DHL Western Province Under-19 coach Nazeem Adams has called up two WP Craven Week stars for this weekend’s Provincial Under-19 clash against the Free State Cheetahs in Stellenbosch.
The WP Under-19s will host the Junior Cheetahs at the Markötter Fields on Saturday at 13h30, with Under-18 stars Jarryd Sage (centre) and Dewald Naude (wing) – both members of WP’s victorious Craven Week team in July – raring to go.
Adams told www.wprugby.com: “It was always my intention to look within the schoolboy ranks this year, especially after our great Craven Week results, and we could do so even more as the season progresses.
“Both Jarryd and Dewald were very excited when I first called them – they’ve slotted in very quickly and have been full of enthusiasm at training. Of course, they’ll both still be eligible for the team next year, so this is a great opportunity to give them some early exposure at this level.”
The WP U19s will start the second round of Under-19 Provincial fixtures in fifth place on the log – just eight points behind the Sharks and the Leopards (in third- and fourth-place, respectively).
“We are by no means out of semifinal contention,” said Adams. “Yes, the first round of fixtures did not go well for us, but we have drawn a line underneath the first half of the season and we’re determined to start the second half on a high.
“The best part is that we know what to expect now, having played once against all the teams in the competition. We drew (18-18) with Free State in Bloemfontein last time out… making amends this week is firmly within our grasp and we’re looking forward to playing right at home at the Markötter Fields – you certainly don’t get ‘more’ at home (than this) for this team!
“We’ve had a session with (defence analyst) Jacques Nienaber this week and will continue to work hard on our defence – an area which has let us down at times this season,” added the WP U19 boss.
“The weather is not looking too good for Saturday, but the guys are still positive, as is the coaching staff, and we know that we can turn our season around – starting with an improved performance against Free State on Saturday.”
The DHL Western Province Under-19 team to take on the FS Cheetahs is as follows:
15. Jason Worrall
14. Dewald Naude
13. Jarryd Sage
12. Michael Haznar
11. Dalen Goliath
10. Chris Smith
9. Pieter Schoonraad
8. Ramone Samuels
7. Luke van der Smit
6. Ruan Rossouw
5. Jan Uys (captain)
4. Sebastian Ferreira
3. Liam Hendricks
2. Chad Solomon
1. Wesley Adonis
Replacements:
16. Gareth Ehret
17. Michael van Tonder
18. Eduan van Eeden
19. Sebastian Negri
20. Johan de Villiers
21. SP Ferreira
22. Jonty Bredell
23. Jason Morris
Referee: Jaco Kotze
