It will not be mission impossible for EP’s battered team of underdogs when they attempt to ambush the Lions in Gqeberha on Wednesday, Elephants coach Peter de Villiers says.
After being massacred 87-10 by the Bulls in their opening Preparation Series match, De Villiers will send out a revamped team to face the Lions (kickoff 4.45pm).
EP have made nine changes to their starting line-up for the clash and De Villiers is hoping the switches bring a change in fortune.
One of the changes was enforced because flyhalf Inny Radebe was not available because of a fractured hand.
“I’m looking forward to getting this EP team up to face the Lions,” De Villiers said.
“The reason for that is what I saw against the Bulls and what I think we do have in our squad.
“We have three or four players who may not make it to the top in our side but they have heart, so that is a step in the right direction.
“If we can get more forward ball for the backs they might look better against the Lions.
“They were nowhere against the Bulls.
“EP must defend against the Lions and put them on the back foot and get turnovers.
“It is no use getting turnovers when they are attacking you and they are on the front foot.
“You cannot attack from that ball.
“I am painfully richer after the Loftus game, and getting to know my players.
“You don’t want those kind of scores for the people.
“It’s a cliché but you learn more from losing.
“If you watched the game, I think the one thing that is different from these players and those playing for EP in the past is that we played until the last minute.
“The hard work was there but they just did not have what it takes to do the job.
“They were brilliant.
“That last try we stopped was in the final minute.
’“We can play for 80 minutes, but what are we doing in the 80 minutes. Nothing.”
EP’s coach said he was sad fans would not be allowed to watch the game because of Covid-19 regulations.
“I’m so sad we can’t allow people in,” he said.
“We need the support of the people shouting in our ears, even if they shout against us.
“I was a bit down on Sunday after the Bulls game until I analysed everything.
“I drew new energy from finding out who are the guys we can’t play at this level.
“Nobody can say I did not give them a chance.”
Courtney Winnaar, who comes in to the team at fullback in the place of Riaan Arendse, will take over the captaincy duties from Radebe.
EP’s coach has made five changes to his pack as he attempts to get his team on the winning track.
The Lions have named a team brimming with youngsters who caught the eye during the national Under 21 tournament for the trip to Gqeberha.
The teams:
EP Elephants: 1 Siya Nzuzo, 2 Sithembiso Befile, 3 Emile Klassen, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 5 Arnold Kleyn, 6 CJ Velleman, 7 Anele Lungisa, 8 Zingisa April, 9 Josh Aldermann, 10 Karlo Aspeling, 11 Chris Hollis, 12 Sherwin Slater, 13 Athi Mayinje, 14 Quetyn Oerson, 15 Courtney Winnaar. Replacements: 16 Robin Stevens, 17 Lyle Lombard, 18 Lupumlo Mguca, 19 Mncedisi Dlwengu, 20 Bevin Prinsloo, 21 Diego Williams, 22 Wian van der Sandt, 23 Riaan Arends.
Lions: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 James Mollentze, 11 Ngia Selengbe, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Dillon Smit, 8 Ruhan Straeuli, 7 Sibusiso Sangweni, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (c), 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Dameon Venter, 1 Nathan McBeth. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Asenathi Nthlabakanye, 19 Mandisi Mtiyane, 20 Izan Esterhuizen, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Luke Rossouw, 24 Sibusiso Shongwe, 25 Jarod Cairns.
The game will be shown live on the Supersport Rugby and Grandstand channels.
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