Category: Currie Cup

Coach Plumtree has selected more URC players to the Currie Cup team. The Sharks will end up third on the log regardless of the result and will play the Bulls at Loftus in the semi final next week. So the match is really a chance for some more players to get some match time. Due to injuries to e.g. Andre Esterhuizen and Eduan Keyter this will be a chance for youngsters like Jurenzo Julius and Litelihle Bester to show that they should be part of the URC squad that will travel to Europe towards the end of the month.

Correction: John Plumtree has taken over the coaching in the Currie Cup with JPP returning to coaching the U/21 team. He has selected 12 URC players into the match day squad for the game against the Griffons. One has to feel for the young players that has been doing so well but with the first URC game a few weeks away it is important that the URC squad starts getting some match practice.

Coach JPP has made a few changes to the starting team with a new starting front row of Dian Bleurer, Dan Jooste and Kabous Bezuidenhout. Alwayno Visagie comes back into the team at 12 in place of Jurenzo Julius.

Coach JPP has made minimal changes to the team that drew against the Pumas last Saturday. Mawande Mdanda starts at tighthead in the place of Trevor Nyakane. Jaden Hendrikse starts at 9 and Yaw Penxe replaces Jaco Williams at wing. Anthony Volmink moves onto the bench.

Coach JPP has made a few changes to the team that beat the Lions. Trevor Nyakane comes in to strengthen the scrums with Tino Mavesere back at open side. Eduan Keyter will start the match. Chris Horak should make his Currie Cup debut later in the game.

Coach JPP has selected another inexperienced team with 3 debutants in the starting lineup and another 4 on the bench. It is a long season and it does make sense for the URC players to get a decent break before the long season starts again in September. In the mean time these inexperienced teams will get smashed week after week – must be frustrating for coaches and players alike.

Coach JPP have lost a number of Boks for the test against Portugal, and it seems players like Jordan Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker, Corne Rahl, etc. are still being rested (my assumption for lack of more information).

JP Pietersen has selected a strong team containing 5 capped Boks (Mchunu, Nyakane, Mapimpi, Esterhuizen and Fassi) to start against the Griquas in Kimberley. Phepsi Buthelezi will also feature in the blind side flank position with Nick Hatton retaining the number 8 jersey.

Interesting the new Currie Cup coach JP Pietersen has selected a number of players that have been reported as being released (e.g. Murray Koster, Kerron van Vuuren) or retired (Lionel Cronje) along with a number of youngsters that played with him at U21 level. Old war horse Reniel Hugo is still around to mentor the youngsters in the pack. Good to see Tino Mavesere back from his ban. Nic Hatton will captain the team from behind the scrum.