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- WP coach John Dobson has explained why Springbok scrum-half Herschel Jantjies is not on the team to face the Lions.
- Godlen Masimla starts at number 9, with Paul de Wet as a backup scrum-half.
- Dobson says they have three “identical” scrumhalves that need playing time.
Western Province coach John dobson insist on Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies He is not fired, saying his omission from the team to face the Lions is due to a pre-planned rotation policy.
Godlen masimla will start in the number 9 jersey at Ellis Park on Saturday, featuring Paul de Wet chosen as his alternate.
Jantjies has started most of the games for the Cape side, but his form has been erratic as of late.
Dobson, however, made it clear Wednesday that the World Cup winner was not eliminated.
“We have three very similar scrumhalves, which is good for us in terms of our playing model. He was well aware that we had not given enough rugby to the last two (Masimla and De Wet). He planned two weeks ago for Godlen and Paul would play this game, Paul and Herschel will play next week.
“That rotation was independent of the results. We couldn’t back down because we didn’t get the result we wanted against the Bulls. So Herschel will rest this week. Godlen will start and Paul will be on the bench.” “Dobson told reporters during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
Masimla joins Tim Swiel as a running back while Damian Willemse moves to fullback to cover for Warrick Gelant, who will be out for six to nine months with a knee injury.
Dobson hinted that Swiel would have a prolonged flyhalf career.
“Godlen and Tim have played two and a half seasons together in the Under-21 and Vodacom Cup [level]. In fact, they know each other well. So we work around that a bit.
“Warrick won’t be back for long and Herschel has played a lot with Tim this year so we’ll have to work with that combination.”
Dobson added that it was imperative to give all of his scrumhalves adequate playing time.
“The rotation is not itching and shifting all the time. We’ve clearly gone with Herschel so far this season, aside from his compassionate license issue. But we have two really good scrumhalves. If Herschel does his ACL and we go to PRO16 With guys under 30 minutes in the Currie Cup, it’s irresponsible not to give these guys exposure.
“The scrumhalves are identical, it’s really weird … the way they defend, the way they break, their skills, they kick the same.”
The Cape’s team mentor added that the changes were in line with one of the three goals that have been set for the national season.
“There are three things that we are trying to balance in this tournament. Mainly and essentially is trying to be in the playoffs and go as far as we can in the competition. The second is to expand our player base. As it is well written, we have a lot of players. that will be out of their contract at the end of next year. We have to make sure we have a reserve stock that can move us forward, whether the guys get offers from overseas or injuries. We can’t trust the same guys
“Third, we need to realize where we are going to play rugby in the future and that is in the northern hemisphere. What has pleased us is how we changed our game of territory and how our play has developed. There are other challenges we have. what we have to do right. Maybe we’ve gone off plan a time or two, which it cost us last weekend. When you play in the conditions of the northern hemisphere, you have to be absolutely rigid in your plan. “
Saturday’s clash at Ellis Park begins at 7:00 p.m.
Equipment:
Lions
15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Willem Alberts , 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole
Substitutes: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 21 Roelof Smit, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Dan Kriel
Western Province
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Substitutes (from): 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 David Meihuizen, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Johan du Toit, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Tristan Leyds, 24 Jaco Coetzee, 25 Kade Wolhuter, 26 Rikus Pretorius
