Preview: Schoonspruit v Piketberg
A youthful Schoonspruit SS backline awaits HS Piketberg when the sides take to the field in a Classic Clash in Malmesbury on Saturday.
The outcome of recent matches have been settled in the final minute of the game and it will be no different this year as both coaches are expecting a very even match.
"Both sides will be fairly young but I think we will be the younger of the two due to us having 10 players who are still Under-17. Over the years, we have done really well against them, having won five of the eight matches we played and I think this year will be another tightly contested match.
"For us, quick first phase ball is going to vital if we are to make full use of our backline as we will attempt to play a running game of rugby. They are known for having a good pack of forwards but we will look to nullify that threat and dictate the game to them," Schoonspruit coach Vos de Jager said.
Their opponents, Piketberg has been hit by a few injuries but coach Jacques Schreuder believes he still has the players to take the game to Schoonspruit.
"We have been unfortunate to have a few injuries but that is part of the game and happens from time to time. So the team will be a little inexperienced and there will be some pressure on their shoulders. So it is going to be important for me to work on their mental approach to the game.
"We are a well-balanced team and our strength does not only lie in our pack of forwards but we also possess a backline who are not scared to run the ball – which is what we will be doing. We want to give a good account of ourselves and play exciting, running rugby that all the spectators will enjoy," Schreuder said.
Regardless of which side you choose, one thing is certain – a running, fast-paced game with the winner being the team who manages to make the least amount mistakes and who has the passion to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.
Teams:
Schoonspruit: 15 Persual Abdol, 14 Ashwin van der Westhuizen, 13 Godwin Jacobs, 12 Gerswin Coetzee, 11 Ashwin January, 10 Kern Papier, 9 Stefano Gysman, 8 Charl Cuttings, 7 Ruhan De Jager, 6 Jean-Claud Pietersen, 5 Samkelo Siyo, 4 Darryn Phillips, 3 Kelvyn Welkom, 2 Timo Matthysen, 1 Robbin Valentyn.
Replacements: 16 Angelo Jacobs, 17 Cullen Hoogbaard, 18 Stephano Baron, 19 Adlo Lendoor, 20 Austin Adams, 21 Enoch Mazukwa, 22 Jaydin Fortuin, 23 Gino Larey, 24 Thulani.
Piketberg: 15 Lahndrick Hendricks, 14 Jandrè de Witt, 13 Wickus Bronkhorst, 12 Gladwin Matthews, 11 Wiltino Schaffer, 10 Dewald Kirsten, 9 Nathan Williams, 8 Benna van der Westhuizen, 7 Driaan van Wyk, 6 Adam Barnard, 5 Ruan Brand, 4 Daniel Goosen, 3 Arno van Deventer, 2 Ferdie Jonker, 1 Jan-Daniël Roux.
Replacements: 16 Jade Visagie, 17 Marvin Pieters, 18 Matthew Luyt, 19 Jacques Joubert, 20 Burdty Joubert, 21 Austin Hanse, 22 Timorthy Klaasen.
Referee: Jabian Jeftha
Assistant referees: Local
