THE Eastern Province U\/18 rugby team has the ability to light up the field with moments of magic when this year\u2019s Craven Week starts on Monday in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EP boys are not in action on the first day but start their campaign with a very tough match against the Sharks on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sharks are expected to be one of the strongest sides in Middelburg. Kickoff is at 13:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head coach Elric van Vuuren of Despatch feels he has a team that is able to produce exciting rugby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is loads of talent and that X-factor in this team. I don\u2019t want to take that freedom in their play away by being too structural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have the players in our outside backs and loose forwards who can be dangerous with ball in hand. An expansive style of play suits our team,\u201d Van Vuuren explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is a bit of an inexperienced squad, but many of the players know each other well from playing together in previous age group teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur preparation started a bit later than planned this year but I believe we are for the Sharks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is a massive challenge but always nice to measure yourself against the bigger unions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are looking forward to this match and are very excited,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Van Vuuren feels it helps that the coaching staff also know each other well. Forward coach Sebastian Hilpert and Van Vuuren played together for the EP senior side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know Abe Smith from our student days at Kovsies, so there is a positive vibe amongst the coaches. We can see that rubbing off on the players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The eighth man Pietman Kleinhans will captain the side, with centre Erin Nelson as the vice-captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kleinhans has been outstanding for Nico Malan this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe leads by example. Many of the players in the squad played under his captaincy in age group teams in previous years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNelson (Graeme College) is still a U\/17 player, but is someone to watch out for at the Week,\u201d Van Vuuren predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Academy Week also takes place in Middelburg. This EP side also takes on the Sharks in their first match, but on Monday at 12:45.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Eastern Province U\/18 rugby team has the ability to light up the field with moments of magic when this year\u2019s Craven Week starts on Monday in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. 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