Pumas will have to wait another year for title
On Friday, the Lions confirmed their play-off spot with a hard-fought 33-21 win over the iCollege Pumas at Mbombela Stadium.
DHL Western Province and Cell C Sharks will host the Vodacom Blue Bulls and Xerox Golden Lions respectively next Saturday in the semi-finals of the Currie Cup Premier Division.
The visitors gained a 21-14 lead and, in the second half scored three more tries to claim the bonus point.
The Pumas needed to win to have any chance of making the play-off stages, but they were always playing catch-up after conceding an early intercept try to Lionel Mapoe in the opening minute.
The home side suffered a huge setback in the 25th minute of the encounter when the top scorer of the Currie Cup series, fly half Chris Smith left the field due to a ruptured eardrum.
Just before the half-time whistle, eighth man Francois Kleinhans was sent to the sin bin in which the Lions used to opportunity with a try by Courtnall Skosan.
The Pumas will announce the players who have renewed their contract with the Mpumalanga Rugby Union this week.
Clarity about the Pumas’ inclusion in the Pro16 league at the end of 2019, will be finalised before the end of the year.
Photos: Hennie Homann / www.hhphotoxpress.co.za
Point scorers
• iCollege Pumas – Tries: Devon Williams, Francois Kleinhans, Ryan Nell. Conversions: Chris Smith, Kobus Marais (2)
• Xerox Golden Lions – Tries: Lionel Mapoe, Corne Fourie (2), Courtnall Skosan (2). Conversions: Elton Jantjies (4).
