Pumas target Valke and Lions

Pumas target Valke and Lions

24 Jul 2006

Despite giving the defending Absa Currie Cup champions a fright at the weekend, Pumas coach Chris Grobler is not a happy man.

The 42-27 defeat to the Cheetahs was the Witbank outfit’s fifth in five games, which leaves them rooted to the bottom of the Currie Cup log with just two points.

“Once again it was our concentration that let us down, Grobler told keo.co.za. “It is becoming hugely frustrating for me and the players. We could have won three of our games, or come close at least if we had held our concentration.”

Apart from Saturday’s match were the Pumas were asleep at the start of each half and conceded three converted tries, they also surrendered a 26-3 lead against Griquas and allowed a ten minute blitzkrieg by the Blue Bulls last weekend to end on the losing side again.

“Those soft tries (against the Cheetahs) were inexcusable. That was 21 points we handed to them on a silver plate.” And if you take those 21 points away from the Cheetahs score you can see why the coach is not a happy man.

“We worked hard today on drills that required concentration and hopefully it will help. We will continue the exercises throughout the week and we will see what happens at the weekend.”

The Pumas are targeting their next two games – against the Valke and Lions – as matches they can get a tick or two in the win column. “I believe a win for this team is around the corner and we have to look at both the Valke and Lions as an opportunity to do just that.”

Grobler said the Pumas are nursing a few “bumps and bruises”, but that he expected to be able to pick a similar team to that which did duty against the Cheetahs for Friday night’s game in Witbank against the Valke.

By Andrew Hollely


21 Comments

  • 1.jondood is Cape Shark's little bitch: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:05 pm

    The Lions must be missing Luyt now.

  • 2.Quinnyshark: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:19 pm

    I really rate the Puma’s inside centre – Meyer. If I’m correct, I think the Lions let him slip out of their fingers as he was at UJ. Shame.

  • 3.mossel: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:22 pm

    lions goin down to the lesser felines

  • 4.walter: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:24 pm

    QS, Meyer had a great game, stood out in the 2nd half when the Pumas staged a mini-comeback against the Sharks

  • 5.suparugby: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:26 pm

    Pumas vs Lions for wooden spoon

  • 6.Andrew: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:31 pm

    Meyer is a Test player. Played for Namibia.

  • 7.Quinnyshark: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:31 pm

    Nah – I rate the Pumas more than the Valke. Valke-Lions for the wooden spoon.

  • 8.Quinnyshark: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:34 pm

    Pity about Meyer being capped already. Give him a little more experience – incl a S14 contract – & I think he’ll be one of the best 12′s in the country!

  • 9.JUSM: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:35 pm

    agreed 12 had a good game, but what a f-up by him when he could have fallen on the ball for an easy try and fumbled it over the line. eish.

  • 10.Skim: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:39 pm

    Hendrik Meyer?
    He had a great game.

  • 11.Skim: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:40 pm

    JUSM – that wasn’t meyer, that was sahsa marot.

  • 12.Skim: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:48 pm

    I’m surprised they want to target the valke.

  • 13.Quinnyshark: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 15:55 pm

    Hmm, I wonder how training was at Loftus today… Griquas tails are up. Could be quite interesting! Wonder if the Bulls will persist with their 3-prop backline?

  • 14.Skim: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 16:02 pm

    LOL
    3 prop backline!

  • 15.JUSM: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 16:13 pm

    Skim, you sure? i though it was 12. whoever it was though, what a **** up.

  • 16.Skim: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 16:17 pm

    I AM SURE.
    I AM NEVER EVER EVER MISTAKEN.

  • 17.Quinnyshark: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 16:20 pm

    It’s true! Even Ryno Gerber could outrun the Bulls 11/12/13….
    Yup, & JUSM it was Marot who stuffed-up on Sat, not Meyer. Meyer was one of the better players on the park. Also thought Oelschig from the Cheetahs had a good game – better than Classens!

  • 18.Skim: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 16:21 pm

    I never knew Falie could play 10!

  • 19.Quinnyshark: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 16:25 pm

    Yeah, me neither, & he didn’t play too badly either! Man, think the Cheetahs should give him a little more game time! Pumas replacement fullback (for Steyn) also showed some nice touches. Was pleasantly surprised by the Pumas this weekend – & here I thought they were just the Bulls Veterans XV/Casper Steyn XV.

  • 20.suparugby: Reply to this comment
    24 Jul 2006, 16:49 pm

    quiny

    I know the bulls backs are big and try to run over people and i dont like it but Welsh is anything but slow! Did you watch the Pumas game? He ran the Puma centre in from behind! The centre intercepted the ball and Frikkie had to turn around and chase him. Havent seen something like that in a while. He chased dim for a good 45 metres!

  • 21.Provvas: Reply to this comment
    25 Jul 2006, 08:28 am

    Ja but Supa, The puma centre is a bulls veteran…so you see now how “fast” he really is.. :mrgreen:

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