Pumas retain winning formula
The Pumas didn't change their winning formula when they
announced an unchanged team to meet the Griffons in a top of the
table Absa First Division rugby clash in Witbank on Saturday.
Two of their stalwarts are in a race against time to take the
field in this match which will be televised, but at this stage the
only changes are on the bench.
Ace lock Marries Coetzer, who is enjoying his best season to
date, is struggling with a leg injury and number eight Doppies le
Roux has a sore shoulder, but both should be fit to play.
Lock Eduaan van der Walt, who wasn't included on the bench, will
leapfrog the reserve forwards to start, should Coetzer not play.
In the changes on the bench loosehead prop Dawie Steyn returns
for Brett Nel and inside centre Hyron Thysse for Du-Wayne Smart.
The Pumas will have to do without the versatile Jiffy Lamprecht
for the rest of the season after he injured knee ligaments.
Scrumhalf Jacques Coetzee will start in his 51st match for the
Pumas, knowing the former Eagle, Hendrik van der Nest, is blowing
in his neck.
Pumas winger Allister Ketteldas increased his try tally in the
First Division to seven and his wing partner, Braam Pretorius, is
the leading points scorer with 69 in the competition.
Kennedy Tsimba, the Griffons pivot, needs one more point to get
his 50 on the board.
Pumas: MJ Mentz; Braam Pretorius, Tiaan Marx, Shaun Venter,
Allister Ketteldas; Valentine van Wyk, Jacques Coetzee; Doppies le
Roux, Martin Sithole, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Marius Coetzer, Luhan
Velthuizen, Ashley Buys, Hannes Franklin (capt), Ronnie Uys.
Reserves: DeeJay Terblanche, Dawie Steyn, Johan van Heerden,
Jacques Verwey, Hendrik van der Nest, Ashwin Scott, Hyron Thysse.
