Derby Day in Humansdorp: Nico Malan prepares for Marlow onslaught
The hosts, Nico Malan, are gearing up for a massive onslaught across the board when they tackle the dangerous Marlow Landbou in what is set to be a fascinating King Price Derby Series showdown in Humansdorp, on Saturday, at 15.30.
Both sides have scored some notable victories this season, and it appears there is little to choose between them as they aim for the bragging rights in a match that is always competitive.
Under coach Jaco Nepgen and captain Pietman Kleinhans, the home side is fresh off a hard- earned win over Pearson, but they will know they have to show intensity of the highest order to handle the Wolramme challenge.
“There is always a huge amount of respect between the two schools, and we know that Marlow has developed a lethal combination of physicality and skill,” the Nico Malan mentor said.
“They have always been a physical team, but they have brought a new dimension to their game with skilful backs who can attack from coast to coast.
“There is so much pride and passion in their ranks that we know we will have to lift our intensity for the full duration of the 70 minutes.”
Nico Malan are also no slouches when it comes to toughness and skills, and they will take heart from the sort of performance they put in when beating Glenwood 41-39 at the Absa Wildeklawer Festival.
It was a display which epitomised their attacking talent as well as their defensive systems, and they will need more of the same against Marlow.
The Wolramme have a good record against their Humansdorp rivals, even away from home, but coach Derik Olivier acknowledged that they are in for a serious battle.
“Nico Malan is very strong this year, with several provincial players in their ranks,” he pointed out.
“Their play in the tight phases is outstanding, and they always play at pace and with great commitment.
“We know we will have to match them physically, but we are up for the challenge because the pressure will be on them, playing on their home ground.”
Marlow has compiled an impressive record this season, and although there have been three defeats, those have all been by narrow margins – Selborne (22-26), Brandwag (31-36) and Glenwood (9-8).
They also drew 25-25 with St Andrew’s College, while they produced one of their best performances at the Wildeklawer Festival when they beat Welkom Gimnasium 25-22.
With both sides bristling with talent and no shortage of commitment in either camp, it promises to be an afternoon to remember in Humansdorp.
The teams:
Nico Malan: 15 Alarno Primo, 14 Reagan Stone, 13 Gelden van Niekerk, 12 Enzo Machaba, 11 Tequane Koopman, 10 Leighton Lawrence, 9 Lleyton Mienie, 8 Pietman Kleinhans (captain), 7 Neil Lategan, 6 MC Ferreira, 5 Ruben van Dijk, 4 Ulrich van Zyl, 3 André van der Merwe, 2 Janu Janse van Rensburg, 1 Waldo Krige.
Marlow Landbou: 15 Du Preez Vermaak, 14 Logan van Vuuren, 13 Dawid-Malan de Ridder, 12 Ockert du Preez, 11 WJ Pienaar, 10 Cole Hurter, 9 Gian Steyl, 8 GD Jordaan (vice-captain), 7 Adrian Joubert, 6 CJ Botha, 5 Marnus Malan, 4 Burgert van Heerden, 3 Herman le Roux, 2 Markus Bester, 1 Zian Jacobs. Replacements: 16 Wikus van der Merwe, 17 Izak Steyn, 18 Sinqobili Siyengo, 19 Ruan van Deventer, 20 AC du Toit, 21 Jurgens van Staden, 22 Pierre Marais.
Kick Off: 15:30
Other matches in the Eastern Cape:
13:15 – Muir College vs Pearson; 13:30 – Kingswood College vs Port Rex THS; 13:40 – Die Brandwag (Uitenhage) vs Westering; 13:40 – Hudson Park vs Graeme College; 13:45 – Cambridge vs Dale College; 14:30 – Queen’s College vs Grey High School; 14:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Selborne College.
