DHL WP U19s seek redemption against the Lions
The DHL Western Province Under-19 team will host the Lions at City Park in Absa Provincial Under-19 action on Saturday (kick-off 14h00), as the 2014 champions look to bounce back from last weekend’s away defeat.
The DHL WP U19s suffered a narrow 10-13 defeat at the hand of the unbeaten – and table-topping – EP Kings in Port Elizabeth, but they have an immediate chance to set the record straight this week.
Coach Nazeem Adams told the wprugby.com website: “It’s never ideal to lose, but we mustn’t forget that these young men were still playing schoolboy rugby a few months ago. They will learn, but they will make mistakes (in) doing so.
“That said, we had some tough chats this past week about aspects of our play that let us down (last week) – most notably our decision-making – and I am sure the guys will be ready to redeem themselves come Saturday.”
Without trying to make excuses, Adams is hopeful that the weather conditions for Saturday hold true (good conditions are expected), with the team having played both their games thus far in the driving rain.
“I’m not making excuses,” said Adams, “but winning or losing we haven’t been able to build any continuity in our play this season.
“Our first game (against the Sharks) was played in the driving rain at City Park, then we had a bye and last week’s weather in PE was not much better than the first week… I certainly hope the weather conditions are good, as we would like to build some continuity in our game and, in the process, play to our potential.”
The Lions have played three matches up until now, winning twice and losing once, and Adams – who has moved former SA Schools ace Eduan Keyter to outside centre this week – is expecting an almighty tussle.
“The Lions are always a good team, be it at home or away, and they are coming off a good away win over the Leopards.
“I am looking forward to seeing how a guy like Eduan goes at centre. He played on the wing for us in our first game, but it was always our intention to get him into the No.13 jersey at some point.
“Otherwise we have kept our changes to a minimum as we look to build some continuity and get our campaign back on track.”
* Entry on Saturday at City Park is just R10 (for adults and kids). City Park is based on the corner of Thornton and Lawson Roads in Crawford – easily accessible from the M5 and N2 freeways.
The DHL WP Under-19 team for Saturday (v Lions, home) is as follows:
15. Gerard Pieterse
14. Duncan Saal
13. Eduan Keyter
12. Edrich Venter
11. Edwill van der Merwe
10. Aidynn Cupido
9. Herschel Jantjies
8. Jaco Coetzee (captain)
7. Saud Abrahams
6. Mitchell Carstens
5. Eduard Zandberg
4. Jaco Willemse
3. Michael Kumbirai
2. Percy Mngadi
1. Ruben Terblanche
Replacements:
16. Ruan Brits
17. Edward Marais
18. Jerome Korf
19. Gary Porter
20. Daniel Maree
21. Paul de Wet
22. Tiaan Swanepoel
23. Justin Heunis
Referee: Ricus van der Hoven
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