EP must display an improved rugby IQ when it comes to deciding on whether to run or kick the ball when they face the Falcons in a crunch Carling Currie Cup First Division clash on Friday, coach Allister Coetzee says.
Victory over the high-flying Falcons at the Madibaz Stadium will keep EP's hopes of clinching a home First Division semifinal alive
The unbeaten Falcons top the log with a full house of 20 points from four outings, with the Griffons and EP level on 16 points apiece.
Last week, EP ran in eight sparkling tries when they beat the Bulldogs 44-20 to keep their hopes of a home playoff alive.
“EP's rugby IQ needs to be a bit better when it comes to deciding on when to run and when to kick, and that is not there yet,” Coetzee said.
“We had a few chances to counter when we opted to kick possession away, especially when we were on attack against Border.
“EP could have capitalised on more opportunities against Border and we need to take those against the Falcons.
“I think this EP team is playing a good brand of rugby that is very entertaining and I think the more people come to watch the more they will be entertained.
“The Falcons game on Friday is massively important for us.
“They are a good side and they have a lot of continuity because it is the same side that played in the SA Cup.
“While the Falcons have continuity, we had to start building again because we lost five players.
“We pride ourselves on playing at home and we want to make the Madibaz Stadium a difficult place to come to for visiting teams.
“I'm looking for more people to come and watch EP and we want to make the Madibaz Stadium a difficult place to come to for visiting teams.
“I am very pleased way the side is taking ownership after our loss to the Griffons earlier this season.”
Coetzee said it was vital for EP to deliver another strong defensive effort against the Falcons.
“I think we have to control the chaos better because there are too many turnovers for my liking,” he said.
“EP are trying to keep our opponents to under four tries and we have been successful at that.
“Border only scored two tries against us last week, so that is good from a defensive point of view.
“However, there were opportunities that were not taken and then add to that there was the goal-kicking where we missed several conversions.
“The target is five points in every game because if you are going, you are going for a playoff position, you would like to have a home semifinal.
“So after our win over Border, we are on track and sitting with 16 points with our final league game against the Falcons to come.”
Coetzee said EP's goal-kickers must improve their conversion rate against the Falcons after they only managed to convert two of their eight tries against Border.
“If there was one area where we let ourselves down badly against it was missed conversions.
“Those points will be vital in tight playoff games.
“Our goal kickers need to be training at the Madibaz Stadium more often because we play here.”
The Herald
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