DHL Western Province U19 team to take on the SWD
Photo by Morgan Piek /Rugby15.
DHL Western Province Under-19 coach Nazeem Adams has announced his team to take on the SWD Eagles at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday afternoon (kick-off 15h00).
A win on Friday will secure a top-of-the-log finish for Adams’ charges, the side having enjoyed a very good league campaign up till now – winning nine games and losing just twice (both away).
With the bottom of the log – and winless – Eagles up next, most betting people would put their money on the visitors to come away with a 10th victory of the season but the DHL WP Under-19 coach refuses to take anything for granted ahead of their final league match.
Said Adams: “It doesn’t matter who we play, or what is or is not at stake, we have a certain standard in the team that we always want to maintain when we play.
“I am starting with a strong team and would like the guys to retain their shape throughout – I don’t want the game to become too fast and loose. It’s not about the scoreline; it’s about our level of performance which will serve as perfect preparation ahead of the play-offs.”
Win or lose, WP will have a home semifinal next weekend. Their opponents will be one of the Lions (who have a bye this week) or the Sharks, with the Leopards having an outside chance of qualifying (if everything goes their way this week).
“We don’t mind who we play,” added Adams, “but we’re not thinking about the semifinals yet. We have one more game to go and it’s a perfect trial for us ahead of the play-offs.”
With first-choice fullback Cheslin Kolbe still part of the Under-21 side, and with winger Werner Kok nursing a slight niggle, Adams has gone with a back three of Janco Gunther (fullback) and wings Selom Gavor and JP Lewis.
Regular second row starter Andrew Becker is also resting a slight injury (knee), but Jean Kleyn has returned from U21 duty to take his place at lock – the latter’s return a big boost for his team.
“We’re ready for this game and will hopefully have everyone back on deck for the semifinals,” revealed Adams.
The DHL Western Province Under-19 team to take on the SWD Eagles is as follows:
15. Janco Gunther
14. Selom Gavor
13. Justin Geduld
12. John-Ben Kotze
11. JP Lewis (vice-captain)
10. Tommy Allan
9. Jean Nel
8. Justin Benn
7. Jurie van Vuuren
6. Eital Bredenkamp
5. Jean Kleyn
4. Tiaan Benade
3. Nicol Heyns
2. Freddie Kirsten (captain)
1. Sti Sithole
RESERVES:
16. Brianton Booysen
17. Niel Oelofse
18. Deacon Chowles
19. Ryan Odendaal
20. Nicholai Lubbe
21. Bjorn Bernardo
22. Niel Bester
23. Kyle Lombard
Referee: Jaco van Heerden
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