Western Province are in a tizz over the Lions’ loose-forward prowess and in an unprecedented move have decided to stock up with no less than three loosies on their reserves bench for Saturday’s Currie Cup clash at Ellis Park.
News 24 reports that WP coach Allister Coetzee fears that the much-vaunted Lions backrow trio of captain Cobus Grobbelaar, Franco van der Merwe and Willem Alberts could wreak havoc on Saturday and has taken precautions to counter that threat.
Coetzee on Thursday named Springbok hooker Schalk Brits at eighthman and he will be partnered by flankers AJ Venter and Francois Louw. However, Brits will still be doing the hooker’s throw-in chores at line-out time.
On the bench their back-up will come from Pieter Louw, Justin Melck and Nick Koster.
If WP still have problems trying to hold their own in the loose, they will have an option of moving AJ Venter to lock and then play with four loose-forwards.
“We (WP) don’t want go up against the Lions lacking in pace on attack and defence,” said Coetzee. “When the game opens up we may play with four loose forwards.
“It’s going to be a tough game and we have to have guys who are quick around the park to shut down their chasing lines.
“If there is an opportunity to run it (the ball) then we have the pace on the bench. I think we’re well covered, and what we’ve done just gives us more loose forward options. ”
WP flank Francois Louw also spoke about the Lions’ threat at the breakdown. “On Saturday we’ll see a great battle on the ground. They have some great ball stealers,” said Louw. “Their (the Lions) guys move the ball quickly on the ground so we’ll have to up our game in that regard.”
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Wp seem to be in a tizz full stop, lately.
@ra-cheltjie de’ be-er (Comment 1) : Like the Sharks Racheltjie 🙁
maybe THIS is why Rassie wants Lobberts and Vermeulen…
@robdylan (Comment 3) : and how many more ❓ ❓ ❓
@Me2 (Comment 4) : why don’t we just give them Kanko and Deysel too. Then shut up shop
Kankowski sounds like a JHB surname…..
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 6) : dream on Walter you already have Baywatch and Alberts now don’t get greedy! Kanko is ours! 👿
But Baywatch, Alberts and Kankowski would spell BAKgat!
Ntini to Bell, OUT
IR Bell c Boucher b Ntini 20 (27b 4×4 0x6) SR: 74.07
@robdylan (Comment 3) :
So he can play 5 off the bench… 😀
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 6) :
Since we lost Joe already!??!
When is Joubert due back!??!
@Hmmm (Comment 12) :
Mid August I think
@PJLD (Comment 9) : WooHoo!
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 13) :
Cozz I think I have him as a loosie in my FL…
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 8) : you’re not wrong. he’d be just as good at WP with Burger and Vermeulen 😉
“If there is an opportunity to run it ( the ball )then we have the pace on the bench”. 😯 Nohow does this makes sense.