Pumas coast to easy win

Nelspruit - The Pumas produced sparkling running rugby as they romped to a 64-7 win in their Vodacom Cup match against the Griffons here on Saturday.

The hosts scored 10 tries, and most of their five-pointers were set up by pinpoint passing, excellent handling and the ability to attack space at pace.

The Griffons fluffed their lines because their handling and passing lacked accuracy, which was clearly evident when the Pumas started attacking movements.

Corne Steenkamp produced a flawless performance as captain and flank as he inspired the Pumas forwards.

The forwards dominated the Griffons in the first phase and bullied them at the breakdowns.

The backline were in sublime form throughout the match and produced several good moves that culminated in tries.

Two of the standout performers were scrumhalf Francois de Klerk and replacement Frank Herne, who each scored a brace.

De Klerk was nippy and whenever the Pumas forwards produced go-forward ball, he utilised the space with some great breaks, as he had the defenders in tatters on two occasions before scoring tries.

The interplay between forwards and backs was another attractive characteristic of the Pumas’ play.

The Griffons were overwhelmed after the break and had no defensive answer to the continuity and ability by the hosts to recycle the ball through several phases.

Scorers:

Pumas:

Tries: Rosko Specman (2), Francois de Klerk, Frank Herne (2), TJ Steenkamp, Carl Bezuidenhout, Stefan Watermeyer, JW Bell, Wilhelm Loock

Conversions: Tiaan Marx (4), Bezuidenhout (3)

Griffons:

Try: Andries Mahoney

Conversion: Hansie Graaff