The Pumas made a most impressive start to the Bankfin Currie Cup competition Saturday when they took five league points in their match against the Border Bulldogs at the Puma Stadium in Witbank.

The Pumas, who could not muster a single home win in the Vodacom Cup Series, scored eight tries in their convincing 59-22 victory after leading 42-17 at halftime.

The Pumas can look forward to next Saturday's clash with the Blue Bulls with a lot of confidence, especially after the Bulls made heavy
weather of beating the SWD Eagles in George.

The Pumas got off to the pefect start, scoring their first try in the opening minute. The Bulldogs replied with the equalising try in the third minute, but the Pumas hit back with 17 points in the next 11 minutes (22-5).

Two quick tries by Border (16th, 18th minute) saw the Puma lead shrink to only five points (22-17) before the home team took full control adding another two tries in the 21st and 27th minute. The
bonus point came when winger Jan-Harm van Wyk went over for his second try.

The Bulldogs played much better in the second half, keeping the ball away from the Pumas' tight five. They scored the first try of the last 40 minutes - their fourth for the bonus point - and even kept the Pumas at bay up to the 15th minute before Nel Fourie slotted home his second penalty.

The Pumas did, however, looked content with their big lead and were prepared just to defend it rather than play the same entertaining rugby as in the first half. Their first try in the second half only came in the 33rd minute after a long run by Jacques Juries.

In the first half the Pumas impressed with the way the forwards and backs combined, as well as with their passing and retention skills.

Some very good tries were scored, showing that the Pumas can do a lot of harm when they are focused and committed.

Derick Grobbelaar (lock), the Man of the Match, had an excellent game, the captain leading from the front. He had great support from Hendry Rheeders (flank), Hakkies Swart (prop) and Torros Pretorius (No 8).

In the backline, 19-year-old flyhalf Nel Fourie scored 20 points and again excelled as playmaker. Franco Smith (centre) and fullback Marius Goosen, who left the field late in the second half with a knee injury, both had most satisfying Currie Cup debuts for the Pumas.

Scorers:

Pumas - Tries: Hendry Rheeders, Marius Goosen (2), Jan-Harm van Wyk (2), Nel Fourie, Jacques Juries (2); Conversions: Fourie (3); Penalties: Fourie (2).

Bulldogs - Tries: Anthony Filhani, David Maidza, Derek Hendry (2); Conversion: Solly Goosen. - Sapa