Western Province are expecting an aerial assault from the Pumas in Friday’s Currie Cup clash in Nelspruit at 6.30pm.
And it’s for that reason that coach John Dobson has selected a new-look back three.
With captain Dillyn Leyds shifting to fullback and SP Marais to wing, Dobson also brought in the exciting Sergeal Petersen to counter the kicks from the Pumas.
The coach explains: “They play a more traditional SA game.
“We know what’s coming.
“We know it’s a big pack of forwards, a good maul, a massive kicking game from [Stefan] Ungerer.
“They get real energy when they get in our 22.
"It’s very much Plan A, no Plan B rugby.”
He adds: “[Sergeal] played last week like it was dry.
“He looked to run everything, he’s very good in the air and at his best he’s one of the best wingers in South Africa.
“For this game, Dillyn’s counterattacking skills, he’s got a few more options at 15.
“On this sort of field and surface, it’s probably his best position. He’s got a bit more freedom to strike at 15.”
Leyds adds of the combination: “With the conditions we’re expecting it gives us a chance to see what we can do on the counterattack.”
Tomorrow’s Currie Cup fixtures