OWN CORRESPONDENT, Kimberly | Friday, 8.00pm.
GRIQUAS showed a sensational first-half score run in which they scored six tries, and then went on to notch up a definite 64-7 win over Mpumalanga Pumas in their Bankfin Currie Cup rugby match at the Absa Park stadium on Friday.
Griquas led 36-0 at halftime.
It was man of the match flyhalf Gaffie du Toit who scored the first of his three tries in the 12th minute to set Griquas alight. Employing brilliant passing, Griquas proceded to tear the heart out of the Puma defence. And throughout it all Du Toit was the general, kicking huge touches, up and unders, getting his line going and also taking the gaps with his usual flair.
The Pumas scored their only try when their captain and lock Phillip de Lange crossed over 10 minutes into the second half.
Griquas scored four second half tries all of which were converted by Du Toit, who contributed 29 points to the demolition job.
Scorers: For Griquas: Tries by flyhalf Gaffie du Toit (3), replacement 8th man Janneman Brand (2), debutant right wing Scholla Scholtz (2), hooker Basil de Coning, left wing Robert Markram and centre Lourens Venter. Dut Toit kicked 7 conversions.
For Pumas: SA try by lock Phillip de Lange converted by left wing Andries Fourie.
Andre Joubert, former Springbok fullback, will play flyhalf for the Natal Sharks when they take on Border in East London on Saturday. Coach Ian McIntosh was forced to take the gamble after both his regular flyhalves, Henry Honiball and Jaco van der Westhuizen, came down with injuries in the week.
The Border Cavaliers will have to know their defenseive patterns when the Blue Bulls, sporting one of the most potent backlines in the competition, visit Wellington on Saturday.
In a replay of last year’s final, the Free State Cheetahs will clash with Western Province at Newlands on Sunday. The Cheetahs must win the match or their aspirations to the Currie Cup will be swept out the door.
Bobby Skinstad will once again lead Province, and they should have the better of the Cheetahs in what will most likely be the match of the weekend.
The South-Western Districts Eagles will play against Northern Free State in Welkom on Saturday, and should the Eagles beat the Purple People Eaters, the way to a semifinal is still open.