Thurlow Marsh lauded the Boland Cavaliers’ fast start and defence after they blew away the Stormers XXIII on Sunday, but boss Hawies Fourie warns of a desperate Pumas up next.
The Cavaliers won 41-3 at Boland Stadium, keeping Fourie’s men unbeaten after two rounds of the Currie Cup and handing the Stormers their first defeat of the campaign.
A second-half hat-trick by Jayden Bantom capped off the win for the hosts, after Domenic Smit and Xavier Mitchell crossed in the opening minutes to give them the ideal platform.
“The conditions suited us. We didn’t concede any tries, and the defence coach [Charl Strydom] would be happy about it,” captain and No 8 Marsh told SuperSport post-match.
RECAP: Brilliant Bantom stars in Boland blowout
“We knew if we had a fast start against our neighbours from the Cape, we would blow the wind out of their sails. After that we kept building phases and like a mamba, we got them … they slowly died afterwards.”
Fourie admitted Boland left points out on the field before the break but improved after the restart, a Joshua Eras try and Bantom’s trifecta sealing the bonus point.
“In the first half we had at least four opportunities we should’ve finished, so 13-3 at half-time wasn’t satisfying,” he said. “The effort in the second half was a lot better.”
Conceding one try in last week’s win over the Bulls XV, the head coach also praised the defence, saying: “I’m proud of Charl, he works hard to create a defence culture. It’s not something that comes naturally to most of our guys – they want to attack!
ICYMI: Lions run riot against Pumas
“But you can see it’s starting to bear fruit, and at the end of the day, it’s what wins you competitions.”
On Man of the Match Bantom, who also kicked four conversions and a penalty, Fourie added. “Jayden’s a very special player. He wasn’t great in the first half, but he was brilliant in the second.”
One point separates Boland from log-leaders and Fourie’s former team, the Cheetahs, who visit the Stormers on Saturday.
Now, Fourie is focused on next Sunday’s clash in Wellington against the Pumas, still winless after a 52-29 defeat to the Lions in round two.
“Us and the Cheetahs have a bit of an advantage, but there are still five games left. It’s important we put this game behind us,” the 2023 Currie Cup winner said.
“I told the guys the Pumas are in a dangerous position. They have their backs to the wall and will be desperate.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Thurlow Marsh lauded the Boland Cavaliers’ fast start and defence after they blew away the Stormers XXIII on Sunday, but boss Hawies Fourie warns of a desperate Pumas up next.
The post Cavs skipper: Like a mamba, we got Stormers appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
