Do or die for the Tornadoes

The Nadoes are now surely the underdogs ahead of Monday's 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships do-or-die match-up against Stellenbosch rivals, Dagbreek.

After a disappointing loss in Bloemfontein against Vishuis two weeks ago, the Nadoes have all to play for if they are to secure that elusive Koshuis semifinal spot - and 'all' that stands before them are Dagbreek, Stellenbosch's hope for glory.

A major blow for the Tornadoes, however, is the loss of key players such as Trent Jenkinson and playmaker JP van Huffel - both being ruled out with hamstring injuries.

But Tornadoes head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb has made some interesting changes to what is now a new-look Tornadoes team.

Simon Bergman and the skilful Brendan Raubenheimer both get starts, while scrumhalf Ian 'Army' Armstrong shifts to wing due to Zubayr 'Egg' Abrahams getting a call-up to UCT's Varsity Cup squad.

What is really interesting, however, is the inclusion of two new young guns - Nic Groom (pictured) and wing-cum-fullback Leigh Bruinders.

Nic Groom is a talented and quick-thinking scrumhalf - who has played Varsity Cup rugby this year - and former Bishops pupil Leigh Bruinders, with his dancing feet on the pitch, might just be the key for coach Tom Dawson-Squibb come Monday.

The Nadoes are well aware of the speed and physical nature of this potent Dagbreek team, but home-ground advantage - after this game was moved from Stellenbosch to Cape Town - could be the deciding factor.

Of course, this match will be played as a curtain-raiser to the UCT v Tuks Varsity Cup fixture - a crucial game for John Dobson's Ikeys side who need to win to grab a home semifinal.

The Steinhoff Tornadoes team: 15 Mark Winter, 14 Ian Armstrong, 13 Brendan Raubenheimer, 12 Justin Bijl, 11 Leigh Bruinders, 10 Matthew Russell, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Damion Stander, 7 Brennan Wright, 6 Stuart Hablutzel, 5 Grayson Wright, 4 Tom Horne, 3 Simon Bergman, 2 Anthony Kouderis, 1 Bradley van der Westhuizen (captain).
Replacements: 16 Ryan Dean, 17 Wade Swannel, 18 Brett Snyders, 19 Oliver Johnston, 20 Xhanti Nesi, 21 Matthew Healy, 22 Micheal Ginsby.

Head coach: Tom Dawson-Squibb
Manager: Justin Mitchell

Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Groote Schuur, Cape Town

By Clement le Roux