Our set pieces held firm under pressure, and several young players stood up in key moments, proving that this team has depth and determination. The match also marked a special milestone as Cebo Dlamini earned his 50th cap and led the team out as captain—a proud moment for Griquas rugby.
We went into the break just two points behind (25–23) after a fiercely contested first half, keeping ourselves very much in the game. Our attack clicked well early on, and we found reward with three excellent tries—scored by Gustav Erlank, Mnombo Zwelendaba, and George Whitehead, who also contributed two conversions and three penalties.
But the second half took a turn when discipline and pressure became costly. Three yellow cards shifted the momentum firmly in the Pumas’ favour. The pivotal moment came just after halftime when the pressure on our defensive line became too much. Our halfback pairing of Caleb Abrahams and George Whitehead were both sent to the sin bin just two minutes apart for repeated infringements near our tryline. That left us with 13 men on the park—an uphill battle by any standard.
Despite being two men down, the boys showed massive heart to only concede 10 points in that period. But the challenges didn’t stop there. As the Pumas looked dangerous on the right-hand side, left-wing Gurshwin Wehr was also shown yellow for a deliberate knock-down, compounding the pressure in a critical stretch of the game.
The Pumas capitalised, landing a penalty and finishing off a well-worked try through replacement centre Wian van Niekerk, but it’s worth acknowledging the determination shown by our pack and backline in defense. It’s never easy playing with 14—let alone 13—but the squad dug deep and never gave up.
While the yellow cards were disappointing, they came as a result of sustained pressure and repeated infringements, and we accept those calls as part of the game’s flow. We take our learnings and move forward. There were bright sparks across the field, leadership shown in adversity, and opportunities created against one of the strongest teams in the competition. The Currie Cup is far from decided, and this squad has the belief and backbone to bounce back.
Thank you to every supporter who tuned in, sent messages, or travelled to Mbombela. We felt your backing.
Next game. Next challenge. We’re coming.
SCORERS:
Airlink Pumas – Tries: Sango Xlamlashe, Danirch Visagie, Eddie Swart, Wian van Niekerk, JJ Scheepers, Darren Adonis; Conversions: Visagie (5); Penalties: Visagie (3).
Suzuki Griquas – Tried: Gustav Erlank, George Whitehead, Mnombo Zwelendaba; Conversions: Whitehead (2); Penalties: Whitehead (3).
