An angry Griffons side will be gunning for revenge when they face an EP team which helped to kick them out of the Currie Cup Premier Division, Elephants coach Allister “Toetie” Coetzee said.
The Griffons had been in the race for a Premier Division berth until they stumbled to a 20-14 defeat against EP in an SA Cup match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in May.
It was a costly defeat that pushed the Griffons out of the top four places in the tournament and robbed them of a place in the money-spinning top tier division of SA rugby.
On Saturday, the teams clash in a Currie Cup First Division match. EP must win to keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
“That Griffons side, because we put one over them here in Gqeberha, will be waiting and frothing for us to play them after we kicked them out of the Currie Cup,” Coetzee said.
“So, the Griffons will be ready for us and we have to be better than we were in our opening game and can’t afford to make silly mistakes.
“EP must execute, cut the turnovers and make good decisions at the breakdown.
“Not rolling away was a big thing and we gave away simple penalties.
“EP have to get that penalty rate to under 10.
“After beating the Eagles, EP know they are facing two tough away encounters on the highveld against the Griffons and Leopards.
“The challenge for EP is that we have to learn to win at altitude.”
Coetzee said he was impressed with the performance of Oliver Zono, who stepped into the flyhalf berth because Chris Humphries was not available due to work commitments.
EP fielded a new-look team against the Eagles because CJ Velleman, Jac van der Walt and JJ Scheepers returned to their home unions after loan spells in Gqeberha.
“What was really good against the Eagles was the performance of Oliver Zono,” he said.
“He was really tight today and Oliver has only been in our system for two weeks. I was really pleased with [him].
“We lacked players on the ground today and we are missing CJ Velleman and that kind of player who is able to contest on the ground
“Those are the little things we need to build and work on.
“The attacking intent of this EP team is beautiful to watch.
“It was great to play at the Madibaz Stadium and it is a fantastic facility and we love it.
“The players also enjoy this venue, and it is easy for us because we are also training against the Madibaz as well.
“We feel this is our second home and we had fantastic support for our opening game against the Eagles.
“If we don’t perform and play a good brand of rugby, I can understand [poor attendances] and people will not be entertained.
“But the amazing tries we scored against the Eagles were fantastic to watch.”
Deon Plaatjies (2), Hannes Huisamen, Rodney Damons and Jayden Bantom all crossed the whitewash for five pointers.
EP’s points tally was completed by Zono, who kicked four conversions, and Bantom, who landed a drop goal.
Last week, the Griffons were beaten 36-26 by the Falcons in their opening game in Welkom.
The Falcons outscored their Northern Free State hosts by five tries to four to secure an important away win.
Other fixtures:
Friday: Border Bulldogs vs SWD Eagles, Falcons vs Leopards.
The Herald
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