SARugbymag.co.za chats to Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen 1st XV coach Regardt Botha about the upcoming season.
How many of last year's 1st XV players are still in the squad?
Seven.
What has been your main focus in preparing for this season?
It's been difficult to focus on anything other than the basics. It's a new squad and for now I want them to gel as unit.
Who are the key players in your squad?
Our two locks, Quinton van der Schyff and Hendro Staffen, scrumhalf Charl Barkhuizen and fullback Martin van Wyk. Of the seven remaining 1st XV players, four were frontliners in the starting XV and played particularly well.
What lessons have you learned from last season?
The one lesson is to take it game by game, regardless of previous results against certain teams. For instance, last year we comfortably beat a school, then three weeks later we struggled past them. I think we went into the second match too complacent and I do not want that to be the case this season.
What will be your toughest game this year?
Meeting Grey College at the Kearsney Easter Festival and Paul Roos at Wildeklawer Super Schools in the space of a week, are as tough as they come.
What goals have you set for the season?
Obviously I want them to win every match, but we have to be realistic. We won the Beeld Trophy Macro Schools competition for the first time in our history last year, beating Kempton Park 38-17 in the final. If we can replicate that success, I'll very happy.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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