Pumas prove their worth

 

Having been forced out of the tournament when it was shrunk down to a six team affair, the Pumas have had to claw their way back by defeating the Griquas in a two legged promotion-relegation match last year.

 

For the Pumas it is about proving they are a serious contender in South African Rugby with there being no better way to announce themselves back on the scene with a win over the Free State Cheetahs.

 

"It is obviously very important to start with a win, especially seeing as we are coming back to the Currie Cup," coach Stonehouse told rugby365.

 

"It was great to see the confidence it gave the guys as well."

 

The Pumas did well in executing their game plan against the Cheetahs who looked a little poor in their own execution.

 

We are happy with the way we played against the Cheetahs in executing out game plan but it does not mean that we are ridged in it," Stonehouse continued.

 

"It will depend on who we play against, we will change some things here and there but mostly we will stick to what we do best."

 

Another aspect that the coach was happy to have on his side was the Nelspruit crowd which he says is steadily growing on the team.

 

"It is only our second year down there, [at the Mbombela stadium] a lot of people are still Cheetahs or Blue Bulls fans so we are most peoples second team," he said.

 

"That does mean however that when we score everybody is cheering us on which is quite nice as they are supporting us.

 

"The crowd was great Friday evening when we were under pressure, they were shouting the whole time and that made a big difference,

 

"If we can get another win or two I think the stadium will get fuller and fuller."

 

The Pumas will be without that home-ground support when they travel to Durban to face the defending champion Sharks on Saturday at Kings Park.