- KZN wins the ball back from their own kick-off and hold onto it for the first 2-minutes of game via patient play that sees the ball go through numerous phases. KZN fullback Morné Joubert has a useful weaving run during the passage which ends with the ball being held up over the Pumas tryline.
- From the scrum, a KZN set move involving scrumhalf Kwazi Khanyile, Curtis Jonas and the try-scorer no.8 Jaco Coetzee sees the visitors taking the lead. Jonas converts. 7-0
- KZN use another set move, this time from a lineout to free up space for lock Kevin du Randt to run into. The promising move ends with KZN changing lanes during a rolling maul just metres from the Pumas line.
- KZN keep up the pressure. A scrum near the Pumas line results in a couple of pick and drives with lock Tristan Dixon featuring well with his strength in contact. This forces the Pumas to concede a penalty that Jonas converts. 10-0.
- An attacking lineout gone wrong for the Pumas is the springboard to the next KZN try. Coetzee collects the misdirected throw at the back and sets off on a long run up the right touch. The tackled ball is recycled and although Joubert receives a poor pass, he eyes a gap and cuts against the grain using an elusive step to get clear of the defensive line and score a good try. Jonas converts. 17-0.
- KZN handling is top draw stuff. Allowing the ball to do the talking, both locks are again prominent with carries and passes that allow Jonas to cut and run clear of the defence for a try and conversion. 24-0.
- KZN comes close to another try when Joubert dinks ahead and almost recollects it but knocks on with the tryline in sight.
- The Pumas are given very few opportunities to attack but in the 28th minute they produce some excitement and come very close to scoring a try but a poor pass ends their control very near the KZN line.
- A terrible miscommunication between two KZN retreaters chasing a box kick placed perfectly in behind them by Pumas scrummy Stephan Enslin, ends with a collision in the in-goal area, while the ball goes free and is dotted down by wing Mfundo Ndlovu. 24-5.
- Halftime 24-5.
- KZN extends their lead with more good passes and carries. Tristan Blewett is relishing his time behind a strong pack and is in excellent form to top it. The ball goes wide where big strong Coetzee brushes off a tackle and runs in to score under the posts. Jonas converts. 31-5.
- The Pumas with really constructive attacking play after they have a redzone lineout and a wayward pass. It’s tied up by fullback Barend Smit that tidies things up. Then clever play at the end by Enslin creates the unstoppable charge by Smit to score from close range. 31-10.
- From an attacking lineout KZN’s playmaker Jonas combines beautifully with Joubert who times his run to perfection to run through a gap as part of a set move. Jones converts. 38-10.
- Virtually from the kickoff, the Pumas attack and its their forwards who combine well with ball through the hands to allow flank Chrisjan Steynberg to go over in the left corner. 38-15.
- A desperate clearance kick under pressure by KZN does not find touch and the Pumas counterattack with purpose. A beautiful pass by centre Telvin Mhlong sets up wing Siyabonga Masuku for a try. Smit kicks. 38-22.
- Morne Joubert comes up with good run to get KZN right back to the Pumas tryline. A couple of scrums later and KZN are throwing the kitchen sink at the Pumas defence but they resist and force KZN to knock on in the process of going over the tryline.
- The spirited Pumas team never gives up. They force KZN to err at the lineout. From the setpiece that follows they attack with determination again and find the half-gap needed to feed Chrisjan Steynberg out on the left wing again. He crosses for the final try. 38-27.
- Final score 38-27.
It was great to finally see what all the hype about Morne Joubert was all about. The kid is a true ball player, and certainly has a bright future ahead of him. At least the picking of Willie le Roux in the Boks gives me hope that our selectors are over the ‘skop and donner’ traditional fullback.
From what I’ve seen so far this week, KZN seem to be the most co-ordinated side in the group. They play like they’ve played together for years. Well done
Well done Kzn !!!
having watched SWD beating WP puts our loss against SWD into perspective
anyone know who we play next ?
All I’ve got to say is Morné and Jaco have got to make SA Schools. Well done to KZN on the win.
I thought Cody Thomas had a great game too, certainly in the prop mix :-)
Just watched this game, well done to the KZN boys, Jonas, Joubert, Coetzee were yster!
Much better performance all round – Well done!
I felt that we lost some structure and momentum when the replacements came on. Luckily, the game was won by then. I also could not understand why Roberts did not throw in at the lineouts when he came on. Percy battled a bit in this area towards the end.
Jaco and Morne had huge games. I would be surprised for them not to make SA Schools.
@RBugger: yep, a better day for Jaco, still in 3rd gear. He needs to get to 5th gear in the last game….the Glenwood boys are playing like their 18th game of the season!
@Grassy: The team played blady well – what about Coetzee? He had a great game!
Well done KZN, showing your true potential. I missed the last 20 mins but the Puma’s must have come back strong. Morne Joubert, Curtis Jonas & the tight 5 all having great games. I wonder who we will play on day 5.