The Phakisa Pumas had to fight hard against a very physical Limpopo Blue Bulls to win their opening game of the 2019 Grant Khomo Week at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira yesterday.

The host union’s team won 29-10.

The Limpopo team held much of the territorial advantage and had more possession in the first half. The Pumas defence was put to the test and passed with flying colours.

The Limpopo Blue Bulls scored first, a penalty from the boot of fly half Tiaan van den Heever on 17 minutes.

Just before half time Khirwin Erasmus charged down a kick in the Limpopo Blue Bulls 22. He gained possession and ran, offloading to Damien Markus who scored. Christiaan Gates kicked the conversion and added a penalty minutes later.

The half time score was 10-3.

In the second half the Pumas played the better rugby. They stuck to the game plan and executed it with precision and passion.

They showed tremendous team spirit and it this was reflected by the effort each player put in. It was do or die doing it.

The Pumas scored early in the half. Number 8, Nico Hendrico broke from the back of a scrum and passed to winger, Lwazi Mogodiri who claimed the try.

The Limpopo side fought back and loose forward Tebogo M’khomazi dotted down to take the score to 10-5 in favour of the Pumas.

The Pumas scored next from a free kick. They tapped and ran and Cassie Botes rounded off for the five points. Gates slotted the conversion for a commanding 22-10 lead.

Then came what could be the try of the week. Under attack on their own try line the Pumas were awarded a penalty. Botes tapped and ran. He passed to Erasmus who dove under the uprights. Gates nailed the conversion for the 29-10 win.

The Pumas were the better team over the 70 minutes. The Limpopo Blue Bulls never gave up and also showed they are up to face any team in the tournament.

The u/16 teams have a day off today and will be in action tomorrow.

Monday results

Everest Wealth Pumas 32-26 SA Iqhawe

Namibia 29-6 Border Country Districts

Ford Human Griquas 24-17 Old Mutual Zimbabwe

Thepa Trading Griffons 35-34 Falcons

DHL Western Province 78-7 Boland

Sharks 44-29 Border

EP Elephants 15-13 Blue Bulls

Free State Cheetahs 36 SWD 36

Bidvest Waltons Golden Lions 31-17 Leopards

Phakisa Pumas 29 v 10 Limpopo Blue Bulls