselfdetyd besef ons ook dat daar altyd werk is wat gedoen kan word om te verbeter," het Janse van Rensburg gesê.
Tries: Gerrit Smith (2), Nardus van der Walt (1), Francois Kleinhans (1), Justin van Staden (1), Hennie Skorbinski (1)
Conversions: Justin van Staden (5)
Penalties: Justin van Staden (1)
Tries: Stokkies Hannekom (1), Shaun Reynolds (1), Bradley Thain (1), Aphiwe Dyanti (1), Ashlon Davids (1)
Penalties: Shaun Reynolds (1)
Let the games begin: Steval Pumas vs Xerox Golden Lions – 20 July 2017
Posted on Jul 20, 2017 Jul 20, 2017 by Pumas
Let the games begin: Steval Pumas vs Xerox Golden Lions
Prop, Pieter Scholtz makes his first appearance in the Steval Pumas jersey against the Xerox Golden Lions on Sunday 23rd July 2017
Photor: Andre Meintjes
Scrum half, Stefan Ungerer makes his first appearance in the Steval Pumas jersey against the Xerox Golden Lions on Sunday 23rd July 2017
Steval Pumas’ coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has said that the Currie Cup Premier Division will present exciting new opportunities for his side, ahead of their first match of the competition against the Xerox Golden Lions this Sunday.
In the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, the Steval Pumas’ only played two out of nine games on their home turf of Mbombela Stadium, the venue for this weekend’s massive clash. The Currie Cup will see the Steval Pumas playing half of their group games at the stadium.
Janse van Rensburg said that his team has learnt lessons from their performances against the Xerox Golden Lions in the SuperSport Challenge. The Steval Pumas came out on the losing side of two hotly-contested matches in the group stage before going down 35-25 to the Xerox Golden Lions in the quarter-finals.
“We came up short against the Lions a few times, but we did more than enough to show that we could have got winning results. We have systems in place to contain them. Lessons were definitely learned and this week poses a big opportunity for us,” said Janse van Rensburg.
In team news, much excitement awaits as young prop Pieter Scholtz makes his Pumas debut in the number 3 jersey. Scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer has been included on the bench after signing from the Eastern Province Kings.
“It’s great for us to have some new guys in the squad and it always injects new energy. There is some healthy competition for places which always challenges everyone to be the very best they can be. From a tactical standpoint, it gives us new options to pick players,” said Janse van Rensburg.
The coach explained that the Steval Pumas have been working on multiple options to effectively counter the Xerox Golden Lions fast style of play.
“We’ve worked through all of these options and the players have been put through their paces. We just have to execute our systems really well and every player has to ensure his individual prep this week is executed on the field. If we can do that, I think we’re in with a good chance,” Janse van Rensburg said.
The match against the Xerox Golden Lions kicks off at 14:30 at the Mbombela Stadium. Tickets cost R40 for adults and R10 for kids. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at Mbombela Stadium and at Computicket.
En die katgeveg kom weer: Steval Pumas teen Xerox Goue Leeus
In die opbou na die eerste wedstryd van die nuwe seisoen, tuis teen die Xerox Goue Leeus, het Brent Janse van Rensburg, die afrigter van die Steval Pumas gesê die Curriebeker-premierliga bied opwindende nuwe geleenthede vir die span.
Tydens die SuperSport-reeks het die Steval Pumas slegs twee van hul wedstryde op hul tuisveld, die Mbombela-stadion gespeel. Sondag se wedstryd teen die Xerox Goue Leeus sal in “Blokhuis Mbombela” plaasvind, en so sal helfte van die groep wedstryde tydens die toernooi.
Janse van Rensburg het gesê dat die span waardevolle lesse kon leer tydens die twee naelbyt wedstryde teen die Xerox Goue Leeus in die SuperSport-reeks voordat hulle met 25-35 uitgeskakel is in die kwarteindstryd.
“Ons het ‘n paar keer die spit afgebyt teen die Leeus, maar ons het ook meer as genoeg gedoen om te wys dat ons kon wen. Ons het die sisteme in plek om hulle hok te slaan. Ons het ons lesse geleer en Sondag se wedstryd bied ons ‘n wonderlike geleentheid om dit ten toon te stel,” het Janse van Rensburg gesê.
In ander nuus is die opwindede Puma-debuut van Pieter Scholtz in die nommer 3 trui. Skrumskakel Stefan Ungerer, wat pas van die Oostelike Provinsie Kings na die Steval Pumas geskuif het, begin op die plaasvervangersbank.
“Dit is wonderlik om nuwe spelers in die groep welkom te heet. Hulle bring altyd nuwe energie en dit skep gesonde kompetisie onder die spelers om plek in die span te kry, en daag al die spelers uit om op hul absoluut beste te gee. Vanuit n taktiese oogpunt bied dit ook aan ons nuwe geleenthede om spelers te kies,” het Janse van Rensburg gesê.
Die afrigter het ook gesê die span het hierdie week ekstra hard gewerk aan verskeie maniere om die Xerox Goue Leeus se vinnige spel-styl te ontwrig.
“Ons het al hierdie opsies op die oefenveld ondersoek en die spelers weet wat van hulle verwag word. Ons moet nou net die spelpatrone effektief uitvoer en elke speler moet sy kant op die veld bring. As ons dit kan bewerkstellig, is ons in met n goeie kans,“ het Janse van Rensburg afgesluit.
Die wedstryd teen die Xerox Goue Leeus skop af om 14h30 by die Mbombela-stadion. Kaartjie pryse beloop R40 vir volwassenes, en R10 vir skoliere. Kaartjies is verkrygbaar by die Mbombela stadion kaartjie kantoor of by Computicket.
15 Full back SMITH GERRIT
14 Right wing PRETORIUS JEROME
13 Outside centre SKORBINSKI HENNIE
12 Inside centre NELL RYAN
11 Left wing ISBELL RUWELLYN
10 Fly half VAN STADEN JUSTIN
9 Scrum half UNGERER STEFAN
8 Number eight GREEFF CAREL
7 Right flanker VAN DER WALT NARDUS
6 Left flanker KLEINHANS FRANCOIS
5 Right lock KLOPPERS HUGO
4 Left lock JORDAAN JEREMY
3 Tight head prop SCHOLTZ PIETER
2 Hooker PRETORIUS MARK
1 Loose head prop MONA KWEZI
16 Hooker HERNE FRANK
17 Prop TERBLANCHE DJ
18 Lock COETZEE MARNE
19 Lock STANDER JANNIE
20 Loose Forward GROENEWALD LAMBERT
21 Utility Back VAN ROOYEN REYNIER
22 Utility Back EBERSOHN SIAS
2019-07-13 15:00:35Jul 13, 2019 Phakisa Pumas Vs Xerox Golden Lions XV 37 - 38
2019-07-19 17:00:35Jul 19, 2019 Phakisa Pumas Vs Tafel Lager Griquas 17:00:355:00 pm
2019-07-26 19:15:24Jul 26, 2019 Phakisa Pumas Vs Vodacom Blue Bulls 19:15:247:15 pm
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