A slow start by the EP Kings and a 4th minute try by JW Jonker (converted by JC Roos) set the tempo for a game that would see hardened rugby media (Ja Norman en Frana ek praat van julle!) jumping up and down in frustration and joy.
The EP Kings answered the Pumas in the 9th minute with a Marcello Sampson try and a failed conversion. The Pumas came back at the Kings with a vengance and hard enough for the Kings to concede 9 points from 3 penalties in 6 minutes.
Then in the 26th minute the ‘man with an anger management problem’, Paul Perez, embark on a pathetic attempt to even the game a bit with some uncalled for fisticuffs on the sidelines. A Red Card saw the hapless pugilist leaving the field for the rest of the game. Things started to unravel from then on as Kings lock, David Bulbring was the recipient of a Yellow Card for stamping in the 31st minute.
Halftime score 16-5 to the Pumas.
The Pumas took full advantage of the depleted Kings side in the 2nd half with a try by Coenie Wyk (conversion by JC Roos). A refused try for the Kings (the TMO said that he required one more camera angle – which was lacking – to positively award the try) made the situation look desperate after one more succesful penalty by the Pumas took their lead to 26-5 in the 54th minute.
And then the nail biting began as the 14 non commbatant Kings found new vigour sending over Tiger Mangweni for one try and Luke Watson for two tries – all three converted by George Whitehead – to draw level with the Pumas in the 80th minute of the game. Much to the delight of Norman and Francois who were seen dancing a jig of happiness.
Final Score: 26-26
The result leaves the Kings in an unassailable position on top of the log, with their 58 points from 13 matches – nine more than the second-placed Pumas, who at least had the consolation of coming away from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with a home semi-final in the bag.
Scorers:
- EP Kings – Tries: Tiger Mangweni, Marcello Sampson, Luke Watson (2). Conversions: George Whitehead (3).
- Pumas – Tries: JW Jonker, Coenie van Wyk. Conversions: JC Roos (2). Penalties: Roos (4)
