The Pumas suffered a devastating defeat at home against the Lions in Mbombela this past weekend, leaving fans and players alike disappointed and searching for answers. Coach Jimmy Stonehouse, known for his straightforward analysis, didn’t mince words when reflecting on the loss and discussing the upcoming match against the Sharks.
Defensive Failures and Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on the loss to the Lions, Coach Stonehouse identified key areas where the Pumas fell short. “Obviously, the last game was a very poor performance by the Pumas. It’s not good for us. We don’t play that type of rugby,” he stated, clearly frustrated by the team’s defensive lapses and inability to secure the gain line.
“The biggest concern on the day was that we couldn’t defend well. So they got gain line every single time, which gave them quick ball,” Stonehouse explained. He highlighted the team’s struggles both in defense and attack, noting that handling errors and a contentious TMO decision also played roles in the loss. “Ball carries wasn’t good enough to get over the gain line and our defense was poor. They got over the gain line too easy and the tempo started counting against us because the tempo was very high.”
Focusing on Defense and Attack for the Sharks
Looking ahead to this weekend’s match against the Sharks, Stonehouse emphasized the need to tighten up defensively and capitalize on attacking opportunities. “Getting our defense back on track, like we did against the Griquas, make our double lead counts, stop them behind the gain line. That’s the first thing that we got to work on,” he said. He stressed the importance of hitting the space and getting over the gain line in attack, as well as making the most of scoring opportunities. “That’s a problem with us. We get opportunities, but we don’t use them.”
Facing the Sharks: A Battle of Redemption
The upcoming match against the Sharks presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Pumas. The Sharks, coming off two consecutive losses, will be eager to bounce back, but so will the Pumas. “Obviously, they will be eager to bounce back, but we’ve got to focus on our problems first,” said Stonehouse. He acknowledged the psychological impact of the recent loss on his players and the importance of overcoming it to avoid further setbacks.
“The team will change a lot with all the players that went to the Bok side and we will focus on what we will do well and what we got to do first and then we will focus on them. But first, we got to get our preparation correct and back on track.”
A Tough Encounter Ahead
The Pumas are acutely aware that the match against the Sharks will be a tough encounter. Both teams are looking to reverse their fortunes, making this clash a pivotal moment in their respective seasons. For the Pumas, regaining their defensive solidity and clinical edge in attack will be crucial to securing a much-needed victory and restoring confidence in their campaign.
As the Pumas prepare for the Sharks, fans will be watching closely, hoping that Coach Stonehouse and his team can turn things around and deliver a performance that truly reflects their potential.
Lekker pumas. Lets go boys!!!