Coach Jimmy Stonehouse believes the Pumas have what it takes to be crowned this season’s Currie Cup champions after their emphatic victory over the Cheetahs.
The Pumas hammered the Cheetahs 52-26 in Mbombela on Saturday to finish third on the Currie Cup points table and book their place in the last four.
Stonehouse was delighted with the way his players responded after failing to make the most of their opportunities against Griquas the previous week.
“The players really went out there and made the most of the opportunity. I’m very proud of the way the players played,” Stonehouse told Netwerk24 on Sunday.
MORE: Currie Cup semi-final lineup confirmed
“Our goal is to win the Currie Cup and we are confident that we can do it,” said Stonehouse.
The Pumas were also forced to cope without several players through injury and suspension against the Cheetahs, but Stonehouse was impressed by those who stepped into the breach.
“The players who played in their places played excellently,” he said.
“André Goedhals was incredible, he used the opportunity he got. The same goes for Gustav du Rand, who was the replacement hooker. In addition, Clinton Swart was incredibly good.”
Stonehouse expects competition for places to intensify ahead of the semi-final, with players pushing hard on the training field.
“The players really performed well on the training field last week. I think in the coming week it is going to be even better,” he said.
“There were so many players who performed well in the training sessions and put their hands up to be selected.”
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
The post ‘Proud’ Jimmy backs Pumas to go all the way appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Jimmy Stonehouse believes the Pumas have what it takes to be crowned this season’s Currie Cup champions after their emphatic victory over the Cheetahs.
The post ‘Proud’ Jimmy backs Pumas to go all the way appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
