WP happy with player progress
07/19/2024 12:44 AM
Assistant coach Rito Hlungwani said DHL Western Province's Currie Cup campaign has afforded players an opportunity to get game time in preparation for Stormers action.
With the Currie Cup and Vodacom URC not overlapping this year, many players missed out on valuable playing time, affecting their conditioning and performance.
WP tackle the Griffons in a round 3 Currie Cup clash at North West Stadium on Sunday, and speaking to Netwerk24, Hlungwani emphasised the importance of giving game time to players who were on the fringes during the 2023-24 URC.
“In terms of the bigger picture, we are satisfied because we want everyone who didn’t get much chance to play in the URC to catch up before pre-season preparation [for the Stormers],” the forwards coach said.
“For those guys, like for example Scarra Ntubeni, JJ Kotze, Adre Smith, Hendre Stassen, Wandisile Simelane and Sazi Sandi, there is now a chance to play. In that respect, we are happy about the progress.”
Hlungwani is impressed with Paul de Villiers, hoping the former Junior Springbok skipper can eventually succeed Deon Fourie at openside flanker: "Paul can get himself into a position where he plays in the URC next season.
“I now get a closer look at him and can coach him more closely. His breakdown technique is very good. He goes in low and turns possession over. It’s something he works very hard at it.”
Loose forward CJ Velleman’s conditioning is also coming along, Hlungwani adds, while hooker Kotze is showing good form with more minutes under the belt.
“With him [Velleman] it’s more about the technical details, when you start to get a little tired and the pace of the game is fast. The best way to catch up with it is to play. I am sure that he will improve as our campaign progresses,” Hlungwani said.
“We all know that JJ has the potential to be among the best at his position. I am sure we will get him to the level where we want him to be.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post WP happy with player progress appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
