Lacklustre Pumas downed by Sharks in Durban
The home team won despite receiving a yellow and a red card in the second half.
The Airlink Pumas’ four-match 2023 Carling Currie Cup winning streak came to an end at Hollywoodbets Kings Park last night, April 7.
The Cell C Sharks put on an inspired performance to win the match 19-12. They outscored the visitors by two tries to one. The Pumas were also awarded a penalty try. The Pumas have averaged 50 points per match this season, but last night they lost their rhythm and paid the price.
Fred Zeilinga put the home team up 3-0 with a penalty kick in the fourth minute.
Four minutes later, Tiaan Fourie made a mockery of the Pumas’ defence to score a try. Zeilinga converted for a 10-0 lead.
The only other points in the second half came when Zeilinga slotted penalty goals in the 13th and 35th minutes
The Pumas’ precision passing deserted them in the first half. Their fast attacking game was spoilt by poor ball handling.
The half-time score was 16-0. The Pumas found themselves in the unusual position of having zero on the scoreboard after 40 minutes.
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The Pumas showed more fight from the restart and were awarded a penalty try in the 49th minute after the Sharks had continuously infringed on their try line. Dian Bleuler received a yellow card for collapsing the maul and Corne Rahl a red card for a head butt.
The Sharks were down to 13 men for the next 10 minutes and 14 for the remainder of the match thereafter.
Zeilinga nailed another penalty attempt in the 58th minute.
The Pumas hit back with Llewellyn Classen claiming a try from a rolling maul. Tinus de Beer’s conversion bounced off the left post.
The score remained 19-12 to the Sharks for the rest of the match.
The Cell C Sharks deserved the victory. The home team played with passion and guts.
The Airlink Pumas were but a shadow of the team that won their first four Currie Cup matches. The Mpumalanga lads did not dominate or control the pace of the game, as they have against every opponent so far this season.
In unfamiliar territory, they had no answer to the Sharks’ inspired performance.
The Pumas should have made use of their numerical advantage after the yellow and red cards. They did not and were poor value for money.
