Why Province moved Swiel to fullback
SPOTLIGHT: Western Province assistant coach Dawie Snyman has shed light on the squad’s selection for their clash against the Lions on Wednesday.
WP made four changes to their starting XV for the Round Two Currie Cup match at Ellis Park.
The Cape Town team head to Johannesburg as firm favourites following their 48-24 win over the Bulls last weekend.
However, it won’t be smooth sailing for John Dobson’s men.
The last time these two teams met the Lions recorded a narrow 22-19 win in Johannesburg during last season’s Currie Cup campaign.
Province captain Ernst van Rhyn said the Lions will be desperate to record a victory after their shock 10-39 loss to the Pumas in Nelspruit this past Friday.
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“The Lions are going to be hurting and will be desperate [after their defeat it the Pumas], ” Van Rhyn said, adding: “Coach Dobson always says ‘desperation is a powerful motivator’.
“I think they had a hard look at themselves after the defeat in Nelspruit and they are a dangerous side.
“So, we will have to make sure we are in fine form because in the last couple of years it has not been an easy outing at Ellis Park.”
The big talking point in terms of the Province selection is Tim Swiel at fullback.
The 28-year-old has been solid in the flyhalf jersey. He will form part of the back three with Sergeal Petersen and Seabelo Senatla.
While in the pack No.8 Juarno Augustus and openside flank Marcel Theunissen come in, with Evan Roos moving to the side of the scrum.
“We have to shuffle a bit to make sure we can field the best side,” Snyman told reporters.
“I know Tim is a favourite at flyhalf and that is his position.
“But if you look at our game plan at the moment, the ten and fifteen roles are quite similar. the same way Damian Willemse played for us.
“It means we want those guys quite involved as first receivers and it’s like having two flyhalves on the field.”
Snyman also revealed that Edwill van der Merwe is not up for selection but will return this weekend for the Round three clash against the Sharks.
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