Hoffman bolsters Maties line-up

Talented Western Province scrumhalf Conrad Hoffman has been named on the FNB Maties bench for Friday night’s WP Super League clash against Kraaifontein.

Hoffman – who has not had a lot of rugby in recent times, after a cruel series of injuries – will be hoping for some game time as he looks to once again challenge for a place in the Western Province side, having made a promising provincial debut a few short years ago.

But Henoe Stoffberg will wear the No.9 shirt this Friday, and no doubt once again handle the goalkicking responsibilities, so Hoffman might have to be patient after also spending most of the Vodacom Cup season behind Bolla Conradie.

Varsity Cup heroes Adnaan Osman, Morné Jooste, JJ Engelbrecht, Jonathan Adendorf, Wesley Wilkins and Jaco Nepgen are all in the mix for the Maties, but the selection of the attack-minded Osman at flyhalf could see the reigning league champions throw the ball around.

Meanwhile, flanker Wilkins – who led his team to their second successive Varsity Cup title a few weeks ago – will not skipper the side, with the captaincy going to lock Bertho van der Westhuizen instead.

The Maties, who next weekend will face archrivals UCT in an Intervarsity clash at Newlands, boast a 100% record in the WP Super League this year; having beaten Vics 20-16, Villagers 49-17 and NNK 19-9 thus far.

Maties team (v Kraaifontein): 15 Jonathan Francke, 14 Morné Jooste, 13 Hayden Groepes, 12 Jean Stemmet, 11 JJ Engelbrecht, 10 Adnaan Osman, 9 Henoe Stoffberg, 8 Bennie Booysen, 7 Jonathan Adendorf, 6 Wesley Wilkins, 5 Jaco Nepgen, 4 Bertho van der Westhuizen (captain), 3 Andréw Crausaz, 2 Arno White, 1 Johan Roets.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Dobson, 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Gerrit Jacobs, 19 Hugo Kloppers, 20 Morné Hanekom, 21 Conrad Hoffman, 22 Louw Schabort.

Head coach: Chean Roux