Pumas team unchanged for their first-ever Currie Cup final

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has named an unchanged team for Saturday's Currie Cup final against Griquas in Kimberley.

The Pumas reached their first-ever Currie Cup final when they stunned the Cheetahs 38-35 in Bloemfontein last weekend.

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There were no injuries which means Stonehouse was able to call on the same 23 players that upset the apple cart at Free State Stadium.

"It's amazing that everything worked out for us," said Stonehouse.

"At one stage, we almost let it slip, but the emotions after that semi-final were amazing, I think we deserve this, and we are feeling very happy. Between Griquas and us, there is big rivalry brewing and this is one of the best things that could ever have happened for rugby in SA.

"We are losing 10 players at the end of the season and the Griquas are also losing players. But where are they going? They are going to the United Rugby Championship, and you bred them here at the Currie Cup.

"It's going to be great in Kimberley on Saturday - we owe Griquas one and we are looking forward to the final, it's going to be an amazing occasion."

Griquas have beaten the men from Mpumalanga twice this year - 41-20 in Kimberley in February, and 45-44 in Nelspruit two weeks ago.

Last year, the Pumas won 26-22 at home and drew 13-13 in Kimberley, while the teams' only encounter in the Covid-affected 2020-season ended in a 22-17 home win for the Lowvelders.

Saturday's clash kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas

15 George Whitehead, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Sango Xamlashe (captain), 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Luther Obi, 10 Zander du Plessis, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Siba Qoma, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Werner Gouws, 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Cameron Lindsay, 3 Janu