Springboks inspire Pumas to greater heights

The provincial side benefited hugely from training with the Springboks and also looked on with pride as former Puma players Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch put on massive performances on the field where they spent much of their career.

Pumas head coach, MJ Mentz said that his side learned valuable lessons from their training sessions with the Boks.

“It was a great privilege to be able to train with them and get an insight into the way the Springboks do things. We were really impressed by their intensity and professionalism. All of them took some valuable lessons out of the training sessions and the things we learned will stand us in good stead for our own preparations,” said Mentz.

Mentz added that he was proud to see De Klerk and Koch donning the green and gold.

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Spurred on by close to 30 000 spectators, De Klerk played his heart out for the man of the match award, while Koch was a formidable force in the scrum after coming off the bench early in the first half.

“They spent much of their senior careers here with the Pumas so it’s amazing to see them playing on this field for the Springboks. It also proved to all of our players that they have similar opportunities to take their careers to the highest level,” Mentz said.

Following the experience with the Springboks, the Pumas will undoubtedly feel inspired to play some high-quality rugby in their six remaining matches in the Currie Cup Premier Division.

The men in pink will look to record their first victory of the campaign against Griquas at home this Friday.

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