Pumas face table-topping Bulls in Mbombela after mauling by Lions

The Airlink Pumas suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Fidelity ADT Lions for a second time in the 2024 Carling Currie Cup on Saturday August 10.

After losing 75-12 to the Lions in Mbombela on July 12, the Pumas travelled to Johannesburg determined for revenge.

But the Lions once again dominated the Mpumalanga team, winning 52-12, after leading 27-5 at half-time.

The Gautengers scored eight tries to the Pumas’ two.

The Pumas could not obtain or retain enough possession to dominate their opponents. The Lions were a slick, well-oiled machine, dominating at the breakdowns and winning turnover ball almost at ease.

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The possession the Lions secured ensured they had the best of the attacking play, with the home team making 125 tackles to the Pumas’ 206.

The Pumas were played off the park by a Lions team who simply played better as a unit. The Lions made 20 offloads to the Pumas’ 13, reflecting the home team’s dominance. That the Pumas conceded 10 penalties did little to help their cause.

Pumas hooker Eduan Swart made 19 tackles during the match, the most of any player.

Lions full back Quan Horn was in devastating form. He made 12 carries and gained 170m. His teammate, Ruan Venter, scored three tries.

After the weekend’s fixtures, the Vodacom Bulls top the log with 26 points. The Lions are second on 23, the Toyota Cheetahs third also on 23, and the Pumas fourth on 18.

The Airlink Pumas will host the Bulls at Mbombela Stadium at 17:15 on Friday, August 16. They will have to be at their best to keep their Currie Cup semi-final destiny in their own hands.

Scorers:
Fidelity ADT Lions
• Tries: Ruan Venter (3), Kelly Mpeku, Bronson Mills, Nico Steyn, Jarod Cairns, Sibabalo Qoma
• Conversions: Mills (6)
• Penalty goal: Mills.
Airlink Pumas
• Tries: Phiko Sobahle, Darren Adonis
• Conversion: Clinton Swart.