Fourie targets improved accuracy ahead of Valke

The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers have named their matchday 23 for Saturday's SA Cup Round 3 encounter against the Valke at Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington. Kick-off is set for 3pm.

Head coach Hawies Fourie has retained a strong core to his side, with captain Thurlow Marsh leading from No 8 in a balanced loose trio alongside Sauliegh Arendse and Michael Mutombo. Mutombo, who made his debut last week against the Griffons when he came off the bench in the second half, replaces the injured Khwezi Mafu. Taine Booysen has been named on the bench.

In a positional switch, hooker Joshua Eras will pack in between Dayan van der Westhuizen and Dewald Maritz, with Sidney Tobias, Mthokozisi Gumede and Andrew Beerwinkel named among the replacements.

The experienced Louis Schreuder combines with Juan Mostert to form the halfback pairing, while the outside backs offer attacking firepower, including in-form wing Xavier Mitchell.

Chris Smit has been ruled out and is replaced by Erik Lambrecht, with Jurick Lewis providing cover on the bench. Jade Stighling and Domenic Smit, at fullback, make up the back trio with Mitchell.

Fourie’s selection reflects continuity but this week’s focus has been firmly on execution and discipline after a mixed performance last time out.

“If you look at the game (against the Griffons), I would say we were really disappointed in our first-half effort, we struggled to find rhythm,” said Fourie.

Despite that, the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers showed character to turn things around after the break.

“We had a conversation at half-time and our discipline improved. We only conceded one penalty in the first 25 minutes after half-time and we scored three tries,” he added.

Mitchell was a standout performer in that turnaround, and Fourie was quick to acknowledge his impact.

“He’s a guy that works hard on his game, his work rate on the field was really good, and he was rewarded for it.”

Looking ahead to the Valke clash, the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers coaching staff have placed a strong emphasis on defensive structure and reducing unforced errors.

“We just focused on what we do well, we focused on our defence. We know the Valke like to keep the ball and spread it wide,” Fourie explained.

“On attack, we are still not where I want the team to be. We make too many mistakes in the first three phases … so we worked on that, and we’ll try to keep it simple.”

Fourie remains confident his side can deliver a more complete performance at home.

“I’m confident that we will put in a better performance against the Valke this weekend.”

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers starting XV: 15⁠ ⁠Domenic Smit, 14⁠ ⁠Jade Stighling, 13⁠ ⁠Erik Lambrecht, 12⁠ ⁠Lunathi Nxele, 11⁠ ⁠Xavier Mitchell; 10⁠⁠ Juan Mostert, 9⁠ ⁠Louis Schreuder; 8⁠ Thurlow Marsh (capt), 7⁠ ⁠Michael Mutombo, 6⁠ ⁠Sauliegh Arendse; 5⁠ ⁠Marlyn Williams, 4⁠⁠ Jeandre Leonard; 3⁠ ⁠Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2⁠ Joshua Eras, 1 Dewald Maritz. Replacements: 16⁠ ⁠⁠Sidney Tobias, 17⁠ ⁠Mthokozisi Gumede, 18⁠ ⁠Andrew Beerwinkel, 19⁠ ⁠Michael Benadie, 20⁠ Taine Booysen, 21⁠ ⁠Chriswill September, 22⁠ ⁠Jurick Lewis, 23⁠ ⁠Thurlon Williams.

SATURDAY

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers v Valke - Saturday @ Boland Stadium, Wellington (3pm)

Referee: Dylen November

Broadcast: SS channel 951