Airlink Pumas run Vodacom Bulls XV ragged at Loftus Versfeld

The Airlink Pumas made their intent known with a 63-15 thrashing of the Vodacom Bulls XV at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

The visitors outscored their hosts by nine tries to two.

The Pumas have in the past nine months beaten two South African franchise teams that play in European competitions – both victories away from home. They won 38-35 in the Currie Cup semi-final against the Cheetahs (European Challenge Cup) on June 18, 2022, and beat the Bulls (United Rugby Championship) on Sunday.

Despite the fact that the Pumas are the defending Currie Cup champions, the Bulls were the favourites to win the match. They were playing at home and boast a far bigger squad from which to select a match 23.

But it was the Pumas who snarled throughout the match and the Bulls who stumbled around the pitch like newborn calves.

The score was 3-3 after 11 minutes, with Tinus de Beer and Morné Steyn trading penalty kicks.

Eduan Swart dotted down first for the Pumas before Mihlali Mosi scored for the Bulls to take the score to 8-8.

The Pumas moved up two gears and Giovan Snyman claimed the five points from an excellent attacking down the touchline.

The Bulls’ shoulders already started hanging when Sebastian de Klerk scored a try and a De Beer conversion took the visitors to a 12-point lead.

With the Bulls looking shell-shocked as the Pumas piled on the pressure and Jade Stighling secured the bonus point with a try just before half-time, Snyman slotted the conversion for a 27-8 half-time lead.

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The Pumas could have defended the lead in the second half, but why change a game plan that is working?

Devon Williams finished off another great attack to claim a try, converted by De Beer.

The Pumas ran the ball from everywhere and André Fouche scored the next try.

A De Beer penalty a short while later brought the scoreboard to 42-8.

Diego Appollis piled more misery on the Bulls with a stunning opportunistic try and De Beer added the two points.

Francois Kleinhans continued the carnage, making a mockery of the Bulls’ defence to dot down a try, with De Beer converting.

Appollis claimed his second seven minutes later, and Brandon Thomson nailed home the conversion.

The home team scored a late consolation try when Cornel Hendricks went over, with Steyn on song with the conversion.

The final score was 63-15.

It was a match of boys against men. The Vodacom Bulls XV were simply not in the game and could not cope with the pace of the Airlink Pumas’ play.

The Pumas preseason preparation was evident in the execution of the game plan. This win was no fluke – it was due to a team that had confidence in their ability and belief in one another, and were well prepared.

The Pumas’ coaching and backroom staff must take credit for the performance. Defending the Currie Cup is more difficult than winning it, and the hundreds of hours of hard physical, mental and emotional work that went into the preparation for the season has put the Pumas on the right track.

Photos: Kaptured Concepts.