NWU-Pukke cruise past Madibaz

The Potchefstroom side score four tries to Madibaz' solo score. Hooker Wilmar Arnoldi and centre Elden Schoeman added the first two tries while in the second half, captain Jeandré Rudolph crossed the chalk twice to secure his side the bonus-point win.

NWU-Pukke opened the scoreboard thanks to successful kick by flyhalf Schalk Hugo, 3-0.

Pukke kept piling on the pressure and the Madibaz' defence could not keep up. It was not long before Arnoldi barged over the chalk for the try, 10-0.

The second try was always looming.

Centre Schoeman the man to score. With the help of wing Jimmy Mpailanem who proved to be the firecracker, who kept the ball in play with some magic on the touchline. Pukke shifted inside to centre Elden Schoeman who burst over Madibaz defender for his try, 17-0.

The Madibaz started to creep their way into the game as Lindelwe Zungu and Somila Jho started to produce some great passing, however, the defence of Pukke proved too strong.

And before the sides broke for the second half, Madibaz' woes were increased as they went down to 14-men. Xandre Vos received his marching orders after his shoulder charge.

The reigning champs started the second half with the same intent and were soon rewarded with a penalty. Madibaz penalised at the breakdown inside the 10-metre line and Hugo stepped up to slot over the uprights for the three-pointer, 20-0 after 45 minutes.

Madibaz managed to score a consolation try. Vos finally broke the deadlock as he went over for his team's first try of the match. Bolze had no problem with adding the extras, 7-20 after 55 minutes.

After the strategic break, Madibaz' ill-discipline shot them in the foot as their yet again conceded a penalty. Hugo extended the lead to 23-7.

And before the final hooter, Jeandré Rudolph sealed the bonus point for his teams and a brace for himself. The first one came from a tap-and-go, while the second one was due to a loose ball collected by the captain. Hugo was successful with both conversions to give them a lead of 37-7.

The scorers:

For NWU-Pukke:

Try: Arnoldi, Elden Schoeman, Rudolph 2

Cons: Hugo 4

Pens: Hugo 3

For Madibaz:

Try: Vos

Con: Bolze

Yellow card: Xandre Vos (Madibaz), Jimmy Mpailane (NWU-Pukke)  

Teams:

NWU-Pukke: 15 Lungelo Gosa, 14 Jimmy Mpailane, 13 Elden Schoeman, 12 Hendrik Marais, 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Schalk Hugo, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Jeandré Rudolph (captain), 7 Jan Venter, 6 Wandile Mazibuko, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Loftus Morrison, 3 Dewald Dekker, 2 Wilmar Arnoldi, 1 Rudolph van Deventer.

Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Nicolaas van Tonder, 18 Morné Strydom, 19 Jaco Swanepoel, 20 Marcel Henn, 21 Caleb Louw, 22 Nkululeko Mcuma, 23 Justin Newman.

NMMU-Madibaz: 15 Lindelwe Zungu, 14 Khaya Malotana, 13 Thomas Kean, 12 Somila Jho, 11 Athenkosi Mayinje, 10 Simon Bolze, 9 Lovu Claassen, 8 Kevin Kaba (captain), 7 Henry Brown, 6 Stephanus Nieuwoudt, 5 Gerrit Huisamen, 4 Wynand Grassmann, 3 Nicolas Roebeck, 2 JP Jamieson, 1 Xandre Vos.

Replacements: 16 Jedwin Harty, 17 Tembelihle Yase, 18 Janse Roux, 19 Jayson Reinecke, 20 Rouche Nel, 21 Jordan Koekemoer, 22 Luan Nieuwoudt, 23 Nicolaas Oosthuizen.

Referee: AJ Jacobs

Assistant referees: Local

TMO: Willie Vos