The Pumas were one of two teams to return home from the U18 Craven Week undefeated.
The 2022 U18 Craven Week was played in Rondebosch, Cape Town, last week.
The U18 Pumas won their three matches, scoring 136 points in the process. They conceded 44 points in these three games.
The Mpumalanga lads scored 21 tries and conceded seven during the week.
Pumas captain Grant de Jager was the top try scorer of the 2022 U18 Craven Week, with four.
The Pumas’ first match was against the Limpopo Blue Bulls last Tuesday.
The Mpumalanga team won 41-14.
Ben-Frederik Jansen van Vuuren, Danny van Staden, Drikus Greeff, Grant, Philasande Ntshapela and Francois Odendaal scored tries for the Pumas.
Hardus Visser kicked four conversions and a penalty.
Last Thursday, the Pumas defeated the Griffons 48-18.
The try scorers for Mpumalanga were Rinkhals Smit, Fumani Chauke, Grant, Philasande, Tyron Moolman and Francois.
Hardus nailed four conversions.
On the feature match day last Saturday, the Pumas were matched against the Griquas.
The U18 boys from Mpumalanga were too strong for the Northern Cape lads and won 47-12.
Njabulo Shabangu and Grant each scored two tries. The other tries were scored by Francois, Danny and Philasande.
Hardus kicked four conversions and Danny two.
Grant said the players were well prepared.
“It was a team effort. We also had a good training camp (prior to the Craven Week). That helped us a lot. The long bus trip helped us to bond and build even more spirit. We set our goals for three out of three matches and we accomplished this. We were all also just so excited and happy to play and had a bond like no other team, and that attributed to out victories,” said the captain.
Grant said the 21 tries scored was part of the game plans.
“We said that if we were in the opponent’s half, we would play fast and make good decisions. This led to the tries.”
The captain was extremely proud of his team.
“It was easy to captain the team, because they were always disciplined. To be selected captain of the Pumas Craven Week team was a great privilege. I will never forget what it meant to me to represent the Pumas. I could not have done it without the vice captain, Drikus Greeff. Without the other players on the field, we would not have done it, and I want to thank my brothers in pink.”
The results showed that the coaching staff had done their job.
“The team had excellent coaching and support staff that really helped us pull through. Thanks to them, we were not only a better team, but better people. I just want to thank Coach Piet, Coach Gunther, Coach Wandile, team manger Meneer Pieter, and Oom Deon and Prof Peet, who made the difference to the team and made us the best we could be,” said Grant.
“Thank you to our sponsors, BUCO Nelspruit, KSC Clothing and Bert Smith All Stars Rugby. Also thank you to each parent and supporter who walked this road with us.”
• The 2022 SA Rugby U18 Academy Week was played in Wellington last week.
Pumas U18 Academy results:
Pumas 48 – Valke 12.
Pumas 87 – Limpopo Blue Bulls 17.
Pumas 39 – Leopards 32
Pumas 12 – Eastern Province 42
Pumas 25 – Border 25.
