Scrumhalf Thomas Bursey says his strong understanding with Nevaldo Fleurs will be key when the Pumas face defending Currie Cup champions Griquas in Mbombela on Friday.
The Pumas halfback pairing was on fire against the Stormers XXIII in Mbombela last weekend, with Bursey scoring a try and Fleurs slotting three conversions and a penalty in the 29-7 victory. The two had previously combined for Maties in the 2022 Varsity Cup final.
MORE: Griquas suffer double lock blow
The Selborne College old boy was particularly excited to join the Pumas from Griquas last season knowing he would have the opportunity to link up with Fleurs once again.
“I think in a way we complement each other well on the field and our understanding is also good,” Bursey told Netwerk24.
That combination has been built on trust, with Bursey confident Fleurs will be in the right place when the Pumas look to move the ball.
“I can rely on him and when I pass the ball, I know he’s there. He makes me look good,” Bursey said.
“Because we get along so well, we also analyse matches together. We’re on the same page about a lot of things.”
PUMAS – 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (c), 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Etienne Janeke.
Bench: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Zukisa Sali, 18 Junior Banda, 19 André Goedhals, 20 De Wet Marais, 21 Russwill Fredericks, 22 Clinton Swart, 23 Tino Swanepoel.
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
