Kudus in search of green pastures in Khomasdal
Rugby
FNB Western Suburbs have their work cut out when they host a wounded FNB Kudus rugby team on Saturday at Suburbs Park in Khomasdal.The green and whites have recorded only one win so far this season against six defeats and is placed eighth (one above the bottom of the log Simonis Storm Dolphin) with just seven points from seven matches.
Unbeaten log leaders FNB Unam dominated Suburbs by 57-11 last Saturday.
Coach Jacky Bock admits that his team is definitely not where they would normally be. “This is a tough season for us, having lost 14 players to other clubs, or due to retirements. The depth of our squad is an obvious problem.”
The visiting Kudus is placed third on 25 points. The Walvis Bay club recorded five wins and two losses so far. Unam was also the side that subdued Kudus 35-22 at home in their last appearance before last weekend’s bye.
A lot to play for
The two sides share a rich history. It was for example 11 years ago that Kudus loose forward Ernesto Bampton got married earlier in the day and made haste from the ceremony to come and score the winning points for his side against Western Suburbs in a match at Narraville Stadium.
His bride, still wearing her wedding dress, joined him moments later on the sideline in celebrating the victory.
Suburbs was also the team that shattered a Kudus winning streak last season.
Ready for battle
According to Bock, practice sessions have been going well. “We have 60 players attending training sessions. Most of them are aged between 19 and 20. We just generally have lost some experienced stalwarts.”
But Western Suburbs will always give their best and will never stand back for anyons, he says.
“We noticed that issues arise for us in the final 20 minutes. We will thus have to assemble enough points early on against Kudus in order to avoid playing catch-up.”
Bock says he was well aware that Kudus possesses a solid pack of forwards. “I know we will have our hands full to contain them. They are well-oiled and very good with their offloading game and mauls. Most set plays are orchestrated by those forwards who provide a good and solid platform.”
He confirmed that Suburbs is struggling with multiple injured and unavailable players. “Ethan Beukes (centre), Dumarcho Hartung (wing) and Howard Gawachab (flank) are not available due to injuries. Vernon Diergaardt (hooker) and Justin Nel (flyhalf) have work commitments. Dhale Cloete (flank) has left the team due to study commitments.”
Western Suburbs is however not a team that can be written off or be easily swept aside, because they do pack some firepower and will give any team a good contest at Suburbs Park.
“We are a premier league team; pride and bragging rights are at stake. We have to show heart and be proud of the badge on our chest. I want my players to give it their all and have a good go. It will not be a walk in the park. Kudus should come prepared,” said Bock.
Kudus at full force
The Kudu backline players who missed that match against Unam will be back for the trip against Western Suburbs. The Unam result is something of the past, he insists.
“We are ready for the assignment at hand. We have a couple of injuries and will move with our strongest available team to Windhoek,” said Kudus coach Shaun White.
Forward we march
The Kudus pack might just be a bit too strong for their counterparts at Western Suburbs. Captain Cameron Langenhoven (flank) is still out injured and Tertius Arangies (lock) could lead the team into battle.
Kenneth Seibeb (flank) is returning to his previous team Western Suburbs and will be out to prove a point against the visitors for whom he played a couple of games.
White said Kudus will not take any risks against an unpredictable Western Suburbs. “They love playing fast, running rugby and we have a plan in place to deal with that. It is expected that they will put on a strong show and do anything in their power to upset the status quo and ensure a surprise result. Our team should just stick to the plan.”
Kudus will have to be accurate in their approach and clinical in the execution of their moves if they want to come away with maximum points.