Staff Reporter.
@GalloImages.
The Pumas streaked to a surprise victory against the Sharks in Durban to bank their fourth win of the season in the first of two Friday night Currie Cup clashes.
In a game of three tries, two scored by Pumas fullback Devon Williams, the Sharks went down 20-10 at home.
A well-struck penalty from Eddie Fouché opened the scoring for the Pumas early in the first-half. Moments later, the away side scored the first try of the evening through Williams followed by Fouché’s conversion to extend their lead to 10-0.
Following a contentious knock-on incident, Sharks flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain slotted a drop-goal to cut the deficit to seven points, but their joy was short-lived as Williams went over for his second try of the evening. Fouché slotted the subsequent conversion to take the Pumas into a 17-3 half-time lead.
The Sharks managed to steady the ship and plug the leaks as they restored a semblance of balance in the second-half.
Continuing to pile on the pressure, the home side scored their first of the evening as replacement hooker Fez Mbatha finished off a powerful driving maul.Chamberlain slotted the conversion to bring the deficit down to seven.
But the Sharks’ second-half surge failed to reach the scoreboard again as the Pumas kept the hosts at bay for an impressive victory.
Next week, the Sharks are away to the Cheetahs while the Pumas host Western Province.
Scorers
Cell C Sharks 10 – try: Fez Mbatha. Conversion: Boeta Chamberlain. Penalty: Chamberlain.
Airlink Pumas 20 – tries: Devon Williams (2). Conversions: Eddie Fouche (2). Penalties: Fouche (2).