We have a lively discussion regarding the Vodacom Bulls' latest player movements and ask why Jimme Stonehouse is not coaching at one of the top unions.
Bonus-point victories in the Carling Currie Cup saw the Lions, Vodacom Bulls and Tafel Lager Griquas return to winning ways after disappointing starts to their Premier Division campaigns last weekend, but it’s still early days and with two big clashes scheduled for Wednesday, the competition will soon hit a new gear.
The Lions completed an extraordinary Carling Currie Cup victory over a never-say-die DHL Western Province side in a 38-32 try-fest in Johannesburg last Wednesday night.
With just over 10 minutes to go, the home team were firmly in control, but two yellow cards in quick succession opened the door for the Capetonians to score three late tries to put themselves in a position to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Players to watch: Lions: PJ Botha. Western Province: Evan Roos
Scorers:
Lions 38 (24) – Tries: Sibusiso Sangweni, Rabz Maxwane (2), PJ Botha (2), Ruben Schoeman. Conversions: Fred Zeilinga (4).
DHL Western Province 32 (10) – Tries: Juarno Augustus, Paul de Wet, Cornel Smit, Penalty try. Conversions: Tim Swiel (2). Penalties: Tim Swiel (2).
Tafel Lager Griquas bounced back from their opening round Carling Currie Cup loss with a 31-10 bonus-point win over a young Toyota Cheetahs team in Kimberley on Saturday.
Following a first-round bye, the visitors were determined to start their Carling Currie Cup campaign on a high but ran into a spirited home side in what was a typically tough Central Derby for the first 50 minutes, before the Peacock Blues spread their wings.
With 13 players making their Carling Currie Cup debut for the Bloemfontein team due to COVID cases and injuries, including Springbok flank Jacques Potgieter, who featured prominently, teething problems were evident, particularly, a lack of finishing countless opportunities they created.
Players to watch: Cheetahs: Ruan Pienaar. Griquas: Eduan Keyter.
Scorers:
Tafel Lager Griquas 31 (7) – Tries: Masixole Banda, Jay-Cee Nel, Mzwanele Zito, Eduan Keyter. Conversions: George Whitehead (4). Penalty: Whitehead.
Toyota Cheetahs 10 (3) – Try: Gideon van Wyk. Conversion: Ruan Pienaar. Penalty: Pienaar.
A lively discussion regarding the Bulls contracting model as well as the past week's Currie Cup Premier Division Action
Defending Carling Currie Cup champions, the Vodacom Bulls scored a hard-fought 32-27 win over an ever-charging New Nation Pumas side at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening.
The home side lost their opening match in the Premier Division last week and thanks to a 17-3 lead at the break, managed a good enough buffer to withstand the Lowvelders' fightback in the second half.
The Vodacom Bulls scored four tries and the visitors three, with a first-half New Nation Pumas try ruled out due to a forward pass proving crucial in the bigger scheme of things, while flyhalf Eddie Fouche will also ponder on three missed kicks to goal.
Marcell Coetzee and his men will gladly take the bonus point though, while the visitors at least have a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.
Players to watch: Vodacom Bulls: Cornal Hendricks. Pumas: Ettienne Taljaard.
Scorers:
Vodacom Bulls 32 (17) – Tries: Harold Vorster, Madosh Tambwe, Cornal Hendricks, David Kriel. Conversions: Chris Smith (3). Penalties: Chris Smith (2).
New Nation Pumas 27 (3) – Tries: Etienne Taljaard, Eddie Fouche, Tapiwa Mafura. Conversions: Eddie Fouche (2). Penalties. Eddie Fouche (2).