Ikeys wary of 'different' SK Walmers
FNB UCT head coach John Dobson is wary of the challenge his team will face against a ‘different’ SK Walmers outfit in Western Province Super League action at the Green Mile on Saturday afternoon.
Dobson’s side have suffered just one defeat in the league season thus far – to Maties’ second team, Victorians – whilst they are also coming off a ‘bye’ last weekend, their game against Kraaifontein having been postponed due to the inclement Cape weather.
“We’re looking forward to playing again after a two-week break,” said Dobson to varsitycup.co.za, Ikeys’ last outing having been a 16-16 Intervarsity draw against the Maties on May 9.
“The chaps are determined to put the disappointment of the Maties draw behind them and are very keen to play,” he added.
“We lost to SK Walmers last year and they gave Vics an impressive hiding recently, so we know that this will be a hard game. They are a different team to last year, and play a more expansive game, so it should make for some good fun.”
Dobson has a few injuries to deal with in his camp at present, but he still announced a pretty formidable UCT XV, with Varsity Cup Back of the Tournament Therlow Pietersen (pictured) lining up at fullback and German international Bodo Sieber continuing as captain from the second row.
“I am giving JJ Gagiano a rest as he heads off to the United States to play the Tests against Wales and Ireland; I would hate for him to get injured just before he goes,” said the Ikeys coach.
“(And) despite the injuries to the likes of Stu Commins, Tim Whitehead, Dane Johnson and Dylan Rogers we are still, I believe, putting out a good side.”
The UCT team: 15 Therlow Pietersen, 14 Pete Haw, 13 Dave Edgar, 12 Pieter Engelbrecht, 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Matt Rosslee, 9 JP Robert, 8 Jody Burch, 7 Nick Fenton-Wells, 6 Enoch Panya, 5 Don Armand, 4 Bodo Sieber (captain), 3 Herbie Mayosi, 2 Mark Goosen, 1 Vakai Hove.
Replacements (from): Dayne Jans, Ashley Wells, Michael Passaportis, Dane Galley, Craig Kleu, Ian Armstrong, Ollie Braithwaite, Marvin Christians.
Kick-off: Saturday, May 23, Groote Schuur Fields, UCT – 4pm
