Griquas beat Romania A in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein on Friday, while the Pumas went down to Georgia’s Black Lion.
The Pumas were defeated 46-36 by Black Lion in the opening match of the tournament played in cold, wet conditions.
The SA Cup champions led 21-20 at half-time after tries from winger Darren Adonis, replacement hooker Simon Westraadt and scrumhalf Thomas Bursey.
Westraadt added a second score early in the second half before No 8 Willie Engelbrecht also crossed as the Lowvelders fought to stay in front.
However, the powerful Georgian outfit dominated at scrum time and capitalised on a penalty try and a yellow card to lock JJ Scheepers to swing the momentum their way.
The lead changed hands several times before Black Lion pulled away with two late tries to secure victory.
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Griquas enjoyed a more comfortable outing, beating Romania A 35-20 after taking a 21-13 lead into the break.
Coach Pieter Bergh rotated his squad heavily, giving several fringe players an opportunity, and they responded with an impressive performance.
Centre Simon Liversage scored one of three first-half tries, while replacement flyhalf Liam Koen made a telling impact after coming on early for the injured Zinedine Robinson. Koen converted all three first-half tries and kept the scoreboard ticking over with the boot.
Romania A threatened briefly after scoring late in the first half, but Griquas remained in control despite a yellow card to fullback Cameron Hufke.
The Kimberley-based side pulled clear after the break, taking advantage of Romania A flyhalf Hinckley Voavasa’s yellow card to score two tries and seal a convincing win.
BLACK LION (46) – Tries: Otar Giorgadze, Luka Tsirekidze, Tengiz Peranidze, penalty try, Tamaz Tchamiashvili, Irakli Kvatadze, Akaki Tabutsadze. Conversions: Luka Tsirekidze, Merlynn Pieterse (2). Penalty: Pieterse.
PUMAS (36) – Tries: Darren Adonis, Simon Westraadt (2), Thomas Bursey, Willie Engelbrecht. Conversions: Nevaldo Fleurs (4). Penalty: Clinton Swart.
GRIQUAS (35) – Tries: Simon Liversage, Connor Mahoney, Jack Hart, Mheli Khuzwayo, Tom Nel. Conversions: Liam Koen (5).
ROMANIA A (20) – Tries: Tevita Manumua, Damian Bonaparte. Conversion: Jondre Williams (2), Penalties: Williams (2).
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
The post Griquas outplay Romania A, Pumas defeated appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Griquas beat Romania A in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein on Friday, while the Pumas went down to Georgia’s Black Lion.
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