Pumas hold strong to deny Lions

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The Pumas held off a second-half surge from the Lions in Nelspruit on Friday to extend their Currie Cup winning streak to four matches.

Having opened the season with a 60-point win against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, the Pumas on Friday recovered from spotting the Lions an early 3-0 lead to win 34-27 at Mbombela Stadium.

Tries from Diego Appollis and Devon Williams, complemented by two conversions and a penalty goal from Brandon Thomas, set the defending champions in good stead going into half time.

Ten minutes into the second half, however, the Lions upped the ante and got the scoreboard rolling with a try from Boldwin Hansen. The Pumas struck back soon after through flanker Andre Fouche and, for the remaining 25 minutes, the two sides exchanged tries in what ended as a seven-try second half storm.

Ultimately, the Pumas defence was able to hold off a strong resurgence from the Lions, and Appollis’ second score in the dying moments of the game allowed the hosts to close out the win.

The Pumas are now 2-0 and their fifth straight victory against the Lions in the Currie Cup has given them a promising start to their title defence.

In round 3 next Friday, the Pumas host Griquas in the first rematch of last year’s final while the Lions are at home to Griffons.

Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images

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