EP Kings remain 7th on the log

Eastern Province Kings went down 9-20 to Steval Pumas in their Absa Currie Cup match over the weekend. This means Pumas kept their slim semi-final hopes alive.

Eastern Province Kings went down 9-20 to Steval Pumas in their Absa Currie Cup match over the weekend. This means Pumas kept their slim semi-final hopes alive.

After seven rounds, the Lions are out in front on 33 points, followed by the Blue Bulls (25). Last year’s winners, WP, are currently third on 24, followed by the Cheetahs on 17. The Cell C Sharks (13) and Pumas (also 13) follow next, then the Kings in seventh place (7) and Griquas (6).

Steval Pumas (17) 20 Eastern Province (9) 9

The Kings had promised much against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth last weekend but they found repeating their heroics away from home against the Pumas a bridge too far. Two Scott van Breda penalties gave the Kings an early 6-0 lead. The Pumas struck back with a skilful try when No 8 and man-of-the-match Jason-Collin Fraser dotted down. Flyhalf Justin van Staden added the two points.

Kings flank Thembelani Bholi was yellow carded in 19th minute and Van Staden duly landed the penalty to put the home side 10-6 in front. The Pumas increased their lead when prolific try scorer Marnus Schoeman crashed over from a driving maul and Van Staden kicked the conversion. Van Breda landed his third penalty to send to Pumas into a 17-9 halftime lead. Van Staden added another penalty after the restart as the Pumas took control. However, despite their dominance they were unable to add any further points.

Scorers:

Steval Pumas – Tries: Jason-Collin Fraser, Marnus Schoeman; Conversions: Justin van Staden (2); Penalties: Justin van Staden (2)

Eastern Province Kings – Penalties: Scott van Breda (3)

The current Absa Currie Cup log standings after round seven:

-SARU Corporate Affairs