With the absence of spectators, one immediately tends to assume that the home team has no real advantage.

The real advantage however, lies within that team being able to execute in all-weather conditions thrown their way.

This was evident in the opening match of the Carling Currie Cup between the Cell C Sharks and the Phakisa Pumas at Jonsson King’s Park tonight.

Straight away the Pumas struggled to keep ball in hand and their kicks were aimless.

The first try came after the Pumas allowed the ball to bounce into their own 22, leaving Devon Williams under pressure, which lead to a charge-down try by captain Jeremy Ward, converted by Curwin Bosch

Sharks’ scrumhalf, Sanele Nohamba, scored the second after finding a huge gap in the Pumas’ backline. Again Bosch slotted an easy conversion

Ward scored his second soft try off an error from the Pumas in their own goal area, and Bosch missed his first conversion, bringing the score to 19-0.

Pumas scrumhalf, Ginter Smuts, opened the scoreboard for the Pumas after slotting a penalty in the 28th minute of the game.

Kerron van Vuuren answered with a well-worked try. Bosch failed to convert.

With a few minutes left in the first half, the Sharks led 24-3.

After the Pumas conceded their fifth penalty of the game, the Sharks’ Dylan Richardson smuggled his way over for their fifth try. Bosch successfully converted and the Pumas went into half-time with a 28-point deficit.

Ten minutes into the second half, the Pumas were awarded two penalties – none of which found the touch line.
Patience and determination culminated in the Pumas’ first and only try, by Phumzile Maqondwana, converted by Smuts.
Barberton-born S’bu Nkosi’s first touch of the ball, after replacing Manie Libbok, killed the Pumas’ momentum with a try immediately after the restart. Bosch converted and the score was 38-10 with 25 minutes to go.

The Pumas refused to give up and their effort must be commended. After the Sharks conceded three penalties for a similar offense and Thembelani Bholi was sent top sin bin, Ali Mgijima lost the ball and an opportunity to score their second try.

After a quick take of a free kick, Nkosi intercepted a 50/50 pass to score his second try. Bosch added two points widening the gap to 35 points.
The final score, 45-10.
The Pumas started their Currie Cup campaign with only the seven log point they carried over from the Super Rugby Unlocked competition.