The DHL Western Province Under-19 team will have a new captain in tomorrow’s crunch Provincial Under-19 match against the Blue Bulls U19s at City Park in Athlone (kick-off 13h30).
Regular skipper Jan Uys took a blow to the head last week – against the Leopards – and lock partner Sebastian Ferreira will lead the team into battle, alongside new second row partner Sebastian Negri.
In other changes up front, Steven Meiring moves from No.6 to No.8, with Gareth de Bruin starting on the side of the scrum, and Chad Solomon will make his first start of 2013 at hooker.
Coach Nazeem Adams has kept his backline unchanged, however, and he explained: “Steven is a natural No.8, so we have moved him back there and the inclusion of Gareth (at No.6) gives us even more speed amongst our loose forwards.
“Chad is also 100% fit now, after battling with a hamstring niggle, and his return at hooker will help our set-piece consistency, which, of course, is always crucial – especially against a big pack like the Blue Bulls’. Ramone (Samuels) is a fine player, but still in the early stages of his move from loose forward to hooker and he has done well so far.”
The DHL WP U19s are searching for their first victory of 2013, after drawing (18-18) to the FS Cheetahs in Week One and then suffering a heart-breaking 27-28 defeat to the Leopards last Saturday.
The Blue Bulls U19s, meanwhile, have played one match thus far – against the Leopards – which they won convincingly.
“It’s always tough against the Bulls – at any level. We’ve seen footage of their match against the Leopards – they’re a big team and very physical.
“We need to be up for it, physically and cannot afford to give them any space,” said Adams.
“The key for me, however, is that we can produce an improved performance. We’ve been our own worst enemies this year, drawing and losing our games in the closing stages, so, like I said last week, we need to show a killer instinct and learn to finish a game if given the opportunity.”
Saturday’s match, one of two games at City Park, will get underway at 13h30 – shortly after the official unveiling of the ground’s new facilities (at 12h30). Entrance is FREE for everyone.
The DHL Western Province Under-19 team to take on the Blue Bulls is as follows:
15. Jason Worrall
14. Tiaan Mouton
13. Michael Haznar
12. Faffa Botha
11. Michael Mvelase
10. Chris Smith
9. SP Ferreira
8. Steven Meiring
7. Luke van der Smit
6. Gareth de Bruin
5. Sebastian Negri
4. Sebastian Ferreira (captain)
3. Michael van Tonder
2. Chad Solomon
1. Liam Hendricks
Reserves:
16. Ramone Samuels
17. Nico Steenkamp
18. Nathan Gogela
19. Josh Moon
20. Attie van Rensburg
21. Pieter Schoonraad
22. Kyle Leibrandt
23. James Verity-Amm
Referee: Rodney Bonaparte