DHL Western Province U19 team to take on the Golden Lions
Photo by Morgan Piek /Rugby15.
DHL Western Province Under-19 coach Nazeem Adams has announced his team to take on the MTN Golden Lions U19s at the Markotter Fields in Stellenbosch on Saturday (kick-off 15h00).
The log-topping WP Under-19s will take on the fourth-placed Golden Lions in their Provincial Under-19 Competition semifinal clash and Adams has selected his best possible XV for this encounter.
The exceptions are lock Jean Kleyn and fullback Cheslin Kolbe, who are on duty with the WP Under-21 side, and strong-running centre John-Ben Kotze who has a hand injury.
Commenting on his team, Adams said: “Like I’ve said on countless occasions this season, it’s been important to build depth – but winning at the same time – and I’m happy with how that’s gone this season.
“It’s obviously a boost playing at home, but like I told the players this week it’s not about resting on your laurels (now that you’ve got a home semi). A home ground and home support doesn’t win a match for you and the players are aware of that. I’ve challenged them to rise to the occasion and do just that.
“Yes, semifinals are big matches, as the stakes are that much bigger in knockout games, but we trust our structures in the team and we will continue playing the (same) game that has served us so well this season.”
The DHL WP U19s lost just two league matches this season – both away from home and both in the last second of play – en route to topping the log, and Adams added: “We’re not a side full of superstars, but we play well as a unit.
“In many ways I’d say the Lions are similar to us. They’re good unit and even though we’ve beaten them twice this season we are aware (of) how they dangerous they can be when they click… they’re difficult opponents.
“We’re motivated to progress to the final but it’s all about concentrating on our own game and executing our gameplan effectively as we have done all year long.”
Hooker Freddie Kirsten will lead the WP Under-19s into battle, as he has done all season, with exciting backs Janco Gunter, Justin Geduld (DHL WP U19 Back of the Year) and JP Lewis (vice-captain) capable of turning a game on its head in a matter of seconds.
Up front, No.8 Justin Benn (DHP WP U19 Forward of the Year) and loosehead prop Sti Sithole (Most Promising U19 player for 2012) form part of a settled WP Under-19 forwards unit.
The DHL Western Province Under-19 team to take on the Lions is as follows:
15. Janco Gunter
14. Werner Kok
13. Justin Geduld
12. Kyle Lombard
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. Nicol Heyns
2. Freddie Kirsten (captain)
1. Sti Sithole
RESERVES:
16. Brianton Booysen
17. Niel Oelofse
18. Deacon Chowles
19. Sebastian Ferreira
20. Nicholai Lubbe
21. Bjorn Bernardo
22. Niel Bester
23. Selom Gavor
Referee: Archie Sehlako
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