Mtyanda replaces Potgieter in Eagles

Lock forward Giant Mtyanda will accopmany the South Western District Eagles rugby side to Witbank on Thursday after Hein Potgieter pulled out because of flu.

The Eagles and the Pumas clash in a vital Currie Cup first division match on Friday afternoon. Potgieter was chosen on the bench, but did not recover quickly enough to make the long trip. Mtyanda was the obvious replacement.

He had an outstanding Vodacom Cup season, but has to play second fiddle now to Wikus Liebenberg, who joined the Eagles from French outfit Brive.

The fact that seven of the Pumas’ squad of 22 players played for the Eagles last season is, acoording to SWD coach Johann Lerm, an emotional affair.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of emotion when the Pumas’ former Eagles clash with their former team-mates, but as far as my team goes we need to concentrate on the game,” Lerm said.

“A win is vital for both sides and therefore we cannot concentrate on other factors.”