A hat-trick from flanker Ntsika Fisanti powered the Pumas to a commanding 47-10 bonus-point win over Eastern Province in their SA Cup clash in Mbombela on Friday night.
The Lowvelders ran in seven tries to secure their second straight victory of the campaign after opening their account with a win over South Western Districts in George last week.
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When the Pumas found their rhythm, they looked electric with ball in hand.
Fisanti led the charge with three tries in a tireless display at openside flank, while fellow loose forward Ruwald van der Merwe and centre Sango Xamlashe also impressed in a lively attacking performance from the hosts.
The Pumas started the match on the front foot and quickly turned pressure into points when Xamlashe crossed for the opening try.
Eastern Province briefly threatened to stay in the fight when fullback Lwandile Mapuko sliced through for the visitors’ only try midway through the first half.
But the home side took firm control before the break as Fisanti and Xamlashe – grabbing his second – both crossed for converted tries to stretch the lead.
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Despite moments of attacking brilliance, the Pumas were not flawless. Handling errors at key moments, uncertainty under the high ball and inconsistent kicking from hand allowed Eastern Province occasional opportunities to stay in the contest.
However, any hopes of a comeback faded as the match wore on, with the Pumas finishing strongly to seal a convincing victory.
Elsewhere in the competition, the Cheetahs hammered the Leopards 64-7 in Potchefstroom.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
The post Fisanti bags hat-trick as Pumas run riot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A hat-trick from flanker Ntsika Fisanti powered the Pumas to a commanding 47-10 bonus-point win over Eastern Province in their SA Cup clash in Mbombela on Friday night.
The post Fisanti bags hat-trick as Pumas run riot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
