Close Karroo rivalry in FNB Classic
In the lovely town of Graaff-Reinet, the jewel of the Karroo, on Saturday Spandau play Asherville in an FNB Classic Clash.
The two schools are only about two kilometres apart, closeness adding spice to the rivalty. Spandau are the hosts this year but the match will be played at a neutral venue, the Collie Koeberg Sports Stadium in the town, and it will be packed for the occasion with excited spectators.
Last year Asherville pulled a surprise when they won 18-7 after three years of Spandau victories. This is the third time it will be an FNB Classic Clash. In 2011 Spandau won 8-7.
Season so Far
Spandau has played eight matches and won them all. Coach Anthony Davids is very pleased with his side's performance and is quietly optimistic about Saturday, though he has not seen Asherville play.
Experience
Spandau has five players back from last year, four of them in crucial positions – 10, 11, 12 and 13 – centres Phineas Jonker and Chuname Smith, flyhalf Cresswell Nappies and left wing and captain Gouaun Japhta, the speedster who scored Spandau's try last year. The fifth return is flank Philip April.
Teams
Spandau: 15 Blane April, 14 Clifton Plaatjies, 13 Phineas Jonkers, 12 Chanaine Smith, 11 Gouaun Japtha, 10 Crazwin Nappies, 9 Xandre Bantom, 8 Beondre Barbers, 7 Phillip April, 6 Sebastian Sondag, 5 Chamando Mawaley, 4 Tys Tamboekie, 3 Sammy Booysen, 2 Juventus Jooste, 1 Frederico Skade
Replacements: 16 Jean-Bore Gates, 17 Keanu Andrews, 18 Steven Kemp, 19 Marlon Bezuidenhout, 20 Curt Haarhoff, 21 Clifford Plaatjies, 22 Renaldo Gaai
Coaches: Anthony Davids, Stephen Nkoko
Asherville: 15 Ensley Jansen, 14 Gaywin Lewis, 13 Elvandrew Waterboer, 12 Jeromique Grootboom, 11 Mechaine Fick, 10 Kevin Simon, 9 Nielon Jaftha, 8 Emile Welman, 7 Chanton Witbooi, 6 Sheldon Joseph, 5Brendan Smith, 4 Heinrich Myburgh (captain), 3 Gurshwin Lewis, 2 Elrico Koopman, 1 Zolani Jacob.
Replacements: 16 Alfonso Dolf, 17 Ruwaan Arnolds, 18 Andy Solomons, 19 Curlon Titus, 20 Jaques Mashwen, 21 Allistor Africa, 22 Llewellyn April
Coach: M Hector
Date: Saturday, 3 August 2013
1st XV kick-off: 15.30
Venue: Collie Koeberg Sports Stadium
Expected weather conditions: Sunny with a slight breeze and a high of 21°C , dropping to 9°C.
