Griquas pack mauls EP to end losing run

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Griquas used the power of their pack to outmuscle the EP Elephants and claim a 43-0 victory in a rescheduled match in Gqeberha on Wednesday evening.

Gameflow: The game looked like one that was played between two sides who had little preparation, given that it was brought forward due to an oversight on the availability of Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this coming weekend. While Griquas largely struggled to create anything in open play – until EP were reduced to 14 men in the second half – they dominated the home side at the scrum and maul, forcing them to concede over 18 penalties. Six of Griquas’ tries, including their opening penalty try, came directly from their maul, with flank Gideon van der Merwe grabbing a brace and HJ Luus a hat-trick.

Seeing red: One can feel sympathy for EP Elephants as they came into the Preparation Series with very little time together, hastily assembling a team of club rugby players. However, they simply aren’t helping themselves with their ill-discipline. Riaan Arends’ red card for what was quite simply a ridiculous and needless stamp was the team’s third in three games, with CJ Velleman and Arnold Kleyn sent off in their previous loss to the Lions. This is a pattern that coach Peter de Villiers is going to have to nip in the bud if the Elephants hope to be competitive for the rest of the series.

Griquas – Tries: Penalty try, Gideon van der Merwe (2), HJ Luus (3), James Verity-Amm. Conversions:  Ashlon Davids (3).

Photo: Gallo Images

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Dylan Jack