news-engine

Stonehouse backs Pumas to relive their Kimberley triumph INTERVIEW: Jimmy Stonehouse will head back to Kimberley on Saturday hoping history repeats itself. The last time the Pumas played a Currie Cup final on Griquas’ home ground, they left with the trophy. Four years later, the veteran coach believes his side has another chance to upset the defending champions and create another memorable chapter in Pumas history. The veteran coach hasn’t forgotten what happened in 2022, when the Pumas stunned Griquas on their own turf to lift the Currie Cup. Four years later, Stonehouse believes his side has another chance to write its name into history at the same venue. “They say history repeats itself, so let’s hope so,” Stonehouse said ahead of the final this weekend. The Pumas’ route has been more turbulent, but equally impressive. The men from Mpumalanga side finished third on the table after four wins from seven league matches, but their campaign – which started with two early defeats to the Sharks XV and Lions in the opening rounds – gathered momentum at exactly the right time. Griquas may enter the final as defending champions and favourites after finishing top of the table, but Stonehouse insists that means the pressure sits firmly on the home side. The Pumas know they have already proved they can win a Currie Cup final in Kimberley. “Is there pressure on us to win the Currie Cup, or is there pressure on them to win it back-to-back? “It’s at their home ground again, and in 2022 we beat them there.” Stonehouse acknowledged Griquas had the better of the rivalry this season but said that counts for little in a final. “Last year Griquas won every game against us in the SA Cup and the Currie Cup. But we always have confidence when we play. It just depends if everyone pitches up on the day.” ‘You shouldn’t need motivation for a final’ For Stonehouse, there is no need for emotional speeches before the biggest game of the season. He believes the opportunity to become Currie Cup champions is motivation enough. “If you still have to go out and motivate your team, then it’s a mistake. “It’s a final. It’s history. “Do you want to be in the history books as a team that won the Currie Cup, or as the team that lost it?” Stonehouse pointed to one major difference between the two finalists. While Griquas have managed to keep the core of their squad together over several seasons, the Pumas have had to rebuild year after year as bigger unions recruit their best players. “The bulk of the Griquas team have been together for the last three years. “We’ve consistently lost seven players over the last two years, and we’re losing seven again this year.” Despite that turnover, the Pumas have remained among South Africa’s most competitive provincial teams something Stonehouse says gives him immense pride. The Pumas’ only remaining player from the 2022 final is captain Willie Engelbrecht. Ig Prinsloo also played for the Pumas in the 2022 final. On Saturday he will represent Griquas. Flyhalf Clinton Swart will be playing his 50th Pumas match in the final. ‘I want to finish at the Pumas’ The long serving coach also revealed he has turned down opportunities to coach overseas. Stonehouse said his heart remains in Mpumalanga, where he wants to continue building the Pumas rather than chase opportunities elsewhere. “I got two offers last year and the year before to go overseas. “But I’m not interested. “I’ve made peace with the fact that my dream is for the Pumas to play in an international competition and to win another Currie Cup.” The 16-year Pumas mentor says developing players and coaches continues to drive him every day. “If I see these guys go to the big unions and have the opportunity to mean something to someone, that’s special, adding, “Our community is incredibly good to us, and you always want to give something back. “I think I’ll die if I have to stop coaching. Every day you learn more and the game keeps growing.” Pumas: 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 Sango Xamashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Andre Goedhals, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Etienne Janeke Replacements: 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Zukisa Sali, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Stephan Krugel, 20 Ruwald van der Merwe, 21 Thabo Ndimande, 22 Tino Swanepoel, 23 Russwill Fredericks Date: Saturday, September 12 Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley Kick-off: 15.00 SAST; 13.00 GMT Referee: Morné Ferreira Your home for rugby. Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now! Follow your favourite teams, tournaments and players, and get personalised news and Match Centre notifications direct to your device. From live rugby streams and upcoming fixtures to breaking news, in-depth analysis and live scores, RugbyPass has everything you need to stay connected to the game.