Stonehouse opts for unchanged match 23 to face Sharks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has opted for an unchanged match 23 for the Currie Cup semifinals against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
Pumas beat the Griquas by 27-17 in Kimberley last weekend when they kicked out last years’ finalists and Stonehouse decided to stick with his winning combination.
Players that will likely have an influence on the outcome in the Puma side must include their flyhalf Tinus de Beer, the player with the second highest points scored in this years’ Currie Cup.
His prolific scoring boot will be vital while his tactical kicking is one of his assets which he will no doubt utilise to relieve pressure, but also to get the Pumas’ attack going.
Fullback Devon Williams is the top try scorer in the competition and he has the ability to create something out of nothing. The Sharks will no doubt test him under the high ball but his counter kicking has been impressive this season.
Captain Shane Kirkwood is a workhorse who always leads by example and Saturday will be no exception. He will have to be very sharp in the line-outs to contest the Sharks.
Team:
Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Andrew Kota, 13 Diego Appolis, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Kwanda Dimaza, 7 Francois Kleinhans, 6 Andre Fouche, 5 Shane Kirkwood (captain), 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Simon Raw, 2 Pieter Jacobs, 1 Corne Fourie.
Replacements: 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Deward Martitz, 19 Malembe Mpofu, 20 Ruwald van der Merwe, 21 Giovan Snyman, 22 Gene Willemse, 23 Wian van Niekerk
Date: Saturday, June 17
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.30 (15.30 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Paul Mente
TMO: Quinton Immelman
