Photo Credit: Speedshots.co.za
During the past week's Preparation Series we were treated to some exciting rugby. Unfortunately, it must be said there are several worrying aspects that need urgent attention by the Top16 franchises.
Lions vs Cell C Sharks
Lions fullback Tiaan Swanepoel kicked an injury-time penalty goal to clinch a thrilling 43-40 win for the Highvelders over the Cell C Sharks in Johannesburg on Saturday evening.
Both sides scored six tries apiece and each team succeeded with five conversions, which saw them heading into the final straight with the scores locked at 40-40 after 80 minutes of incredible attacking rugby.
However, Cell C Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am ventured offside at a breakdown and that transgression was enough to present Swanepoel with an easy penalty goal attempt.
The home team, captained by Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies, led 26-14 at the break in this 2021 Kick-off Pools clash.
Ngia Selengbe, Swanepoel, Vincent Tshituka, Courtnall Skosan, Dan Jooste and Wandisile Simelane scored a try each for the Joburg side, while Swanepoel (2) and Jantjies (3) succeeded with five conversions between them.
Forward replacements Dylan Richardson (hooker) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop) each managed to score two second-half tries apiece for the visitors, to add to the first-half tries by Aphelele Fassi (fullback) and Werner Kok (right-wing).
Vodacom Bulls vs DHL Stormers
The Vodacom Bulls outlasted the DHL Stormers 34-29 in a dramatic match in Pretoria on Friday, defeating their Cape rivals in yet another nail-biting North-South clash.
A penalty try 10 minutes from time paved the way for the Capetonians to edge the Vodacom Bulls - who were trailing 20-14 at the break – into the lead for the first time after the opening five minutes of play, and seeming towards victory.
A mishap by DHL Stormers No 8 Juarno Augustus, who lost the ball as he crossed the line in the dying seconds cost his team the opportunity to draw level with a possible match-winning conversion in the pipeline.
Earlier in the half, Vodacom Bulls flanker, Tim Agaba, suffered the same fate as his side launched a second-half comeback of note.
New Nation Pumas vs Toyota Cheetahs
New Nation Pumas flyhalf Eddie Fouche scored a try, conversion and five penalty goals to secure an encouraging home win in his side’s 2021 Kick-off series clash against the Toyota Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Friday, scoring all his team’s points in the 22-15 victory.
The calm and collected Fouche was the star of the show in the humid Mpumalanga conditions.
The first half was competitive as the teams tried hard to make their presence felt, but with both sides holding their own on defence neither team was able to breakthrough.
Instead, the New Nation Pumas took advantage of the Toyota Cheetahs ill-discipline to kick four penalty goals, while the visitors’ only points in the first half were compliments of a penalty goal by Ruan Pienaar (scrumhalf) and a stunning long-range dropgoal by Rhyno Smith (fullback).
The visitors didn’t do themselves any favours as they conceded a handful of penalties, while they were also reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes in the second quarter as Chris Smit (centre) was sent to the sin-bin for infringing at a breakdown from an illegal position.
Griquas vs Eastern Province
As expected Griquas outplayed a hopelessly outclassed Eastern Province in Port Elizabeth, for a 43-0 win. One has to again ask the question what was the purpose to include a province that has no class on the field and in their administration. The only thing politicians are achieving is to humiliate players that are expected to perform at a level they will never attain.
Seven tries to none say it all. Griquas recorded their first win since rugby restarted late in 2020 in a match in which they had to play a visibly negative Elephants team that was only interested in keeping the scoreline small. A scoreline that actually flatters the home team.
