By ROSS ROCHE
It was a cracking start to the University Sport SA USSA) Rugby Week as premier Eastern Cape side Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan University (NMMU) claimed a solid 27-17 victory over North West University Pukke at Old Selbornians yesterday morning.
A strong second half surge from NMMU proved the difference after the scores were locked 10-all at halftime and Pukke only made the score more respectable with a try on the hooter in the A division clash.
“It was a good win and a result I would have definitely taken before the match,” said NMMU coach David Maidza.
“I think our defence was very sound and we managed to take our chances when presented with them.
“There were a few errors here and there and wrong decisions made but we will work on these as the week progresses and hopefully minimise the mistakes.”
The match started with NMMU on the front foot and they had an early chance to go ahead but fullback Christian Willemse missed the penalty attempt. Pukke then went on the attack and in the 10th minute opened the scoring.
After stealing NMMU’s defensive lineout a penalty was then awarded for a no-arms tackle, which Pukke kicked onto the 5m line.
They then secured the lineout, keeping the ball tight until lock Danie Jordaan forced his way over near the left-hand uprights.
Flyhalf Stefan Coetzer added the extras and Pukke led 7-0.
NMMU hit back six minutes later with an exciting try from broken play that saw winger Mihlali Gqibitole fly down the left-hand touchline before running in and diving under the posts, with Willemse added the extras to level the score.
A long-range penalty then saw NMMU take the lead as Willemse slotted one from near the halfway in a central position after Pukke were pinged at the breakdown.
Pukke then came close to scoring in the 30th minute but ferocious NMMU defence, which was prevalent throughout the game, kept them out, however they were penalised at a ruck which allowed Coetzer to level up the scores.
Pukke then turned down a chance at goal near the halftime break to go for a 5m lineout, but with NMMU’s defence holding firm the two sides went in level.
The first 20 minutes of the second half was a back and forth affair as the ball went from one side of the field to the other and the only points in that period saw NMMU take the lead in the 47th minute through a Willemse penalty bang in front.
NMMU then made the game safe with an eight-minute double salvo as first after losing the ball in Pukke’s 22m a poor clearance saw NMMU come storming back in, leading to a try from flank Wynand Grasmann. Willemse converted.
NMMU get cracking to outwit Pukke challenge
It was a cracking start to the University Sport SA USSA) Rugby Week as premier Eastern Cape side Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan University (NMMU) claimed a solid 27-17 victory over North West University Pukke at Old Selbornians yesterday morning.
A strong second half surge from NMMU proved the difference after the scores were locked 10-all at halftime and Pukke only made the score more respectable with a try on the hooter in the A division clash.
“It was a good win and a result I would have definitely taken before the match,” said NMMU coach David Maidza.
“I think our defence was very sound and we managed to take our chances when presented with them.
“There were a few errors here and there and wrong decisions made but we will work on these as the week progresses and hopefully minimise the mistakes.”
The match started with NMMU on the front foot and they had an early chance to go ahead but fullback Christian Willemse missed the penalty attempt. Pukke then went on the attack and in the 10th minute opened the scoring.
After stealing NMMU’s defensive lineout a penalty was then awarded for a no-arms tackle, which Pukke kicked onto the 5m line.
They then secured the lineout, keeping the ball tight until lock Danie Jordaan forced his way over near the left-hand uprights.
Flyhalf Stefan Coetzer added the extras and Pukke led 7-0.
NMMU hit back six minutes later with an exciting try from broken play that saw winger Mihlali Gqibitole fly down the left-hand touchline before running in and diving under the posts, with Willemse added the extras to level the score.
A long-range penalty then saw NMMU take the lead as Willemse slotted one from near the halfway in a central position after Pukke were pinged at the breakdown.
Pukke then came close to scoring in the 30th minute but ferocious NMMU defence, which was prevalent throughout the game, kept them out, however they were penalised at a ruck which allowed Coetzer to level up the scores.
Pukke then turned down a chance at goal near the halftime break to go for a 5m lineout, but with NMMU’s defence holding firm the two sides went in level.
The first 20 minutes of the second half was a back and forth affair as the ball went from one side of the field to the other and the only points in that period saw NMMU take the lead in the 47th minute through a Willemse penalty bang in front.
NMMU then made the game safe with an eight-minute double salvo as first after losing the ball in Pukke’s 22m a poor clearance saw NMMU come storming back in, leading to a try from flank Wynand Grasmann. Willemse converted.
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