Kraaifontein looming large for Ikeys
FNB UCT, who are currently without head coach John Dobson, face a tricky WP Super League encounter at the Green Mile on Wednesday night when they play host to Kraaifontein.
Dobson is currently in Italy (for two weeks) where he is helping out The Roman Praetorians as their technical advisor, a role he will fill for the rest of this (2009/10) season. He will, of course, take over as Praetorians head coach next (2010/11) season.
Former UCT first team captain Kevin Foote is looking after the Ikeys team in Dobson’s absence. Foote, who has cut his coaching teeth at Bishops this year, is also a former SA Sevens captain and has worked closely with Dobson in recent weeks.
UCT are still without a number of first-choice players – due to various representative call-ups and injuries.
But, in some good news, American international JJ Gagiano is back from illness – adding significant cover at loose forward – and a fit-again Dylan Rogers will start at tighthead prop in the absence of Herbie Mayosi who is injured.
Kraaifontein have been in good form of late, despite a dismal first half of the season, and have recently recorded wins over Victorians and Villager’s.
The Ikeys will be on a high after their convincing 34-17 win over Helderberg last Friday, but they cannot afford to slip up against Kraaifontein – especially ahead of Saturday’s clash against Villager’s at Brookside.
The UCT team: 15 Therlow Pietersen, 14 Justin Bijl, 13 Dave Edgar, 12 Matthew Rosslee (vice-captain), 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Doug Mallett, 9 Stu Commins, 8 Sam Peter, 7 Craig Kleu, 6 Nick Fenton-Wells, 5 Don Armand, 4 Bodo Sieber (captain), 3 Dylan Rogers, 2 Hanyani Shimange, 1 Ashley Wells.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Page, 17 Wes Chetty, 18 Dane Galley, 19 JJ Gagiano, 20 Sean van Tonder, 21 Dave Clayton, 22 Freddie Strange.
Wednesday’s fixtures at the Green Mile:
18.25 – UCT Under-20 A1 v Kraaifontein U20A, Groote Schuur B
18.35 – Ish Dramat XV (UCT thirds) v Kraaifontein 3, Groote Schuur A
19.45 – Eagles XV (UCT seconds) v Kraaifontein 2, Groote Schuur A
21.00 – Ikey Tigers (UCT firsts) v Kraaifontein 1, Groote Schuur A
