Kotze is back for the Pumas ahead of Bulls clash
The changes to the Steval Pumas side that will host the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Mbombela Stadium this Saturday, were made because certain players are simply better suited to the game plan that will be executed on the day.
Coach Brent Janse van Rensburg made three changes to the starting line-up.
Tazz Fuzani, who has not been part of the team since their first SuperSport Rugby Challenge encounter against the Blue Bulls earlier in the season, will replace Stephan Greeff at lock.
Marco Janse van Rensburg (hooker) and Khwezi Mona (loose-head prop) who played from the bench against the Hino Valke last weekend, move to the starting line-up.
Frank Herne, who scored a try last weekend, moves to the bench while Jacques Kotze is the only new player who was not part of the Pumas team that drew 41-41 against the Valke.
Also read: Kotze vir die eerste keer in die beginspan
“In this competition we need to play certain players in certain games, but we don’t want to break our rhythm and momentum. We can’t give every player an opportunity every week. The team selection depends on the opposition we play and the strategy we need for the upcoming game,” said Janse van Rensburg.
This weekend the Pumas will want to hold on to the ball to maintain the tempo to move the ball quickly from the rucks.
“We have played the Blue Bulls before and there is nothing the guys have not seen yet before from all the games we have watched. It is just a case of executing on the day. The Blue Bulls are good in the set pieces and really strong carriers and are good in the scrums. They put the Lions under pressure this past weekend. We must keep pressure in the scrums and not relax. This has been a focus area for us. This week we have been tweaking our roles.”
Janse van Rensburg is excited about Jerome Pretorius who has rejoined the team after leaving in 2015.
“He has worked really hard and I have always rated him as a player. He will get some more game time this weekend as well as Nardus (van der Walt), who is coming back from an injury.”
Kobus Marais who had a bad day with his kicking boot, will remain at fly half. Marais was in outstanding form over the first three rounds against the Blue Bulls, Xerox Golden Lions and Welwitschias.
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“Saturday’s selection is based on strategy. Sias (Ebersohn) and Kobus brings different skills to the game. Every player can have a bad day. The players train really hard and we want to encourage the local community to come out and support the guys,” said Van Rensburg.
Pumas
15. Devon Williams
14. Ruwellyn Isbell
13. Hennie Skorbinski
12. Ryan Nell
11. JP Lewis
10. Kobus Marais
9. Reynier van Rooyen
8. Carel Greeff
7. Willie Engelbrecht
6. Brian Shabangu
5. Hugo Kloppers
4. Tazz Fuzani
3. Marné Coetzee
2. Marco Janse van Rensburg
1. Khwezi Mona
Replacements
16. Frank Herne
17. Jacques Kotze
18. Jannie Stander
19. Nardus van der Walt
20. Emile Temperman
21. Sias Ebersohn
22. Jerome Pretorius.
