The Pumas ran riot in Bloemfontein last night as they beat the Toyota Cheetahs second-stringers 50-0 in round three of the SA Cup.

The team from the Lowveld scored seven tries, while the young and inexperienced Cheetahs had their chances, but basic mistakes cost them.

A total of 13 Cheetahs players were on debut, not only for the team, but in first-class rugby as well, while Marco Janse van Vuren also played in his first game for the Free State.

The Pumas opened the scoring in the 9th minute of the game when the hooker, Llewellyn Claasen, scored the first of his two tries from a lineout maul. Minutes later the right-winger, Stefan Coetzee, strolled in for the first of his two tries.

The former Cheetahs flyhalf, Clinton Swart, then added a penalty to his two conversions to extend the lead to 17-0. Classen completed his brace shortly before half time to see the visitors leading 24-0 at the break.

Stefan Coetzee flying over for his second try - Morgan Piek

Five minutes into the second stanza, Coetzee scored his second try, while the Canadian international scrumhalf, Ross Braude, also got in on the action.

The dominant evening for the Pumas was rounded off with a brace of tries by the replacement hooker, Darnell Osuagwu, also scoring a brace of tries.

The Cheetahs coach, Henley du Plessis, told OFM Sport that it’s difficult to find a positive if a side conceded half a century of points, but his charger gained invaluable experience.

Banie Britz who was on debut has a solid game for the Cheetahs - Morgan Piek

“We knew it was going to be a challenge for them, and our plan was to play some of them last week against the Leopards, but it didn't work out that way,” said Du Plessis.

“With more game time and training together, they will get more experience.

“It was a tough one, but they have learnt a lot now, and I think these boys showed a lot of commitment during this game.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday afternoon at 13:30 Clermont and the Cheetahs first-choice players will play each other in the round of 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup in France. The winner advances to the quarter-finals where they will tackle Montpellier or Ulster.

Scorers:

Cheetahs 0 (0)

Pumas 50 (24): Tries - Llewellyn Classen 2, Stefan Coetzee 2, Ross Braude, Darnell Osuagwu 2 Conv. – Clinton Swart 6 Pen – Swart

Morgan Piek OFM Sport