DHL Western Province powered to a 37-23 win over the New Nation Pumas in Carling Currie Cup action in Nelspruit on Sunday.
John Dobson’s charges were facing the physicality of the hosts in their third outing in eight days. The young DHL Western Province showed their character, and their skill, to dominate early proceedings and set the tone for a fine afternoon at the Mbombela Stadium.
Tim Swiel, a late change to the starting lineup, got his side going with his ever-reliable boot. He then traded penalties with fullback Gerrie Labuschagne as the Pumas attempted to hold a foot in the contest.
The picture changed midway through the first half when Tristan Leyds collected a high ball and ran 50 metres to score his first ever try in the competition. Once again, Swiel’s accurate boot was called upon as he converted the try from the corner.
A penalty try with five minutes to go helped the hosts draw closer to DHL Western Province, who were down to 14 men after prop Sazi Sandi was shown a yellow card for a maul infringement.
DHL Western Province showed their character either side of the break to make sure they did not allow the home side back into the contest. A moment of team brilliance saw Paul de Wet cross over and with Swiel’s conversion they were once again 10 points clear.
Calling all the shots, DHL WP then used their forward-based momentum to open up space which the boot of Swiel then dominated as his cross kick found Leyds in space for his second try.
Eighthman Evan Roos then grabbed another score after a short pass sent his clear through the defence which was at sixes and sevens. The DHL WP forward was then afforded a well-earned break after starring for the team for the past three matches.
Simon Westraadt helped the Pumas bring some relief when he scored from the back of a maul but the gap to DHL WP was already far too big.
The home side then scored after the final whistle to see the final score settle at 37-23 in favour of DHL Western Province.