A Courtnall Skosan hat-trick was enough for DHL Western Province to secure a 39-30 Carling Currie Cup victory against the Airlink Pumas at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
In a game that saw the lead change hands often, it would always require a special effort - like that of Skosan - to pull this one through, especially as the home side struggled with their goal kicks.
It was Western Province that started the game off stronger with Skosan's first two five-pointers giving them a 10-0 lead at the half-hour mark. It was a points cushion that would evaporate quickly, though, as Etienne Janeke and Deon Slabbert secured the visitors a 17-15 halftime lead.
Courtnall Skosan scored a hat-trick as DHL Western Province defeated the Airlink Pumas 39-30 for their 3rd victory of the season #SSRugby
— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) September 1, 2024
Ross Braude also crossed for the visitors early in the second half, and with some great goal-kicking from the Pumas' Clinton Swart it looked like the men from Nelspruit were on their way to four vital log points.
A last-minute Joseph Dweba try backed by a solid Jurie Mathee boot finished off the deal, though.
The game drew interest because Western Province featured two players who were released from the Springbok camp in the week.
Manie Libbok created a try with one of his pin-point crossfield kicks, but the Bok flyhalf had a mare off the kicking tee.
Steven Kitshoff had the better of his highly-anticipated scrumming battle against Springbok training squad member Sampie Swiegers. He did however not back it up with his efforts in open play.
Scorers:
DHL Western Province - Tries: Courtnall Skosan (3), Wandisile Simelane, Damian Markus, Joseph Dweba. Conversions: Manie Libbok (2), Jurie Matthee. Penalty: Matthee.
Airlink Pumas - Tries: Etienne Janeke, Deon Slabbert, Ross Braude. Conversions: Clinton Swart (3). Penalties: Swart (3).