Dolphins in search of elusive win
Rugby
Dolphins persist in search of elusive winOtis Daniels
Simonis Storm Dolphin has found the going tough since returning to the NRU premier league after a prolonged absence from top-flight rugby.
The Swakopmund side hosts the defending champions, Trustco United, in what promises to be an epic showdown at the Tamariskia field on Saturday. Dolphin would want to turn the tide in the last match of the first round.
After seven matches, Dolphin have yet to record a win or collect a log point. Beaten by Wanderers 89-5 last weekend, they have so far scored 57 points, conceded 325 and is placed at the bottom of the log (ninth).
United is placed seventh, with nine points. The visitors from Windhoek scored 121, conceded 151 and recorded a 21-21 draw against FNB Reho Falcon in their last assignment.
Dolphin recently announced the appointment of Eugene Jantjies as its new technical and backline coach and Imke Augustyn as the new Strength and Conditioning coach.
Jantjies, who brings a wealth of experience including playing at four Rugby World Cup tournaments, said the biggest challenge his charges face in general is a lack of defensive attributes.
“We are working on our defence. We want to put in a team in the field that can compete on all levels. The aim to fill the field, keep the ball in hand and ensure one-on-one tackles are executed effectively.”
Consistency is key
Jantjies said the current squad consists of young players and that the club is struggling to have a consistent contingent of players.
“I am not making any excuses. We have a long-term plan in place and for this year the aim is to build a solid unit. We need everybody (players, sponsors and supporters) to buy in and support on and off the pitch. We will work hard and intensify our efforts in the second round. A win or two will eventually come.”
According to Jantjies, the Dolphin pack is as good as any in the country and teams taking on his side should prepare for a tough battle.
“I expect our squad to go full out against United. We have a solid pack. The backline however needs fine-tuning. We have to attend to a couple of niggles, but it is going to be difficult. Anything can happen. We should be switched on and have a go at them by generating momentum and using quick ball to maximum effect from the very beginning until the final whistle.
“If the payers enjoy playing rugby and defend hard we will reap the benefits.”
United we stand
United coach Robbie Dixon said preparations are on track.
“We will not make many (unforced) changes to the team and we are ready for Dolphin. I am expecting a tough encounter and we will pack enough firepower. We are aware the both sides want to win.”
United will travel without injured left wing Jandre Esterhuyzen and Rudi Pieters (eighthman). Hooker Eloff du Plessis is also not available and will be replaced by Adriaan Vermeulen.
Dixon said he is not too worried by the poor early-season form of his squad.
“We have a young squad and lost two senior forward players in our pack. The team is finding its feet. The defeats we suffered were closely contested. We were still in it to win it at halftime.”
He emphasised the league is not won during the first half of the season.
“A win this weekend will see us moving up the ranks and that is the aim. Good teams create opportunities and utilise them to bury their opponents. We will focus on winning more games in the second round to secure a top-four finish and a semi-final berth.”
United will not underestimate Dolphin, he insists. He urged his charges to produce an improved performance.
“We need a positive result and a strong second-half finish. Our issue is not fitness, but concentration. I want the players to move the ball into the spaces and expect the frontline to create the space needed for our backline to operate at maximum capacity.”
He commended Dolphins on the acquisition of Eugene Jantjies. “His extensive experience and leadership will undoubtedly elevate the team's performance and strategic play. I hope the players will listen, do what is required and work hard.”
Dolphin’s club chairman Rowhan Besser said while the premier league team did not get the results it hoped for so far, it is important to remember that Rome was not built in a day.
“We are ready to get back up and continue the fight. I am calling on Swakopmund to come rally behind the Dolphin teams. Your support means the world to us. Let us make some noise and show them what the Dolphin spirit is all about!”