NELSPRUIT – Eighty minutes is not a long time. The Steval Pumas face a vital 80 minutes on Friday evening at Mbombela Stadium. If they succeed in their mission they will play in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division next season.
They know exactly what the mission is. They must win. They must not allow GWK Griquas to score a four-try bonus point. If they do, the Pumas must also score a four-try bonus point. If Griquas score a bonus point for losing by less than seven points, our boys need a win by more than three, to secure a superior points difference.
The bonus point they scored in Kimberley is vital. It means that if they win and neither team scores a bonus point, the Pumas will have the most log points and secure promotion.
Griquas’ task is simple. They must win. Any bonus points will not be relevant in a Griquas victory. Eight log points will be enough for the Kimberley team to remain in the Premier Division.
The promotion/relegation matches are a mini league based on the rules and points-allocation system of the Currie Cup. Two teams, two matches – the team with the most log points plays in the Premier Division next season.
Should the teams finish on equal log points, points difference and then tries (for and against), would decide the winner. Otherwise, the status quo will remain.
Griquas won the first match 21-19 in Kimberley last Friday.
Kick-off at Mbombela Stadium is 19:10 on Friday. Tickets on sale at Computicket and the stadium.
Eighty minutes is not a long time, but its is enough time to determine a future in the oldest and best domestic league in world of rugby. It’s now time for the Steval Pumas – nothing else is an option.