THE Eastern Province u/18 rugby squad is unfazed by sky-high expectations.
After they were unbeaten at last year’s Craven Week in George, their supporters are expecting more of the same from EP at this prestigious event.
The Craven Week starts at Monument High in Krugersdorp on Monday, and the EP boys are ready for the challenge.
“Last year’s team set some high standards and we know the expectations are very high,” said co-captain, Xanti Pongolo. “What I saw in the training sessions gives me a lot of confidence for what lies ahead.
“We have improved a lot from when we started training as a squad. If a player makes a mistake, he corrects it. This is a very good team. We are hoping to achieve those high standards,” the Grey High centre explained.
The former provincial player, Elric van Vuuren of Despatch, is coaching the EP side for the third consecutive year. He embraces the added pressure after last year’s brilliant performances.
“We were considered underdogs last year, but there is more pressure now,” he said. “If we win our first match against Border we will most likely meet Western Province or the Sharks (who are both highly rated) next. That is what we want; we want to play against the best.”
Van Vuuren expects a tough opener against Border.
“It is an East Cape Derby and a difficult match to analyse. Border is a team capable of beating anyone, but we are up to the challenge.”
The coach feels a strong point of the team is the fact that there are several leaders in the squad.
“Those leaders will step up when the pressure situations occur. They will keep their teammates calm.
“I am very excited about this group. We don’t know what they can do yet, but what one saw at training makes you excited,” said Van Vuuren.
In an interesting decision, EP decided to name co-captains in Pongolo and the Framesby High tight head prop, Sean Vermaak.
“I think it is the first time we have done this. There is a plan behind it and hopefully it works for us,” Van Vuuren explained. “Sean was part of last year’s team and an experienced player. As a prop he will most likely be replaced at some stages or not play every match, then Pongolo is there as another fine leader on the field.
“Both captains have different roles on and off the field,” Van Vuuren added.
Pongolo feels the system of co-captains is to the benefit of the team and the coaches.
“One captain knows what the backline is going through and the other captain is with the forwards.”
