WP record much-needed win over Pumas
MATCH REPORT: Western Province powered to a 37-23 win over the Pumas in Currie Cup action in Nelspruit on Sunday.
John Dobson’s charges were facing the physicality of the hosts in their third outing in eight days. The young Western Province showed their character, and their skill, to dominate early proceedings and set the tone for a fine afternoon at the Mbombela Stadium.
Tim Swiel, a late change to the starting lineup, got his side going with his ever-reliable boot. He then traded penalties with fullback Gerrie Labuschagne as the Pumas attempted to hold a foot in the contest.
The picture changed midway through the first half when Tristan Leyds collected a high ball and ran 50 metres to score his first ever try in the competition. Once again, Swiel’s accurate boot was called upon as he converted the try from the corner.
A penalty try with five minutes to go helped the hosts draw closer to Western Province, who were down to 14 men after prop Sazi Sandi was shown a yellow card for a maul infringement.
Western Province showed their character either side of the break to make sure they did not allow the home side back into the contest. A moment of team brilliance saw Paul de Wet cross over and with Swiel’s conversion they were once again 10 points clear.
Calling all the shots, WP then used their forward-based momentum to open up space which the boot of Swiel then dominated as his cross kick found Leyds in space for his second try.
Eighthman Evan Roos then grabbed another score after a short pass sent his clear through the defence which was at sixes and sevens. The WP forward was then afforded a well-earned break after starring for the team for the past three matches.
Simon Westraadt helped the Pumas bring some relief when he scored from the back of a maul but the gap to WP was already far too big.
The home side then scored after the final whistle to see the final score settle at 37-23 in favour of Western Province.
The scorers:
For Pumas:
Tries: Penalty try, Westeraadt, Fouche
Pens: Labuschagne, Marais
For Western Province:
Tries: Leyds 2, De Wet, Roos
Cons: Swiel 4
Pens: Swiel 3
Teams:
Pumas: 15 Gerrie Labuschagne, 14 Jade Stighling, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Matt More, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Neil Marais, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Phumzile Maqondwana, 6 Franna Kleinhans, 5 Pieter van Vuuren (captain), 4 Darrien Landsberg, 3 IG Prinsloo, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Dewald Maritz.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ruan Kramer, 18 Etienne Janeke, 19 Brandon Valentyn, 20 Kwanda Dimaza, 21 Devon Williams, 22 Eddie Fouche, 23 Sebastián de Klerk
Western Province: 15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Tristan Leyds, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Chris Schreuder, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Leon Lyons
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Justin Basson, 20 Simon Miller, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Leolin Zas, 24 JJ Kotze, 25 Cornel Smit, 26 Sacha Mngomezulu
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Referees: Local appointments
TMO: Stuart Berry
*Picture credit: Johan Ortan