Preparation Series: Griquas finish strong

Dave Alexander|Published 3 years ago

KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 27: Andre Swarts of Griquas and Ali Mgijima of Pumas during the SA Rugby Preparation Series match between Tafel Lager Griquas and New Nation Pumas at Tafel Lager Park on March 27, 2021 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images)

THE MATCH was as tough as expected, but the Tafel Lager Griquas just managed to overcome an abrasive New Nation Pumas outfit winning by a narrow 23-22 margin in an intriguing game at Tafel Lager Park in what was their final round match in the Preparation Series on Saturday afternoon.

Although Griquas only scored one try and Pumas three, the reliable Tinus de Beer contributed 18 points with the boot, while Pumas flyhalf Eddie Fouche missed a critical penalty after the final hooter which would have given the visitors the win.

The old demon, Griquas' poor discipline, let them down on a number of occasions and they were shown three yellow cards during the game. One just before halftime and two in the second half. Problems in the front row saw scrums collapsing although this improved in the latter stages of the game. But it has to be said that Griquas also lost far too many turnover balls and gave away far too many penalties, due to their ill-discipline.

But against a team that has had the upper hand over them of late, a win is a win.

Griquas led 11-0 at the break, and then let through 19 unanswered points thanks to being shown three yellow cards and conceding a penalty try.

Tinus de Beer of Griquas kicking the conversion during the SA Rugby Preparation Series match against the Pumas at Tafel Lager Park on Saturday. Picture: Frikkie Kapp, Gallo Images via BackpagePix

However, despite those setbacks Griquas reset and fought back strongly to take the game down to the wire.

Head coach Scott Mathie told the DFA that there were some nervy moments in the game, but they were happy with their second win.

“Yes we are happy with the win, I think that was the most important thing. There were some anxious moments as it looked like we made it difficult for ourselves. I think we really managed the period we had two yellow cards very well, to come back in the game, which we thought was good.”

The coach added that the squad would be off for the next two weeks using the time to prepare for the season ahead. “We will return to start preparing for the next competition, which we will only hear about (leter). It was great to end the Preparation Series competition with the two wins, so I am looking upwards,” Mathie concluded.

Point Scorers:

Tafel Lager Griquas (23) Try: Daniel Kasende. Penalties: Tinus de Beer (6)

New Nation Pumas (22) Tries: Etienne Taljaardt, Simon Westraadt, Penalty try. Conversion: Eddie Fouché. Penalty: Fouché