Pumas demolish bumbling Bulls at Loftus to make massive Currie Cup statement

The Pumas showed their 2022 Currie Cup triumph was no fluke when they started their 2023 campaign with a crushing win over a hapless Bulls outfit in Pretoria on Sunday.

AS IT HAPPENED | Bulls v Pumas

The Pumas produced a masterclass to demolish the Bulls 63-15 at Loftus Versfeld - a result that will send shockwaves through the South African rugby landscape.

Head coach Jimmy Stonehouse's charges ran in nine tries in an utterly dominant display. The Pumas employed a high-tempo game characterised by some superb running from their outside backs.

The Pumas ran the Bulls ragged and scored some spectacular long-range tries.

Pumas flyhalf Tinus de Beer marshalled his troops in spectacular fashion and was deservedly named Player of the Match.

The rest of the Pumas backline also deserves credit, as playmakers Diego Appollis (2), Jade Stighling, Sebastian de Klerk, Devon Williams all crossed the whitewash.

The Pumas' other tries were scored by hooker Eduan Swart, scrumhalf Giovan Snyman and flankers Andre Fouche and Francois Kleinhans.

The Bulls didn't have much to write home about, as they appeared to lack structure and they ran out of ideas against a resolute Pumas defence. The hosts' two consolation tries were scored by No 8 Mihlali Mosi and replacement centre Cornal Hendricks.

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This victory was no doubt a statement from the Pumas, who won the Currie Cup for the first time last year when they beat Griquas 26-19 in the final in Kimberley.

Yes, they weren't playing against the Bulls' first-choice line-up but the hosts still fielded several players with URC experience.

The likes of skipper Morne Steyn, Sbu Nkosi, Wandisile Simelane, David Kriel, Lionel Mapoe, Cornal Hendricks,