×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Pumas stun Cheetahs to set up 'unlikely' Currie Cup final against Griquas

Mahlatse Mphahlele Sports reporter
The Pumas celebrate after beating the Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup semifinal at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The Pumas celebrate after beating the Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup semifinal at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Image: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)

The “unlikely” Currie Cup final is happening.

The Griquas will host the Pumas in Kimberley on Saturday in a final between two teams that were given little or even no chance at the beginning of the season.

The Griquas beat the Bulls on Friday night in Tshwane and the Pumas staged a late fightback to stun the Cheetahs 38-35 on Saturday at the death to set up this unlikely final.

For the tournament romantics, this will be the first Currie Cup final appearance for the Griquas in 52 years while the Pumas will be appearing in it for the first time in their history.

It is also a massive achievement for coaches Pieter Bergh of the Griquas and Jimmy Stonehouse of the Pumas who operate on small budgets and lose players every season.

They have outdone themselves to perform better than bigger franchises in the form of the Bulls, Sharks, Lions, Western Province and Cheetahs.

This match was heartbreak for the Cheetahs, who have been the most consistent team of the tournament, as they were pipped by Ali Mgijima’s converted try at the death.

The visitors got onto the scoreboard first when Eddie Fouché went over the line for the game’s opening try but the home side responded through Jeandré Rudolph who powered home at the corner.

The visitors retook the lead with back-to-back tries from Sebastian de Klerk who took advantage of some sloppy defending and poor communication by the Cheetahs.

After De Klerk’s first try around the 20th minute, the Cheetahs suffered a massive blow when their inspirational captain and reliable kicker Ruan Pienaar walked off the field with a suspected thigh injury.

As a result of De Klerk’s two tries, the Pumas enjoyed a 10-point lead but it could have been more if Fouché did not miss both the conversions and a penalty in between.

Fouché’s three consecutive misses cost the Pumas seven crucial points and an opportunity to put the Cheetahs under pressure.

Shortly before the break, the scores were level after the Cheetahs were awarded a penalty try by referee Morné Ferreira and Siya Masuku scored his first penalty as Fouché’s missed kicks came back to haunt them.

The Cheetahs went to the break with a seven-point lead after Clayton Blommetjies scored after a brilliant attacking move.

The Cheetahs increased their lead in the second half when Rudolph registered his second try and Masuku put away his second penalty.

The Pumas dragged themselves back into the game through a try by Giovanne Snyman but Masuku responded soon afterwards with his third penalty.

 The Cheetahs lost Rosko Specman to a yellow card after 75 minutes and the Pumas took advantage immediately with two late tries by Simon Raw and Mgijima.

Scores

Cheetahs     (29)     35

Pumas           (17)     38

Cheetahs

Tries: Jeandré Rudolph (2), Clayton Blommetjies,  

Conversions: Ruan Pienaar (1), Siya Masuku (1)

Penalties: Siya Masuku (3)

Penalty Try: (1)

Pumas

Tries: Eddie Fouché, Sebastian de Klerk (2), Giovanne Snyman, Simon Raw, Ali Mgijima

Conversions: Eddie Fouché (2), Tinus de Beer (2)

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.


Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.