An unchanged starting lineup was announced by the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers ahead of their Round Two SA Cup encounter against the NovaVit Griffons. Junior Springbok and former DHL Western Province player, Lamla Nunu is the only change to the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers matchday squad.
The encounter is set to take place at the Down Touch Investment Stadium in Welkom this Saturday, 15 March 2025. Kick-off is at 15:00 (SA Time) and the match will be streamed live on DStv OTT channel 950.
Vernon Matongo, who is on loan from the DHL Stormers, has been ruled out after sustaining a minor neck injury in the 45-29 victory against the Toyota Cheetahs, in Round One of the competition. Hawies Fourie, head coach of the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers named Nunu among the replacements who came in for the injured Matongo.
“We are fortunate that we only have one injury after the game against the [Toyota] Cheetahs,” said Fourie. “Vernon Matongo has a bit of a neck injury, so we will assess his condition further. In the meantime, he will be replaced by Lamla Nunu.”
Fourie highlighted the importance of consistency in selection, rewarding the players who performed well in the opening match. After a positive performance against the Toyota Cheetahs, the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers will be focused on delivering a more clinical and complete 80-minute performance.
“The rest of the team will stay the same. We need to maintain consistency because that brings success. The [NovaVit] Griffons will pose a different challenge, and we’ll have to adapt to both their approach and the playing conditions in Welkom. There’s a chance of rain on Saturday, which could influence our tactics.
“We’ve improved our game management, particularly in the middle stages, and not just performing in the opening and closing twenty minutes. The Novavit Griffons are a quality side with experience in the Currie Cup, so we know we’ll need a strong performance to secure the win."
Sanlam Boland Cavaliers: 15 Darian Hock, 14 Duren Hoffman, 13 Xavier Mitchell, 12 Cornal Hendricks (v/c), 11 Lunathi Nxele, 10 Ashlon Davids, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Thurlow Marsh (c), 7 Khwezi Mafu, 6 Keenan Opperman, 5 Marlyn Williams, 4 Michael Benadie, 3 Doctor Booysen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper. Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Lamla Nunu, 18 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19 Schalk Oelofse, 20 Gift Dlamini, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Garth April, 23 Jurick Lewis.