Bulls set for a true test as Pumas bring firepower to Loftus Versfeld
Image: BackpagePix
The Bulls will have a clear view of how their Currie Cup campaign is going after Saturday's match against the more seasoned Pumas in Pretoria.
It's expected that they will receive a sterner test from the Nelspruit side and their battle-hardened players at Loftus Versfeld (5 pm start) after two relatively easy games against Western Province and the Sharks.
Head coach Phiwe Nomlomo has selected a squad that mixes experience with youth, although he has lost a few seniors who were recalled to the United Rugby Championship (URC) squad.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Centre Stedman Gans and tighthead Francois Klopper had to be replaced after joining the senior URC side. The likes of eighth man Jeandre Rudolph, flanker Junior Pokomela, scrumhalf and captain Zak Burger, replacement loosehead prop Lizo Gqoboka and the lock pairing of Marvin Orie and Sintu Manjezi still bring vast experience to the team.
James Winstanley, assistant coach, said they are expecting a fierce contest in the set piece against the Pumas. The experience up front should be worth gold for the home side as they brace for the duel.
'They are a really well-oiled team that has been proficient over several years, and they have great cohesion, continuity and a blueprint that works for them on the field,' he said.
'However, they will be disappointed with last week (losing to the Cheetahs). We will have our first opportunity against a much older, experienced SA Cup qualifier. So, we foresee a much more difficult game on Saturday.
'We played against two youthful sides, but this next block of games looks very different against SA Cup sides. There is no point in dwelling on what has happened (in the first two matches). We were suitably prepared for them. Now, we enter a totally different challenge. After this match, we will know where we stand with our season'
Burger takes over the captaincy from flanker Nama Xaba, who is nursing a minor injury. Powerful winger Stravino Jacobs is also on the sidelines, but according to Winstanley, it is only minor niggles, and the duo should be back in action next weekend.
The Vodacom Bulls went full throttle at Loftus! 💥
A Carling #CurrieCup try-fest for the highlights reel!#WhereChampionsRise | #PremierRugbyRealPassion pic.twitter.com/KOL38Sojxs — The Carling Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) August 7, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Currie Cup log blown wide open after weekend of shock results
The Currie Cup Premier Division log was blown wide open this weekend with no more unbeaten teams left in the competition after Griquas, the Pumas, Cheetahs, and Boland Kavaliers were all victorious during the third round of the competition, while the Bulls and Lions were handed their first defeats of the campaign. Unfortunately, there was more heartache for the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in Durban when they lost by two points at home to the Cheetahs, while Western Province remain winless after another defeat in Kimberley. Griquas secured a dominant 47-17 victory over WP in Kimberley to kick off the weekend action on Friday. On Saturday, the Pumas delivered a resounding 41-7 win over the Bulls in Pretoria, before a tightly contested match in which the Cheetahs edged the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV by 7-5 in Clermont, Durban. In the round's final game in Wellington on Sunday, the Boland Kavaliers gained their second home of the campaign by beating the Lions 29-10, ending the Highvelders' winning streak of two runaway victories. Following the weekend's third-round action, the Pumas, Cheetahs and Boland Kavaliers each secured their second victory of the season as they moved to 11 league points. The men from Mpumalanga head the table on points difference, followed by the Free Staters and Bolanders. The Bulls fell from first to fourth and they are one of three teams on 10 points, alongside the Lions and Griquas. Meanwhile, the Sharks XV collected their first point of the season while winless WP are rooted to the foot of the table with no points. The past weekend's action kicked off when Griquas delivered another successful home performance on Friday by outclassing WP with a commanding 47-17 victory at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley after leading 21-7 at the half-time. They asserted their dominance early and maintained control throughout as they outscored their Cape Town visitors by seven tries to three. The hosts started strong, crossing the whitewash through Albert Liebenberg quickly followed by a try from Zane Bester inside the 20-minute mark. Flyhalf George Whitehead was on target with both conversions. The Capetonians respond via a try by Aden De Costa, which was converted by Jurie Matthee to keeping them within touching distance. However, the Kimberley side continued their relentless attack, with Caleb Abrahams adding another five-pointer before half-time, sending the hosts into the break with a comfortable 21-7 advantage. The second half saw no let-up from the home side as speedy Gurshwin Wehr extended their lead with a converted try early-on in the second half. The Capetonians did show flashes of promise with unconverted tries from long-serving stalwart Scarra Ntubeni and former Junior Bok scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni; however, they lacked the overall cohesion of the hosts' attack. Instead, it