White River must out-think Sasol to outmuscle them

White River Rugby Club might have finished fifth on the Mpumalanga Rugby Union Premier Club League log, but they are one match away from playing in the final.

The team will travel to Secunda on Saturday where they will play log leaders Sasol at Secunda Stadium.

White River will be the underdogs. The club’s first team have played Sasol twice this season and lost twice (19-23 at home on May 7 and 38-21 away on June 11).

During the league phase of the competition Sasol played eight matches, won six, lost one and drew one. White River’s track record was poor. They played eight, won one, and lost seven matches.

White River lost four matches by four points or less. Had a referee’s decision gone the other way or the bounce of the ball favoured them a few more times, they could have finished in the top three on the log.

But a rugby team need to create their own luck and White River have not managed to play the level of rugby for 80 minutes needed to decide their own destiny. They have simply not been good or consistent enough.

On Saturday they will have 80 minutes to produce the goods to salvage a disappointing season. The prize, a final against either Middelburg or Ferros, also away from home.

The boys in red defeated Nelspruit 24-19 (21-12) away in a thrilling quarter-final on Saturday. A 20-minute blitz in the first half and a watertight defence in the second, earned them the victory.

White River showed extreme hunger to win against Nelspruit. This motivation must be taken to the Highveld on Saturday.

Unforced errors and poor decision making were weaknesses against Nelspruit, and for much of the season. Clever, disciplined rugby will be the key to beating Sasol.

At the time of going to press the White River match 22 had not been finalised. As soon as it is announced it will be posted on www.whiteriverpost.co.za.

Witrivier buig die knie in laaste ligawedstryd