The Pumas drew first blood in the 2024 Currie Cup with a convincing will against the Suzuki Griquas on Friday in Kimberley.

The Pumas, who were the runners-up last season, led from start to finish at the Suzuki Stadium, to claim a full-house of points with a 44-24 win against the Griquas.

This after leading the match 25-12 at the half time break.

The Pumas crossed the white-wash for six tries while Clinton Swart landed four conversions and two penalties.

It was a small consolation, but the Griquas managed to get a bonus point out of the game as they scored four tries, of which Mnombo Zwelendaba, dotted down for a brace of five-pointers.

Following the match the Pumas coach, Jimmy Stonehouse, said he was especially pleased with the setpiece.

“It was a great game, especially as it was an away game against Griquas - we had lost our two previous games against them,” said Stonehouse.

“I'm very glad with the setpieces, it went well today. It was amazing to see the guys making the step-up, especially all the new players that are here.

“We'll take this one and enjoy the bus trip back to Nelspruit, and get ready for next week. Next week it's the Lions at home.

“I'm happy with this one.”

Meanwhile, over at Kings' Park in Durban, the young flyhalf, Kade Wolhuter scored points as the Lions beat the Sharks 26-25.

Wolhuter scored a try for the team from Johannesburg, while he converted one try and landed three penalties.

The Sharks could have won the game in the dying stages, but the seasoned flyhalf, Lionel Cronje, failed to convert Nick Hatton's 78th minute try.

On Saturday at 13:55, the defending champions, the Toyota Cheetahs will kick-off their campaign against the Griffons at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, while on Sunday at 15:00, Western Province will host the Bulls at the Cape Town Stadium in a North-South derby.

Scorers:

Griquas: Tries - Cameron Hufke, Mnombo Zwelendaba 2, Bobby Alexander Conv. - Lubabalo Dobela 2

Pumas: Tries - Eduan Swart, Stefan Coetzee, Ruwald van der Merwe, Etienne Janeke, Ross Braude, De-An Ackermann Conv. - Clinton Swart 4 Pen. - 2

Sharks: Tries - Jaco Williams, Coetzee le Roux, Diego Appollis, Nick Hatton Conv. - Lionel Cronje Pen. - Cronje

Lions: Tries - Kade Wolhuter, Jarod Cairns, Morné Brandon Conv. - Wolhuter Pen. - Wolhuter 3

Morgan Piek OFM Sport