Falcons keen to build on win
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:57
Falcons coach Rudy Joubert has shown faith in the team that beat Griquas last weekend, and retained the same starting XV for Friday's Currie Cup date with the Lions at Ellis Park.
The same starting 15 who beat Griquas last weekend for their first Currie Cup win in two seasons, will start against the Lions, but two injuries to players on the bench have forced Joubert to make changes
among his reserves.
Scrumhalf Poerie van Rooyen has fractured his cheek bone and midfielder Showan Smith has torn knee ligaments.
Joubert has utilised the opportunity to draft in former Blue Bulls midfielder Dewald Pretorius on the bench for the meeting with the Lions.
Pretorius will provide cover at centre and wing and is a big, strong runner.
Prop forward Rassie van Vuuren, who was ill last week, also returns to the bench. Van Vuuren was a vital cog in the Blue Bulls side that lifted the Vodacom Cup earlier this season.
Scrumhalf Bolla Adams also returns to the bench to cover for the injured Van Rooyen.
Falcons: 15 Jacques Schutte, 14 Ernie Kruger, 13 Rouan Cloete, 12 Hanno Coetzee (captain), 11 Luvo Sogidashe, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Gerrie Odendaal, 8 Sean Plaatjies, 7 Emile Verster, 6 Uwe Sauer, 5 Marius Coetzer, 4 Wouter Moore, 3 Nico Pretorius, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Gavin Whittingham.
Replacements: 16 Frik Venter, 17 Rassie van Vuuren, 18 Reggie Perkins, 19 Warren Perkins, 20 Morné Adams, 21 Len Olivier, 22 Dewald Pretorius.
Date: Friday, July 4
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Phillip Bosch
Touch judges: Jaco Peyper, Peet Badenhorst
Television match official: Michael Cupido
SAPA
