Sharks getting whipped by Pumas

 ...what happened in the other game?...

Gas man: Seabelo Senatla

Western Province kicked off the defence of their Currie Cup crown with an impressive 43-19 win over Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.

The team from Cape Town outscored their hosts six tries to three in an entertaining game on the rock-hard pitch of the Northern Cape, dictating the pace of the game. 

Top-class performances from Seabelo Senatla, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Oli Kebble highlighted the win for the visitors, who never looked like losing, ruling the territory and possession stats despite conceding yellow cards for professional fouls either side of half time. 

Senatla scored two tries and helped set up another while Demetri Catrakilis kept the scoreboard ticking with six successful shots from his eight attempts at goal as WP got their season off to the perfect start. 

Western Province dominated from the start, running in three tries inside the first half-hour to lead 24-7 at the interval. 

WP Number eight Nizaam Carr and wings Senatla and Dillyn Leyds all touched down as the defending champions raced ahead although the hosts did reply to the first try via a score of their own from AJ le Roux. 

SA Sevens international Senatla used his searing pace to bag his second try and the bonus point for WP soon after the restart.

But Griquas launched a spirited comeback, as WP's discipline faltered, with fly-half Riaan Viljoen and centre Ruhan Nel both scoring to cut the deficit to just 10 points around the hour mark.

Province turned on the gas in the closing stages however as barnstorming flanker Notshe and skipper Juan de Jongh added their names to the scoresheet, settling any doubt over the final result.

The scorers:

For Griquas:
Tries: Le Roux, Viljoen, Nel
Cons: Prinsloo, Dukisa

For Western Province:
Tries: Senatla 2, Carr, Leyds, Notshe, De Jongh
Cons: Catrakilis 5
Pen: Catrakilis
Yellow cards: Kleyn, Elstadt

 ...Bean Brain lets hope the Bloodyslow Cup doesn't live up to it's name....more worried for yr lot playing Pollard after being concussed recently  - surely risking such a valuable player so soon after such an injury is unwarranted against the Argies...smacks of desperation to me..

..have to agree about Senatla - would add immeasurable potency to the Bok backline and should replace Habana who is well passed his use by date..