was Griquas who continued to pile on the pressure in the final quarter, with Derik Pretorius dotting down in the 67th minute, followed by tries from Carl Els and Thomas Bursey just before the final hooter to seal a convincing home. At Loftus, the Pumas delivered a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon by securing a resounding 41-7 victory over the Bulls. The visitors enjoyed the brilliant Highveld winter sunshine and led 10-7 at the break. They turned on the heat in the second half to score 31 unanswered points, although the home side had a try disallowed for an infringement in the build-up. A was a tight affair in the first half, when the teams were separated by just three points, suggested the score might go down to the wire in the second stanza as both teams battled for supremacy. However, it was the Pumas who pulled away in the second half. The visitors opened their account with a penalty goal from Danrich Visagie and the hosts responded swiftly, with Riyaad Bam crashing over for their only try which was converted by Boeta Chamberlain. However, the Pumas regained the lead just before the break when Eddie Swart touched down, taking a slender three-point lead into half-time. The second period was a different story entirely, as the Pumas unleashed a relentless onslaught. Skipper Willie Engelbrecht extended their lead and just six minutes later Tiaan de Klerk added another five-pointer. When Ross Braude scored his converted try in the 63rd minute it left the Pretoria side with a mountain to climb. There were to be no comeback as Hanno Theunissen and Andre Fouche added late tries for men from Mpumalanga to finish in style for their 41-7 triumph. In a tightly contested clash staged at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Cheetahs gained a hard-fought 7-5 win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV. The match was a huge arm wrestle, with both teams managing a only single try in a low-scoring affair. The first half saw the Free Staters gain an early advantage. With former Junior Bok lock Corne Rahl off the field with a yellow card, Neels Volschenk capitalised on the numerical advantage, scoring the visitors' only try. Ntokozo Makhaza added the conversion, giving them a 7-0 lead until half-time. The second stanza was equally hard-fought and the KZN team finally broke through the staunch defence in the 65th minute, with Phatu Ganyane dotting down. However, Jean Smith's conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving them two points adrift. Despite late efforts from both sides, neither could add to their tally, meaning the Cheetahs could held on for a hard-fought victory. On Sunday, the Boland Kavaliers recorded their second home win of the campaign when they handed the Lions their first loss of the season with a convincing 29-10 victory in front of a jubilant Wellington crowd. The Kavaliers had to fight hard for their win though, especially in the first half when they had to defend against a determined Highveld outfit. Two tries, a conversion and a penalty goal gave the hosts a handy 15-5 half-time advantage, although they struggled somewhat with their discipline, which allowed the visitors from Joburg to stay in the game. Their scoring was spearheaded by Blitzbok speedster Donavan Don, who touched down twice in the opening half either side of Kade Wolhuter's five-pointer for the visiting side. After the break they continued with their resolute defence whilst making full use of their scoring chances. The Kavaliers' other tries were scored by Xavier Mitchell and Juan Mostert, who added the bonus-point try in the 84th minute after the final hooter had sounded. Flyhalf James Tedder was instrumental with the boot, successfully slotting three conversions and an important penalty goal. A total of three yellow cards were shown during this entertaining fixture – Boland's Lunathi Nxele received a yellow card just four minutes into the game and he was followed later by Tedder in the second half. For the Gauteng side, former Junior Bok scrumhalf Nico Steyn was shown yellow just before the break. In the coming weekend's fourth round action, Griquas are back at home on Friday afternoon, this time welcoming the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV to Kimberley for their 15:00 fixture. Saturday's two early afternoon clashes, both starting at 14:00, see the log-leading Pumas take on the Lions in Nelspruit, while the Cheetahs face WP in Bloemfontein. Boland Kavaliers play their third home match on Sunday against the Bulls to wrap up round four action. Griquas 47-17 Western Province Griquas – Tries: Albert Liebenberg, Zane Bester, Caleb Abrahams, Gurshwin Wehr, Derik Pretorius, Carl Els, Thomas Bursey. Conversions: George Whitehead (6). Western Province – Tries: Aden De Costa, Scarra Ntubeni, Ezekiel Ngobeni. Conversion: Jurie Matthee. Bulls 7-41 Pumas Bulls – Try: Riyaad Bam. Conversion: Boeta Chamberlain. Pumas – Tries: Eddie Swart, Willie Engelbrecht, Tiaan de Klerk, Ross Braude, Hanno Theunissen, Andre Fouche. Conversions: Danrich Visagie (4). Penalty goal: Visagie. Hollywoodbets Sharks XV 5-7 Toyota Cheetahs Sharks XV – Try: Phatu Ganyane. Cheetahs – Try: Neels Volschenk. Conversion: Ntokozo Makhaza. Boland Kavaliers 29-10 Lions Kavaliers – Tries: Donavan Don (2), Xavier Mitchell, Juan Mostert. Conversions: James Tedder (3). Penalty goal: Tedder. Lions – Tries: Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Ben Youssef hails luck and resilience as Kaizer Chiefs beat 10-man Stellenbosch
