Pretorius’ rugby season for 2017 is over after WP-clash
Steval Pumas' hooker Mark Pretorius will not be available for selection for the remaining of the 2017 rugby season.
He tore a hamstring during the Pumas’ 22-12 Currie Cup upset victory against DHL Western Province on Friday evening at Mbombela Stadium.
This coming weekend, Lambert Groenewald might have to watch his team taking on the Toyota Free State Cheetahs from the sideline after he sustained a shoulder injury. A decision regarding his availability will only be made later this week.
The home side turned back the clock 34 years. The Pumas, previously South Eastern Transvaal, scored their most famous home win against a star-studded WP in a Lion Cup fixture back in 1983.
The Pumas added the WP scalp to that of the Xerox Golden Lions and the Vodacom Blue Bulls on their home turf with the spirited display which gave their Currie Cup hopes a massive boost.
Their scrum half general, Stefan Ungerer gave another sterling display in the pink jersey and he must now be one of the top number nines in the country.
The Pumas’ shopping spree must be complimented with Ungerer, Tembelani Bholi, Stefan Willemse, Pieter Scholtz and Gerrit Smith turning their season around.
Although coach Brent Janse van Rensburg was proud of his team, he said that it was a game that was error ridden.
“In the first half we did not appreciate possession, threw some magic passes and we were completely impatient with ball in hand. During the second half we adjusted our plan and executed it very well. We built a lot of pressure and it was a much needed win, but there is still a lot of work that lies ahead. We cannot underestimate the Cheetahs. We need to be determined to secure a semi-final spot.”
