Pirates lose out to Centurion

The final of the Super 16 will be an all Blue Bulls affair on Saturday after Pirates failed in their quest against Centurion this weekend. Centurion won the game 31-25 to meet Pretoria Police for the championship. Pirates let themselves down in a number of areas. Their goalkicking was poor, while they struggled with both their scrummaging and lineout play. “We’ve let ourselves down. We weren’t on top of our scrummaging and lineouts. They wanted it more on the day,” says coach Neil Kalify. Pirates’ back cut their defence open at will but didn’t get enough opportunities to run at their opponents and all they had to do is defend during the closing minutes. With their tight five under pressure the loose-forwards couldn’t get into the game and the backs didn’t get enough quality ball.   Nqubeko Zulu was the one exception, but Pirates couldn’t get out of first gear. These matches against Springs, Naka Bulls, Vaal Reefs and now Centurion will however be ideal preparation for the league which starts in three weeks time with a Friday night match against Alberton. Scorers: Pirates: Tries: Pakisa Snyman (2), André van der Merwe, Louwtjie de Jongh. Conversion: Willem Slabbert. Penalties: Slabbert.