Aden McCarthy dedicated his Player of the Match award to coach Nasreddine Nabi and his father, former Kaizer Chiefs legend Fabian McCarthy. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagpix Kaizer Chiefs' caretaker coach Khalid Ben Youssef revealed that luck played a crucial role in their success as they fought off a determined 10-man Stellenbosch side to run out 2-0 winners at Athlone Stadium on Sunday evening. It turned out to be a memorable weekend for the Amakhosi, as they enjoyed a precarious yet triumphant Premiership victory, while their Gauteng rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, dropped points. The match took an early turn in Chiefs' favour when Nkosingiphile Ngcobo scored a stunning free-kick just 14 minutes into the game, shortly after Stellenbosch defender Siviwe Nkwali was sent off for a reckless challenge on Mduduzi Shabalala, who was goal-bound. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The numerical advantage might have seemed a gift for Chiefs, but they quickly realised that facing a side reduced to 10 men is never straightforward. 'It's tough to play against a team with a player who has been sent off because when you then score, our players think that the game is going to be easier,' Ben Youssef remarked. He emphasised the challenge his players faced in maintaining focus, as Stellenbosch dominated possession and came close to equalising — at least four scoring attempts struck the woodwork. 'We found some difficulty in the first half, and we were lucky they didn't score,' he admitted. However, at half-time, a tactical shift saw Ngcobo replaced by Sibongiseni Mthethwa, whose introduction bolstered the Chiefs' midfield and led to a more balanced second half. Thank you Cape Town, and all the travelling Branches and Supporters ❤️✌🏼#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) August 10, 2025 'I was so proud of the performance of our players, and also the players coming from the bench. We discussed that before the game in our meeting — we need the players coming in from the bench to help us,' Ben Youssef added, highlighting the squad's depth. The match concluded with Chiefs benefiting from a late penalty, which Glody Lilepo expertly converted to seal the two-goal victory. Remarkably, this win marks their fifth consecutive away triumph against Stellenbosch, underlining Chiefs' dominance at the Winelands club's home ground. Looking ahead to their next fixture against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off 7.30pm), Ben Youssef expressed hope that new signings Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga and Flavio Silva would be registered in time, pending work permits. 'I think when our new players are available, it will be better for us. They will give us more solutions, we are waiting for them, and we will continue to work,' he said. Chiefs' young centre-back Aden McCarthy dedicated his Player of the Match award to head coach Nasreddine Nabi and his father Fabian McCarthy, a Chiefs legend who also played at centre-back. The 21-year-old, who previously captained the Chiefs DDC team, was making only his second start for the senior side. 'This one is for my family — my mother, my father and my brother — but also most importantly for coach Nabi. He couldn't be here with us today,' he said. 'We've had a long process, a long journey since pre-season, but we've overcome the mental game, so now it's just a show on the field, and (Sunday) you saw it.'
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Sekhukhune, Pumas show it can pay to back a longshot
Punters can beat the odds if they think smartly and spot value. Underdogs are still alive and kicking in sport, even in this era of professionalism, data and algorithms. A couple of shock results in high-profile matches at the weekend proved it. Sekhukhune United rocked mighty Orlando Pirates 1-0 in a Betway Premiership opening fixture to gladden the hearts of neutrals, their fans in Limpopo and those punters brave enough to chance a few rands on them. Sekhukhune were at 6.00 for the away win (with Pirates at 1.48 and the draw at 3.40), long odds for a contest between two sides in the same league. The betting board told a story: last year's league runners-up Pirates had the player strength, home fan support and historical aura to make short work of upstarts Sekhukhune. But there was subtext to this story, which a few clever punters managed to decipher: Pirates had a new coach and seven new players, leaving them vulnerable to disjointedness and a smash-and-grab from a well-organised team that has been on an upward trajectory for a couple of years. Over in Pretoria, in rugby's Currie Cup, home side the Bulls (1.01) were hot favourites to beat the Pumas (10.00). Again, the signal from the data analysts and odds-setters was that it would be one-way traffic. And it was. Just not the way they thought it would be! The Pumas steamrollered their fancied opponents 41-7. Again, smart followers of the game might have seen that the visitors were a mature, settled outfit, while the Bulls – also with a new coach – fielded youth and brilliance but relative inexperience in the trenches of an ultra-tough battlefield. Lesson learnt? Successfully backing outsiders is not easy and looking to beat the odds shouldn't be any bettor's only strategy. But an eye should always be kept open for the value gap. If odds are long, a wager can be modest yet yield a pleasing return.
