U13 Pumas hold their own at Craven Week
The Pumas showcased an exciting brand of running rugby during the 2025 U13 Craven and Academy Weeks, held in East London from Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 4.
The U13 Craven Week team scored 12 tries in their four matches, winning two and losing two.
Captain Brüssow Francke led from the front, scoring 28 points across the tournament — one try, seven conversions and three penalty goals.
In their opening match on Monday, the Pumas defeated the Limpopo Blue Bulls 25-0 after leading 8-0 at half-time.
The Mpumalanga try scorers were Joseph Mthetwa (Laerskool Standerton), Avunyile Bilatyi (Middelburg Primary), and Sandile Msipa (HTS Witbank). Brüssow added two conversions and two penalty goals.
On Tuesday, the U13 Pumas faced the U13 Lions. It was the boys in pink's standout performance of the week, winning 27-5 after a 7-0 lead at the break.
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Edmund Ferreira (Laerskool Goedehoop), Joseph, Brüssow and Thokozani Kachelenga (Laerskool Klipfontein) all crossed the try line. Brüssow slotted two conversions and a penalty goal.
After a rest day on Wednesday, the Pumas took on Western Province on Thursday. Province claimed a 31-12 win after leading 12-0 at half-time.
Mathys Stoltz (Curro Nelspruit) scored both of the Pumas' tries, with Brüssow converting one.
On the final day, Friday, the Pumas faced the Sharks. The coastal side emerged 33-19 winners after taking a 19-7 lead into the break.
Totius Botha (Laerskool Kruinpark), Edmund, and Joseph dotted down for the Pumas. Brüssow kicked two conversions.
The U13 Academy Week took place concurrently with the Craven Week.
The Pumas U13 Academy XV recorded the following results:
• Pumas 8 – Sharks 14
• Pumas 17 – Leopards 5
• Pumas 5 – Griquas 7
• Pumas 12 – Blue Bulls 22.
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