As part of preparations for the 2018 u/13 Craven Week, the Pumas played against a Curro Nelspruit Invitational team.

The Curro team consisted of u/13 and u/14 players from various local primary schools.

Craven Week will be held at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley from July 1 to 6.

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The match started off with the invitational side using their strong backline players to create line breaks and score two quick tries.

The Puma team settled after the initial onslaught from Curro, and they soon got back into the game through some effective running from their backs and skillful chip and chase tactics, going into half time with 17-12 up.

The second half was full of running rugby that exposed defensive shortcomings in both teams. The Pumas won the match 33-17.

They were focusing on match play and this is one of the reasons why they requested to play with this team.

Such a match, playing with a different age group, exposes the Pumas to challenges on the field that prepares them for the upcoming games.

Invitational coach of Curro, Graeme Stewart, said their goal was to assist the Puma Craven Week team in their preparations.

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“We also wanted to allow local rugby players a chance to experience Curro rugby.

It is important to give our provincial teams the support they need. Curro Neslpruit wishes Bergland’s Tobie Pretorius, coach for the provincial side, the best for Craven Week.”