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Katjies van die baan: Pumas win first-ever Currie Cup tittle, beating hosts in Kimberley

Voice Sports Team|Published

MAIDEN CHAMPIONS: Pumas

The Pumas went from the Currie Cup’s klein kat to the the katjie van die baan on Saturday, when they pipped Griquas 26-19 in Kimberley to clinch their first title.

In a historic battle of ultimate underdogs, the visitors maximised their maiden finals appearance by outscoring the hosts by three tries to one in front of a capacity crowd of 8 500 to capture the crown jewel of South African rugby.

The Pumas class of 2022, captained by flanker Willie Engelbrecht, seized the day with a heroic performance to cap a fairy-tale season under long-time coach Jimmy Stonehouse.

EMOTIONS: Jimmy Stonehouse

The two spirited unions, who defied the odds to reach the decider, largely stuck to what brought them to the doorstep of destiny, playing high-octane rugby after a nervy first 20 minutes in a final unlike any other in the history of the oldest provincial rugby competition in the world.

The Lowvelders’ temperament formed the foundation of their triumph, which was powered by superior execution, finishing and defence. Their sharpness on attack and powerful driving maul saw them score two unanswered tries, which helped them take an 18-9 lead into the break, with the hosts managing just three penalty goals via the boot of George Whitehead.

The lead grew to 17 before the Peacock Blues produced a fightback, which was sparked by a scintillating try by Munier Hartzenberg in the 57th minute.

MINNOWS: Griquas and Stormers

A late monster penalty goal from Whitehead, who’d also converted his wing’s try, gave Griquas a chance to force the final into extra time with a last-gasp converted try.

Of the franchise’s first ever win, an emotional Stonehouse says: “When that whistle blew at the end, it was just incredible.

“We try really hard at the Pumas, and for me, this is the greatest goal I’ve achieved in my whole life. I don't have words for it. Hopefully, my emotions speak for themselves. I just love this team.”

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