Coach Regardt Botha’s team got a chance to evaluate their semi-final opponents a week ago when they welcomed them to the Bosman Stadium on the night of Friday, July 22, in what was the final game of the Top Six stage.
The hosts won the match 61-20.
The coach was afforded the luxury of resting a few of his big name players on Friday night and handed out a few debuts.
Flanker Rocky Menezes was one of those who grabbed this opportunity with both hands.
The newcomer to the “Panne” line-up will long remember his debut after he crossed the Boksburg whitewash on four occasions out of the team’s nine tries on the night.
Another stand-out newcomer forward was Armand Jordaan while regular stalwart Theo Mynhardt continued to showcase his form and power.
Lock Dwane Morrison filled the boots of captain Francois Robbertse in the latter’s absence and controlled the line-outs with aplomb.
Stand-in captain Garnett Parkin and his forwards scrummed well while the makeshift centre pairing of Christo Joubert and Gido Horn was also a big success.
Tries were scored by Menezes (four), Tobie Strydom (two), Jaco Lotter, Horn and Juanrich Botha while Ashley Buchler converted eight tries.
Friday’s semi-final will take place at 7.30pm at Bosman Stadium and Brakpan’s rugby-loving community is encouraged to come down and support their team.
