Star-studded Ikeys line-up named
FNB UCT head coach John Dobson has unveiled a star-studded Ikey Tigers line-up for Saturday’s crucial WP Super League encounter against Hamilton’s in Oranjezicht.
Western Province Vodacom Cup players Tiger Bax, Jody Burch, Martin Muller, Hanyani Shimange and Ash Wells all slot back into the starting line-up, whilst star Varsity Cup performer – and USA international – JJ Gagiano is also back in the mix.
Gagiano, the Man of the Match in the 2010 Varsity Cup Final, will pack down at No.8, forming a well-balanced loose trio with strongman Burch and skipper Nick Fenton-Wells.
Muller, meanwhile, will pack down in the second row with German international Bodo Sieber, whilst former Springbok Shimange will form an imposing front row in the middle of Wells and Grant Kemp.
In the backline, fullback Therlow Pietersen is still unavailable with an ankle injury, but the attack-minded Tiger Bax (pictured, above) – who will wear the No.15 jersey – will form a truly potent back three with Marcel Brache and Marcello Sampson, both of whom also had very strong Varsity Cup campaigns.
The Ikeys are the only unbeaten team in the Super League at present, but Hamilton’s are the reigning WP and National club champions and they also beat the Maties 44-34 last Saturday.
“It doesn’t get a lot bigger than a game like this,” UCT boss Dobson told varsitycup.co.za.
“It’s great to welcome back players like Shimmie, Jody and Tiger – who have not played for us this year, and all of whom add plenty of value – but it’s also been a bit tough on the more regular players who have served us so well this year.”
The FNB UCT team (v Hamilton’s): 15 Tiger Bax, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Mark Esterhuizen, 12 Sean van Tonder, 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Matt Rosslee (vice-captain), 9 Nic Groom, 8 JJ Gagiano, 7 Jody Burch, 6 Nick Fenton-Wells (captain), 5 Bodo Sieber, 4 Martin Muller, 3 Grant Kemp, 2 Hanyani Shimange, 1 Ashley Wells.
Replacements: 16 Mark Goosen, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Don Armand, 19 Sam Peter, 20 Sharief Hendricks, 21 Pete Haw, 22 Paul Cohen.
Kick-off: 4pm
