Pumas triumph over Lions in nail-biter clash in Mbombela

The Airlink Pumas went head-to-head against the Fidelity ADT Lions in a crucial first home game at Mbombela Stadium on Friday March 17.

Following their 60-point win against the Vodacom Blue Bulls XV in the first round of the Currie Cup, the Pumas were determined to hold their own in their round 2 clash.

Although the home team set the pace early on, they were sloppy with the ball at line-out time, conceding a penalty to allow the Lions to put the first points on the board. The visitors’ lead was, however, short-lived, with Diego Appollis being on song for the home side, putting his team two up with a brilliant try coming off an attacking scrum.

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Devon Williams ran the wing with ease, just missing out on another try for the Pumas. His second bite at the apple was good, though, and furthered the scoreboard along for the men in pink. It was clear that Brandon Thompson’s eye was in as he converted both of the tries with ease. A penalty kick just before half-time put the Pumas 17-3 up at the break.

The Lions asked questions of the Pumas’ defence early on in the second half, attacking the ball and players, getting the penalties, too. Solid defensive efforts from the 2022 champions managed to fend off the Lions attack. However, their opponents managed to claw their way back into the game, when winger Boldwin Hansen jogged over the try line 10 minutes into the half.

The visiting side were not given much breathing room as flanker André Fouché fought his way to the try line. Both teams visited their respective scoring sides after this, the Pumas successfully fending off more counter-attacks by the Lions. Corné Fourie also added points for the Pumas, breaking off an attacking maul, but it was Appollis who put the last nail in the coffin with his second try of the match.

The Lions regained the momentum with which they had started the half, scoring two tries through flyhalf Vaughen Isaacs, and Hansen, tying up the scoreboard at 27 apiece. In the end, it was the Pumas who showed dedication in defence, successfully fending off a counter-attack by the Lions.

The home team managed to maintain their winning streak, triumphing over the Fidelity ADT Lions 34-7. With the win, they also claimed their fifth straight victory against the Lions in the Currie Cup and are off to a promising start to their title defence.

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The Pumas’ head coach, Jimmy Stonehouse, said he was satisfied with how the game had started, although he mentioned that there were two or three missed opportunities at tries. “Last week against the Bulls, everything stuck, every chip worked out, but this week, every ball seemed to bounce the other way,” he said in his post-match remarks. “I’ll take the win, although I’m not completely satisfied with it, especially not the second half.”

He mentioned there were problems creeping into their game and that they were not in control at all times.

This Friday, the Pumas will play host to the Windhoek Draught Griquas in the first rematch of last year’s final. “The match-up between the Pumas and the Griquas is always something to watch,” Stonehouse said.

The Griquas played against the Cell C Sharks in their round 2 fixture and managed a come-from-behind victory to clench the game 48-40. “They are a team with a never-say-die attitude.”

Stonehouse said Friday’s game is going to be hard-fought and that the team that makes the least mistakes will come out on top.
The match between the Pumas and Griquas starts at 19:00. “Let’s create a full pink wave of supporters!”