Cats roar changed to a miaow
2006-03-16 21:59
Johannesburg - The Cats' Super 14 approach has changed after three consecutive defeats in Australia and New Zealand.
But this does not mean that Wikus van Heerden and his teammates will throw in the towel in their match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday morning (SA time).
Ever since the Cats were beaten by the Stormers in the first Super 14 match of the series and followed this with a victory over the Chiefs at Ellis Park, their roar has changed into a miaow.
This change in their approach started with a defeat against the Hurricanes in New Zealand, followed by losses against the Brumbies and the Waratahs. Last week's record defeat of 50-3 at the hands of the Waratahs was the low point.
Matters can get even worse on Friday if there is not a dramatic improvement in the South Africans' level of play against the pacesetters in the series.
The Cats CEO, Andy Turner, has tried to get to the bottom of the problem ever since he joined the squad in Christchurch on Monday evening.
He has held talks with the coaching and management personnel and also held individual talks with some of the senior players.
Turner said: "We've decided to divide the Super 14 series into two different series. The one is the overseas tour and the other one when the Cats return to South Africa to play their final six matches (four of them at Ellis Park).
Overseas matches seen as a learning curve
"Our overseas matches will be used as experience for the matches in South Africa."
He agrees with Cats president Jannie Ferreira that there is no problem with the coaching staff. Ferreira returned to South Africa on Sunday after attending matches in Australia.
"The players are really working very hard. They are trying hard to change things. They discussed their game and commitment openly and honestly behind closed doors on Monday evening," Turner said.
It is hoped that all the talking has helped the Cats. If they dish up the same stale unacceptable rugby on Friday, they could be mauled.
And next Saturday they have to play the Highlanders in Invercargill!
The teams:
Cats: Conrad Jantjes, Wylie Human, Jaque Fourie, Doppies la Grange, Jorrie Muller, Earl Rose, Enrico Januarie, Cobus Grobbelaar, Wikus van Heerden (c), Gerhard Vosloo, Willem Stoltz, KleinJan Tromp, Daniel Muller, Delarey du Preez, Pietman van Niekerk.
Replacements: Lukas van Biljon, Lawrence Sephaka, Gordon Gilfillan, Ernst Joubert, Jano Vermaak, Wayne Julies, Tiaan Snyman.
Crusaders: Leon Macdonald, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Kevin Senio, Brad Mika, Johnny Leo'o, Reuben Thorne (c), Ross Filipo, Kevin O'Neill, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville.
Replacements: Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett, Chris Jack, Richie McCaw, Andrew Ellis, Cameron McIntyre, Caleb Ralph.
Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia).
Kick-off: 08:35 (SA time).
TV: MNet, SS1.