Pumas looking to make it three in a row when they host Stormers in Mbombela
With the Currie Cup nearing its business end there is plenty at stake for both teams.
The Pumas are set to host the Stormers in a significant round five Currie Cup game at Mbombela on Saturday, in a bid to secure their third consecutive victory. Coach Jimmy Stonehouse's team will enter the match with high confidence, having won their last two road matches – against the Bulls and Boland. This success has placed the Pumas back in contention for the semi-finals, currently sitting in fourth place on the log, just one win away from consolidating their playoff position.
Meanwhile, the Stormers, who are in fifth place with 11 points, will return to Mbombela after a heartbreaking 31-26 loss to the Cheetahs in their previous home game. Despite this setback, the Capetonians have shown promising performances against the Sharks and Griquas, and coach Tom Dawson-Squibb has made a few changes to his starting lineup, including the inclusion of loose forwards Wandile Mlaba and Keke Morabe, props Mhleli Khuzwayo and Herman Lubbe, and wing Joel Leotlela.
Stormers' wing Suleiman Hartzenberg, who suffered a minor injury against the Cheetahs, is also absent from the team.
Stonehouse expects a tough challenge at Mbombela, acknowledging that the home stadium can be intimidating. However, he is optimistic about his team's chances, stating, "It is always tough to go to Mbombela Stadium, and we will need to be on the money throughout to get the win, but it is a challenge that we are looking forward to."
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
