Wolves look to turn tide against Lions
Schools rugby
PSG Pro-Ed Academy's first rugby team travels from Swakopmund to the capital in search of an unlikely first win against high-flying unbeaten log leader King Price Windhoek Gymnasium.The visitors have yet to register a win in this Namibia Secondary Schools Rugby (NSSR) Standard U19 Premier League season and is placed seventh, with eight points. Windhoek Gymnasium leads with 27 points after three dominating wins.
Pro-Ed coach Thys Saunders advised his charges to play and enjoy rugby. “It is back to basics for us. We had a heart-to-heart talk and everybody is in a very positive mood.”
Saunders said the team appears to have lost some fire after a good showing in their 26-19 interhigh win against PSG Walvis Bay Private School in late April.
“Our flyhalf Maughan Jarman got injured and we had to modify our backline. This is however not an excuse for our results so far. Jandré Robberts has moved from centre into our flyhalf position; it takes time to adapt and we expect things to keep improving.”
The aim is to finish in the top four. “We already played the two 2023 finalists. We need one good game to regain our confidence,” said the coach.
He admits Windhoek Gymnasium would be a tough nut to crack. “They have structure, depth, competent coaches and big-match temperament. We respect them and are looking forward to the challenge. I want my players to go out and play the way they know they can.”
Captain and centre Tayton Saunders acknowledged that his side struggled in their two losses to Samsung WHS (at home) and OK Moria (away). “We are not playing to our full potential and must execute our game plan. This is a huge game for us. We know their strong points, but have a plan to counter them.”
Tayton said his teammates know that it will be a tough game. “We are ready and looking forward to it. We should just play to the best of our ability and our potential.”
Windhoek Gymnasium captain, Ruan Agenbag, said the team is looking forward to continuing its winning ways.
“We have a great squad. Even though we struggled to get into our structure against WAP last week, we pulled together, worked harder and won the match (23-13).”
Gymnasium head coach Mauritz Thirion said he will not make changes to the winning combination. “We will stick to the plan. We played three in a row and want to get through the first part of the season without picking up more injuries.”
Thirion confirmed that star flank Zack von Wielligh and Zander le Roux (lock) are out due to injuries. “We are welcoming Roché Brand (flank) back into the starting fold. A couple of other injured players also returned and our practice sessions went well.”
He points out that most of the league matches still lie ahead. “We will just do the basics well. The aim is to have a successful season and that does not necessarily mean winning the league.”
Thirion said he expects a tough match. “I wish Pro-Ed the best of luck and we all should remember to continue building bridges.”
• The U19 match at the Lions’ Den field will be broadcast live on NTV and https://oneuptwo.com/