DHL Western Province U19 team to take on the Blue Bulls
Photo by Morgan Piek /Rugby15.
Nazeem Adams, the DHL Western Province Under-19 coach, has announced his team to take on the Blue Bulls in Pretoria on Friday afternoon (kick-off 15h00).
The Under-19s have just come off a bye and will travel to Pretoria looking to make a big statement in what has already been an impressive season.
The Men in Blue & White have lost just once in seven starts (away to the Leopards) and they trail their highly-rated hosts by four points on the log with a game in hand.
“It’s important for us to make a statement up-country against a very good Bulls team,” said the DHL WP U19 coach.
“Our first home game of the season was against the Bulls which we managed to win, so I’m sure they’ll be waiting for us on their home ground. We’re ready and excited about the challenge – coming away with a win would be a huge boost in what is a big game for both sides.”
Whilst Friday games are always tough, Adams was not fussed about it this time around because of last weekend’s bye. He explained: “Because of the bye we were able to have a tough training session on Monday, so a Friday game actually suits us perfectly this week and, in turn, gives us a longer week the next (week).”
Personnel-wise, Adams has not made too many changes to the side that started the second round of Provincial Under-19 fixtures – a fortnight ago – with a 27-18 win over the Golden Lions.
Regular fullback Cheslin Kolbe is unavailable due to Sevens commitments, with fellow star performer Janco Gunther moving to No.15 – from inside centre – and the strongly-built Johnny Kotze taking over at No.12.
“We will see when Cheslin will be available (to us) again, but we’ll be without him for the next few weeks at least,” said Adams.
“Losing Cheslin is a big blow for us, as he’s been performing well for us, but I have moved Janco to fullback because he has a great feel for the game. Johnny, too, is nearing his best form after a long lay-off and his size gives us another dimension at centre.
“We will miss Cheslin and (lock, Jean) Kleyn, who is with the Under-21 team, but otherwise we have been able to maintain some continuity in our side. I have no doubt that all the players at my disposal are good enough and it’s always been my plan to create a squad with good depth this year to cater for any eventuality.”
The DHL Western Province Under-19 team to take on the Bulls is as follows:
15. Janco Gunther
14. Werner Kok
13. Justin Geduld
12. Johnny Kotze
11. JP Lewis (vice-captain)
10. Tommy Allan
9. Jean Nel
8. Justin Benn
7. Jurie van Vuuren
6. Eital Bredenkamp
5. Andrew Becker
4. Tiaan Benade
3. Entienne Swanepoel
2. Freddie Kirsten (captain)
1. Sti Sithole
RESERVES:
16. Brainton Booysen
17. Niel Oelofse
18. Deacon Chowles
19. Sebastian Ferreira
20. Nicholai Lubbe
21. Bjorn Bernardo
22. Kyle Lombard
23. Selom Gavor
Referee: Matt Kemp
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