Do or die for the Tornadoes
The Nadoes are now surely the underdogs ahead of Monday’s 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships do-or-die match-up against Stellenbosch rivals, Dagbreek.
After a disappointing loss in Bloemfontein against Vishuis two weeks ago, the Nadoes have all to play for if they are to secure that elusive Koshuis semifinal spot – and ‘all’ that stands before them are Dagbreek, Stellenbosch’s hope for glory.
A major blow for the Tornadoes, however, is the loss of key players such as Trent Jenkinson and playmaker JP van Huffel – both being ruled out with hamstring injuries.
But Tornadoes head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb has made some interesting changes to what is now a new-look Tornadoes team.
Simon Bergman and the skilful Brendan Raubenheimer both get starts, while scrumhalf Ian ‘Army’ Armstrong shifts to wing due to Zubayr ‘Egg’ Abrahams getting a call-up to UCT’s Varsity Cup squad.
What is really interesting, however, is the inclusion of two new young guns – Nic Groom (pictured) and wing-cum-fullback Leigh Bruinders.
Nic Groom is a talented and quick-thinking scrumhalf – who has played Varsity Cup rugby this year – and former Bishops pupil Leigh Bruinders, with his dancing feet on the pitch, might just be the key for coach Tom Dawson-Squibb come Monday.
The Nadoes are well aware of the speed and physical nature of this potent Dagbreek team, but home-ground advantage – after this game was moved from Stellenbosch to Cape Town – could be the deciding factor.
Of course, this match will be played as a curtain-raiser to the UCT v Tuks Varsity Cup fixture – a crucial game for John Dobson’s Ikeys side who need to win to grab a home semifinal.
The Steinhoff Tornadoes team: 15 Mark Winter, 14 Ian Armstrong, 13 Brendan Raubenheimer, 12 Justin Bijl, 11 Leigh Bruinders, 10 Matthew Russell, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Damion Stander, 7 Brennan Wright, 6 Stuart Hablutzel, 5 Grayson Wright, 4 Tom Horne, 3 Simon Bergman, 2 Anthony Kouderis, 1 Bradley van der Westhuizen (captain).
Replacements: 16 Ryan Dean, 17 Wade Swannel, 18 Brett Snyders, 19 Oliver Johnston, 20 Xhanti Nesi, 21 Matthew Healy, 22 Micheal Ginsby.
Head coach: Tom Dawson-Squibb
Manager: Justin Mitchell
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Groote Schuur, Cape Town
By Clement le Roux
