In a game that never really gained momentum, the NNC Pumas managed to pull through and beat their rivals at the Mbombela Stadium this afternoon.
Although it was not the seven-point win they were hoping for, their 26-22 victory over the Tafel Lager Griquas was enough to secure them a second place on the Carling Currie Cup log – one point behind the Western Province.
The home team was first to score when Eddie Fouché slotted a penalty.
Not long after, Matt More scored his first Currie Cup try, converted by Fouché. Simon Westraadt, the man of the match for the second time this season, went over for the Pumas’ second try, with Fouché not being able to convert.
This try, along with Westraadt’s second try later in the game, was a culmination of the complete domination of the home team’s scrums and set pieces.
The Griquas answered with three penalties by George Whitehead. Shortly before half-time, a wayward pass ended up in the hands of Griquas centre Jay-Cee Nel, who scored, and Whitehead converted.
Going into half-time, the visitors led by one point, 16-15.
After the start of the second half, the Pumas launched and forced a penalty, allowing Fouché to add three points.
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He slotted another penalty shortly before Westraadt scored his second. A kicking game followed with not much running rugby. Whitehead slotted two more penalties, but their lack in capitalising on the Pumas’ mistakes led to a tryless second half.
