Schuylkill River Rugby Club from the United States will face the TW Boksburg Rugby Club as part of their rugby tour to South Africa.
The Owls will host the American side at Prince George Park on March 24 and Owls supporters are urged to come in their numbers to support their team.
Kick-off is at 4pm.
Asked why Boksburg rugby aficionados should come and support the team, TW Boksburg Rugby Club president Lex Thorpe said: “This is a once-off. When last did an international team come to Boksburg for a rugby match, cricket match, or any other sport for that matter?”
Quizzed on the match’s importance, the president added: “It’s putting us on the map. How many people in America know Boksburg?
“And it’s good for relationships. These are just not rugby players, they’re businessmen, so it might bring opportunities and we will also let them in on our opportunities.”
Thorpe was also asked for his final score prediction, which he chuckled at before opting to sit on the fence.
“We’ll be up for the challenge. The Americans have some really good Sevens players and some of those guys are really big. I’m not going to make a score prediction, but Boksburg are not going to play to lose, I can assure you of that.”
TW Boksburg Rugby Club chairman Willem Botes Snr, father of Owls lock forward Willem Botes Jnr, commented: “It’s an opportunity for us to show our strength, to show that we can compete against overseas players.
“I think it’s the first in a long time that we manage to put this kind of match together. You don’t see overseas players play at club level. They are a professional side, they’re not just a random overseas team. It’s going to be a big one!”
On his final score prediction, Botes leaned towards a narrow Owls victory.
“I’m a 100 per cent Boksburger. There are a lot of changes happening at the club and we’re working hard behind the scenes. I have all faith in my coaches and my players. We have a very young and exciting team.”
The Philadelphia side will be coached by duo Izak du Plooy and David Codell – who will be part of the team in a player-coach capacity.
Incumbent coach Owen Jones and his coaching staff could not make it for the tour.
Du Plooy, who organised the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, outfit’s tour to South Africa, is originally from Piet Retief. He met his fiancé in the US, which triggered his relocation to the United States in 2016.
Schuylkill River tour to different countries every few years and this is the club’s first visit to South Africa.
They play their rugby in the Mid Atlantic Conference league.
Du Plooy was involved in a road accident on March 12 and sustained a deep cut to the hand, but the lock and loose trio player said he vowed not to miss the tour.
“I have been planning this tour for way too long. I am not sitting on the sideline.”
Asked what the squad looks forward to on this tour, du Plooy responded: “I am looking forward to some great rugby, good food and great people. The team is looking forward to the rugby and experiencing South African culture.”
When the Advertiser asked the player-coach what he will consider a success, he continued: “I would just love it if the team has a great experience in South Africa because I love our country so much. I also hope that our games are competitive.”
On the Owls, du Plooy commented: “I have heard that they have a big, tough team that will give us a great game.”
Schuylkill River have brought 28 players in total – 16 forwards and 12 backs.
They play du Plooy’s old team Piet Retief on March 20 and will have a rugby clinic in Piet Retief on March 21 before travelling to Gauteng to face the Owls.
- Players to look out for
Schuylkill River:
Du Plooy warned that openside flanker Ian Glatts is a “young guy” who plays his heart out every game and that flyhalf Brian Keown runs the ball and directs traffic well.
The coach added that there are a few other talented players in their set up.
TW Boksburg Rugby Club:
It’s interesting that a wing forward is a key for the international visitors because if he is to start, Boksburg’s own “fetcher”, Kyle Lewis, is sure to have an impact on the game, as he usually does. Stocky and strong on his feet, Lewis is your go-to man if you want to get over the advantage line.
It’s with little question that outside centre David Woolls is the Owls’ answer on the offence. The mercurial midfielder is in form and the visitors will be asked to concentrate for the whole 80 minutes to keep him quiet.
TW Boksburg Rugby Club Schuylkill River Tour programme
10am – 1pm junior rugby (six games); 1.15pm TW Boksburg Rugby Club u21s v Brakpan (friendly);
2.40pm TW Boksburg Rugby Club reserves v Brakpan (friendly); 4pm TW Boksburg Rugby Club v Schuylkill River Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US.
TW Boksburg probable starting XV (subject to change): 1 Henrico Thrope, 2 Juan Brummer, 3 Gary Woolls, 4 Francois Malherbe, 5 Willem Botes, 6 Kyle Lewis, 7 Danie Schultz (c), 8 Deon Smit; 9 Johan Labuschagne, 10 Forrest Roos, 11 Mitchell Lingenfelder, 12 Damian Diedericks, 13 David Woolls, 14 Reggie Roux, 15 PJ Beakes
Schuylkill River probable starting XV (subject to change): 1 Ricky Schneider, 2 Tyler Kelley, 3 Hunter Valentine, 4 Geoff Matthes, 5 Jeff Hall, 6 Dave Gross, 7 Ian Glatts, 8 Izak du Plooy; 9 Dan Callahan, 10 Brian Keown, 11 David Codell, 12 Ryan Tower, 13 Joe Midwig (c), 14 Graham Johnston, 15 Dan Deal. Forwards reserves: Rick Kosa, Matt McKnight, Beau Lail, Brendan Reif, Eric Sucheki, TJ McDonough, Ross McMonigle, James Glatts. Backs reserves: John Vizzachero, Greg Mininger, James Teti.
