Time for Pumas to stand up

After two poor performances in the past two weeks the Pumas need to get back to their winning ways. 

They are probably safe from relegation play-offs. Although it is mathematically possible for them to finish worse off than sixth place, it is very unlikely. But the second goal of the season, that of qualifying for the semis, which after the fifth round seemed a strong possibility, is now a tough task. 

The DHL Western Province, Vodacom Blue Bulls and Eastern Province Kings are the three challenges that must be overcome. 

The Pumas could not have a tougher task in the three-battle war to claim a semi-final spot, than facing the Absa Currie Cup log leaders Western Province at Mbombela Stadium tonight. These 80 minutes will show how deep they can dig. 

It is matches like this one that make the Absa Currie Cup the greatest provincial rugby competition on the planet. 

When in their childhood, Corné Steenkamp, Frank Horne, Giant Mtyanda, JW Jonker and Ruwellyn Isbell played those backyard matches with their mates, with old, battered balls – it was scenarios like this that played out in their imaginations.

It’s time for the Pumas boys to stand up.

They remain unbeaten at home in the Currie Cup this season. Province are the overwhelming favourites but they know the Pumas will be highly motivated. The Mpumalanga lads have shown this season that they can mix it with the richer unions on the field. 

WP coach Allister Coetzee has been in the game too long to believe that his team just have to pitch to win. “The Pumas are unbeaten at the Mbombela Stadium this season, so it will be a tough challenge for us but one we’re looking forward to,” he said. “The aim is to win away from home in the Absa Currie Cup and we need to show the same kind of intensity and accuracy that we showed in the first half against Griquas, but for 80-plus minutes,” he commented.

Western Province top the try-scoring stats (30 tries) in the Currie Cup this season and the Pumas defence will have to be at their best. Coach Jimmy Stonehouse understands that defence has more than just a physical aspect. “It is not something you can teach, it comes out of the heart. 

“On Friday we will get it together and make it work,” he promised.

The Pumas have worked hard on their scrums this week. This set piece will be a brutal test of brains and brawn, with the home team having to contend with veterans like Pat Cilliers and Brok Harris who are in the WP 22.

Stonehouse has made seven changes to the team and dropped Francois du Toit, Uzair Cassiem, Dylon Frylick, Justin van Staden and Jerome Pretorius to the bench, and Frikkie Spies and Coenie van Wyk from the 22-man squad.

Renaldo Bothma passed a fitness test yesterday and is fit to play.

A park-and-ride will operate to and from I’langa Mall from 16:00 to 18:30 and from when the match ends to 22:00.

Tickets are on sale at Computicket and at the stadium.

They are also on sale at the Pumas offices at Sonpark, Mbombela. Corporate package tickets are available. If you purchase 20 or more they will be sold at R50 a ticket (not R20 as previously reported). Enquiries: 013-612-0534.

Pumas

1. Corné Fourie , 2. Frank Herne, 3. Vincent Koch, 4. Lubabalo Mtyanda, 5. Marius Coetzer, 6. Corné Steenkamp, (captain), 7. Jaco Bouwer, 8. Renaldo Bothma, 9. Reynier van Rooyen, 10. JC Roos, 11. Rosko Specman, 12. Stefan Watermeyer (vice-captain), 13. JW Jonker, 14. Ruwellyn Isbell, 15. JW Bell, 16. Francois du Toit, 17. DeJay Terblanche, 18. Uzair Cassiem, 19. RW Kember, 20. Dylon Frylinck, 21. Justin van Staden, 22. Jerome Pretorius.

Western Province

1. Alistair Vermaak, 2. Scarra Ntubeni, 3. Pat Cilliers (vice-captain), 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Ruan Botha, 6. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7. Michael Rhodes, 8. Nizaam Carr, 9. Louis Schreuder, 10. Demetri Catrakilis, 11. Justin Geduld, 12. Jaco Taute, 13. Juan de Jongh (captain), 14. Kobus van Wyk, 15. Cheslin Kolbe, 16. Neil Rautenbach, 17. Brok Harris, 18. Manuel Carizza, 19. Rohan Kitshoff, 20. Nic Groom, 21. Kurt Coleman, Michael van der Spuy.