Stonehouse opts for continuity in selection for final Tbilisi Cup clash
SA President’s XV coach Jimmy Stonehouse on Saturday opted for continuity in selection in their final IRB Tbilisi Cup clash on Sunday against hosts Georgia as they look to lift the trophy in the inaugural tournament.
With two victories and nine log points – four points more than Georgia – Stonehouse’s team needs only one point from the match to seal the series victory regardless of the outcome of the clash between Uruguay and Emerging Ireland.
Despite this, the coach selected his strongest possible team, with the only changes to the starting lineup that beat Emerging Ireland 19-8 being flank Jaco Bouwer replacing Brian Shabangu , No8 Renaldo Bothma taking over from Zandre Jordaan at No8 and Sinovuyo Nyoka coming in for Ntando Kebe.
The only change on the bench is at hooker where Ashton Constant replaces Khwezilokusa Mkhafu.
Nyoka, in particular, was instrumental in the team’s convincing 37-9 victory against Uruguay in their opening match thanks to his efficient distribution, good decision-making and high work rate, and these skills will be handy against a Georgian outfit determined to create an upset on their home patch.
Bothma and Bouwer are equally hard-working around the park and are expected to form a fine loose trio with Uzair Cassiem, who has been in top form throughout the tournament.
Looking ahead at the clash, Stonehouse said: “A victory against Georgia would be the cherry on top of what has been a great tournament. I am pleased with the development of the squad throughout the series and the way they have gelled. We have one match left and we want to make the most of it by winning three out of three. That said we realise that Georgia will be force to be reckoned with on their home turf and the forward battle, in particular, will be physical.”
SA President’s XV team to face Georgia at the Avchala Rugby Stadium:
15. Coenie van Wyk (Steval Pumas)
14. Alshaun Bock (SWD Eagles)
13. Willmaure Louw (Steval Pumas)
12. Adriaan Engelbrecht (Leopards)
11. Rosco Speckman (Steval Pumas)
10. Carl Bezuidenhout (Steval Pumas)
9. Sinovuyo Nyoka (Border Bulldogs
8. Renaldo Bothma (Steval Pumas)
7. Uzair Cassiem (Steval Pumas)
6. Jaco Bouwer (Steval Pumas)
5. Brendon Snyman (Leopards)
4. Eduan van der Walt (Steval Pumas)
3. Ivann Espag (Steval Pumas)
2. Frank Herne (Steval Pumas)
1. Vincent Koch (Steval Pumas)
Replacements:
16. Ashton Constant (Regent Boland Cavaliers)
17. Martin Dreyer (Leopards)
18. Giant Mtyanda (SWD Eagles)
19. Brian Shabangu (Border Bulldogs)
20. Ntando Kebe (Regent Boland Cavaliers)
21. Stefan Watermeyer (Steval Pumas)
22. Jerome Pretorius (Steval Pumas)
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