SARugbymag.co.za chats to St Andrew's College 1st XV coach Allan Miles about the upcoming season.
How many of last year’s 1st XV players are still in the squad?
About eight.
What has been your main focus in preparing for this season?
We have spent the last four years putting certain structures in place in our school’s rugby system. The game has many areas of importance to focus on, but if your players can’t catch and pass, run and be accurate at the breakdown it will be detrimental.
Who are the key players in your squad?
Our centre Robert Ball [Eastern Province Country Districts Craven Week 2013], flanker Matthew Andrews, who is the son of former Springbok prop Keith Andrews, and prop Adrian Parsons [Eastern Province Country Districts Academy Week 2013].
Who will be the toughest opposition this year?
First XV rugby at school level is still predominantly cyclical. There are some very strong teams in the Eastern Cape. The bigger schools like Grey High and Selborne still have an advantage from a numbers and depth point of view.
What lessons have you learned from last season?
We only lost three matches last season. Some of these losses were due to certain errors which we would like to have more control over this season.
What are your goals for the 2014 season?
To play an attractive brand of winning rugby.
Q&A with Nelspruit 1st XV coach
Q&A with Grey High School 1st XV coach
Q&A with Kempton Park 1st XV coach
