Eagles say Pumas are Currie Cup favourites

SWD Eagles coach Johann Lerm said his team will go into Friday evening’s Currie Cup First Division final against the Pumas in Witbank as underdogs.

“I do prefer to be the underdog, but we also have a surprise or two for our opponents in store,” said the SWD Eagles coach.

Lerm has selected the same starting team that defeated the Griffons 31-18 in last weekend’s Currie Cup First Division semi-final for Friday night’s finale.

Experienced players such as Wayne Bennett, Gaffie du Toit and Wickus Harmse have been selected on the bench for tomorrow evening’s final.

“It is also just fair to give the players that have been in such good form last weekend another run,” he added.

Meanwhile Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has changed his centres and loose-forward combinations in preparations of tomorrow evening’s Currie Cup First Division final against the SWD Eagles in Witbank at 19h10.

Former Blue Bulls Under-21 captain Pieter Meyer is given his first start of the season and will replace Corné Steenkamp, who is relegated to the bench.

The rest of the backline will see the likes of MJ Mentz, who recently signed on with the Springbok Sevens, and wingers Braam Pretorius and Allistair Kettledas, included the starting team.

“There will be pressure on the players to perform with this game being a final, but I am sure the guys will be ready and up for it,” said Stonehouse.

“They’ve consistently performed well this season and hopefully the guys will carry that form into the final.”

Teams:

Pumas – MJ Mentz, Braam Pretorius, Shaun Venter, Hyron Thyse, Allistair Kettledas, Valentine van Wyk, Jacques Coetzee, Doppies le Roux, Pieter Meyer, Jaco Bouwer, Marius Coetzer, Eduan van der Walt, Ashley Buys, Hannes Franklin, Ronnie Uys.

Reserves: Dee-Jay Terblanche, Dawie Steyn, Savage van Heerden, Corné Steenkamp, Martin Sithole, Juan Visser, Ashwin Scott.

SWD Eagles – Bevin Fortuin (c), Norman Nelson, Bobby Joubert, Isak Saayman, Baldwin McBean, Ricardo Croy, Jandré Blom, Jody Burch, Jacques Engelbrecht, Victor Joubert, Henry Grimes, Giant Mtyanda, Tiaan de Kock, Junior Leota, Jaco Terblanche.

Reserves: Wayne Bennett, Brood van der Westhuizen, Wickus Harmse, Wikus Liebenberg, Dougie Hellmuth, Gaffie du Toit, Joe Breytenbach.

Referee: Craig Joubert (SARU)