Boland Cavaliers coach Hawies Fourie is hoping two key men will be fit for Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final against the Lions at Ellis Park.
Playmakers Ashlon Davids and James Tedder missed last Saturday’s short trip to Cape Town due to knee injuries and have been given until Thursday to prove their fitness.
Should Davids be declared fit, it would be a massive shot in the arm for the men from Wellington, because he had been the catalyst for the Cavaliers’ early campaign wins.
READ: Currie Cup semis decided
Loosehead prop Wayrin Losper, utility back Juan Mostert and lock Marlyn Williams all picked up knocks in the 40-22 loss to Province. But those are not serious enough to keep them from playing in the semi-final.
After an impressive run of four wins from five matches, the Cavaliers lost their last two round-robin matches against the Sharks and WP. Fourie says he was especially disappointed in how his team performed in the second half in Cape Town.
“We rectified that in training so far this week. We trained at a higher intensity and lifted the standards and I’m satisfied with things have gone up to now.”
Looking ahead to the Lions and the challenge that awaits, Fourie says they’re expecting the toughest game of the season so far with the Lions once again likely to bring in their URC players for the clash. The Lions were ruthless against fellow semi-finalists Griquas this past Saturday, demolishing them 37-7.
“We know it’s going to be a tough ask against the Lions. They’ve got a very strong side, playing quality rugby and scoring a lot of tries. It’ll be important for us to defend well and to be sharp. On the day they can destroy any team.”
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Whichever way the result goes, Fourie can be proud of his team’s Currie Cup run where they defeated big guns like the Lions, Vodacom Bulls and Cheetahs at their fortress Boland Park. But Fourie insists they can go even further if they keep things simple.
“We will take some confidence from our win over them. It’s important to back ourselves and to focus on what we need to do to get the result.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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