Rampant Pumas’ forwards muscle bulldozes Cheetahs

The team which is victorious will top the Section Y log. 

Those who said they would not win against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs, one of the traditional six powerhouses of South African rugby, have eaten their words. 

On Saturday, in front of 3 389 spectators the team silenced the doubters and made a strong statement to their rivals in the Currie Cup.

The Pumas took just 40 seconds after kick-off to win over even more fans when they annihilated the Cheetahs scrum at Mbombela Stadium. Seventy-nine minutes of playing time later, the scoreboard read Steval Pumas 28 – Toyota Free State Cheetahs 21.

The home team dominated up front with solid scrumming and textbook mauling. 

It was with the hard work in the engine room of the tight five where the Pumas laid the foundation for the win. The Cheetahs were outmuscled.

The loose forwards kept the Cheetahs on the back foot, spoiling possession and dominating at the breakdown. Captain Corné Steenkamp led by example. His physical strength and speed was matched by the way he marshalled his troops. Renaldo Bothma was a human battering ram and defended with passion. 

The backs were solid but did make unforced errors. Benjamin’s first try should have been stopped by better defence. As the game progressed they did tighten defensive lines. With the Cheetahs running the ball to the wings, the Pumas did well to only concede one second-half try.

Despite the positives, the team need to improve if they want to beat the Sharks in Durban.

Poor discipline cost them on Saturday, they gave away nine penalties. 

This cost them nine points but it could have been more. Three more penalties were in range of goal. Two were missed, the other a wasted tap-and-go by Sarel Pretorius.

The Cheetahs also lacked discipline, conceding 13 penalties gifting the Pumas nine points.

The Pumas scored three tries to the Cheetahs’ two. However, JW Bell’s try, although spectacular, was given on a platter by a dozing defence. Jonker’s was legitimate. The television match official ruled that Vincent Koch’s attempt to keep the ball in play was legal. The try could so easily have been disallowed. 

The Pumas played well, but there was an element of luck on their side.

They made the most of quality, yet fairly limited possession and dominated their opponents physically. The fact that the Cheetahs dominated territory was neutralised.

Coach Jimmy Stonehouse was thrilled with the result but knows there is room for improvement. “We gave away too many soft penalties due to individualistic attempts to control the game. I wasn’t happy with some of our line-outs and the fact that we kicked away possession too many times, was concerning. 

The players need to focus more and make better decisions on the pitch. If you look at the loose trios’ defensive figures, 72 tackles made and only six missed, we’re ready to take on any team,” Stonehouse commented.

The Sharks will host the Pumas at Growthpoint King’s Park at 19:10 on Friday. 

Playing the defending champions away is about as tough as it can get for the Pumas. 

Says Steenkamp, “We’ve always played great games against them on their home pitch and their current team doesn’t lack experience.

The players know what is expected of them, I’m sure they will step up their game even more. We need to make sure we come home with bonus points.” 

Steval Pumas
Tries: JW Bell, Corne Steenkamp, JW Jonker
Conversions: Justin van Staden (2)
Penalties: Van Staden (3).

Toyota Free State Cheetahs
Tries: Rayno Benjamin (2)
Conversions: Willie du Plessis 
Penalties: Du Plessis (3).