MANCOSA Rhinos head coach Charles Mndaweni has put his troops through their paces over the past two weeks in the hopes of picking up their third win of the 2017 Premier League season.
The local outfit got off to a good start, beating Richards Bay 12-10 in their opening game away, but were then drilled 64-3 at home by College Rovers before bouncing back to beat South Coast Warriors 38-34 at Mick Kelly Park before the Easter break.
Now they set their sights on UKZN Impis at Mick Kelly Park tomorrow (Friday) evening (kick-offs scheduled for 7pm and 8.30pm).
But the students will not be pushovers, as they have also won two out of three games.
‘We are expecting a very physical game and know that we need to be clinical to pick up a win as UKZN Impis have the edge over us after competing in the Varsity Shield competition at the begining of the year, where they lost in the semi-finals,’ said Mndaweni.
‘They have been together as a squad longer and have played more games than us, but we have prepared very well and I am confident going into the fixture.’
Former Sharks and Western Province player Pieter Dixon attended the Rhinos training session last week Tuesday and spent 90 minutes with the forwards.
‘Having such experience at our practice was a huge boost for us. Pieter focused on scrumming for the bulk of the session, before helping with mental preparations for the season ahead,’ said Mndaweni.
The local side is back to full strength after a few key players recovered from niggles.
”We focused a lot on defensive patterns and game plans this week. The senior players need to step up and lead on Friday, with the entire team needing to be clinical with the basics – then the rest will come.
‘I am very happy with how the season has gone thus far. We have bagged points on specific targeted games.
‘This league is a marathon, so every week is different and we need to play smart.’
Rhinos will need to bag this win at home, as they have a couple of harder away games coming up – Jaguars (Saturday, 29 April) and Crusaders (Saturday, 6 May).
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