Pumas hopeful for a semi-final spot
The iCollege Pumas' 43-35 victory at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday against the Xerox Golden Lions which was in the balance until the last seconds, could have been a dress rehearsal for a possible SuperSport Challenge quarter-final.
The Pumas kept their unbeaten record intact and should do so in their remaining two fixtures, against the Welwitschias in two weeks’ time and an away match against the Hino Valke in Kempton Park.
Two more victories over these opponents should secure the Pumas a home quarter final and if they and the defending champions, the Western Province, keep their losing slate clean, the Pumas could finish in second spot on the overall log.
At this stage it seems like the Lions, which the Pumas have now beaten twice in the competition phase, could finish in seventh place which could see them travel to Mbombela once again.
The semi-finals were played at a neutral venue last season but should the Pumas advance to the final, they could host the match on home ground.
Saturday’s match was a closely contested affair and with time expired they narrowly led 36-35.
However, the Lions made a silly mistake chasing the game which cost them a bonus point.
In the last 10 minutes of the encounter, Nardus van der Walt and Stefan Willemse was sent off to the sin bin.
New centre acquisition Wayno Visagie pounced on a loose pass and scored to put the result beyond doubt.
The Pumas’ star performer was scrum half Stefan Ungerer whose tactical kicking was superlative and led to a super try by number eight, Willie Engelbrecht.
Frankie Herne’s name must also be mentioned for his role in the lead-up to the score.
Pumas scorers:
Tries: Stefan Ungerer, Stefan Willemse, Gerrit Smit, Frankie Herne, Willie Engelbrecht, Wayno Visagie. Conversions: Justin van Staden (3), Barend Smit. Penalty: Van Staden.
