Kavaliers fall to spirited Pumas side in Wellington

The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers missed out on claiming first place in the Carling Black Label Currie Cup after suffering a 20-15 Round Three defeat to the Airlink Pumas in Wellington on Sunday.

A spirited Pumas side recorded their first win and the first Currie Cup loss for the Kavaliers at home since last year's tournament.

The Kavaliers made an uncharacteristic start to Sunday’s clash, after conceding 12 penalties in the first half and struggling to secure clean line-out ball on their own throws.

The defensive pressure from the Pumas also forced the Kavaliers into rushed passes and numerous handling errors at critical stages.

The mammoth penalty count also led to two sin-bins for the Kavas side.

Flanker Kwanda Dimaza was the first to get yellow-carded for a high tackle on Pumas captain Willie Engelbrecht, in the 14th minute and in the 35th minute, Boland fullback James Tedder also saw yellow for his high shot on opposite number Jay-Cee Nel.

Despite being a man short, Boland found themselves lucky not to concede any points during Dimaza’s 10 minutes in the bin. The Pumas did, however manager to secure a 10-5 lead at half-time thanks to flyhalf Nevaldo Fleurs’ penalty after six minutes.

Boland then hit the front in the 25th minute as winger Xavier Mitchell dotted down after fielding a well-placed cross kick from flyhalf Chris Smit.

The home side then found themselves trailing again as Pumas scrumhalf Thomas Bursey scored after the visitors fielded a loose ball from a high kick that Boland flyer Jayden Bantom fumbled. Shortly after the break, the Pumas made their advantage of an extra player on the field count as playmaker Fleurs darted through a huge gap in Boland’s defence to put the visitors 17-5 up.

However, the home side hit back almost immediately as prop Dayan van der Westhuizen drove over from a powerful line-out maul.

The Pumas then found themselves a man down as lock JJ Scheepers copped a yellow card for a deliberate slap down of the ball with the Kavas on the attack. Boland could not take advantage of the extra man as Fleurs slotted a second penalty of the afternoon to put the Pumas 20-12 up.

Try as they might, the Kavas could not cross the Pumas’ tryline, with the visitors putting in an impressive defensive shift.

Bantom’s 77th-minute penalty for the Kavas cut the Pumas’ lead to five points. The home side won a breakdown penalty from the kick-off, with Bantom booting for touch to set up one final attacking line-out.

The Kavaliers could not secure the ball, as the Pumas hit game management mode for the final moments before Fleurs booted the ball into touch to end the game. The result sees Boland fall to fourth position on the log as the Wellington side prepare to hit the road for their fourth clash in this season’s tournament.

The Kavaliers now travel to the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal to take on the HollywoodBets Sharks XV on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd and the Boland Rugby Union extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of John Minnaar, who sadly passed away in hospital on Sunday, following a cardiac event at the Boland Rugby Stadium.

Minnaar (72) was attending the match between the Kavaliers and the Pumas when he suffered the medical emergency. He was the father of Monique Bock and father-in-law of former Kavaliers player and current attack coach, Alshaun Bock. Monique was also present at the match when her father collapsed.

Minnaar’s passing deeply saddens the Boland Rugby family and stands alongside the Bock and Minnaar families during this exceptionally difficult time.

“It struck me deeply when we heard the tragic news of the passing of Mr Minnaar," says Quintin van Rooyen, CEO, Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, particularly Monique, Alshaun and their loved ones, as they come to terms with this devastating loss. We extend our sincere condolences to them and to everyone who knew and loved Mr Minnaar.”

Boland Rugby also acknowledges the immediate response of the medical personnel who attended to Minnaar. Dr Arthur Williams, the attending doctor at the match, was the first doctor to respond when Minnaar collapsed in the stands and immediately began providing medical assistance. Paramedics and other medical support personnel subsequently assisted in the emergency response.

“Rugby is ultimately about people and community and moments such as these remind us of the bonds that exist far beyond what happens on the field," said Bennie van Rooi, President, Boland Rugby Union. "We mourn with the Minnaar and Bock families and pray that they will find strength and comfort in one another and in the memories they shared with John.”

Williams said: “An incident like this is a reminder of the importance of having trained medical personnel available at sporting events. I am grateful that we were able to respond immediately and that the paramedics and other medical personnel were able to assist. Our thoughts are with John’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Alshaun expressed his appreciation for the support shown to their family by the wider Boland Rugby community.

“On behalf of our family, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported us following the passing of my father-in-law, John Minnaar, during Sunday’s Carling Currie Cup Round Three match between the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and the Airlink Pumas. A special thank you to the Kavaliers coaching, management and playing staff for your immediate support, compassion, and care during an incredibly difficult moment.

"We are also deeply grateful to the medical and emergency personnel who responded so quickly, as well as everyone who assisted us at the stadium.

“To the wider Boland Rugby family, supporters, friends, colleagues and everyone who has reached out with messages, calls, prayers and condolences, thank you. Your kindness and support have meant more to our family than words can express. From Monique, me and our entire family, we are truly grateful for the way you stood with us during this difficult time.”