Cats v Waratahs
Clinton van Rensburg's strong presence in the Cats' defence has earned him the selectors' nod over Louis Koen's boot for the top-of-the-table match against the Waratahs at Ellis Park tomorrow.
Koen's goal kicking was a source of great Cats frustration against the Brumbies last week - a factor that may have counted against him when the team was finalised.
However, Cats coach Laurie Mains insisted that the Waratahs match demanded a "horses for courses" approach, thus the elevation of Van Rensburg into the starting line-up.
Van Rensburg, who has started the previous matches on the bench, has a strong defensive presence and the Waratahs may find penetrating the Cats' backline a near-impossible task when faced with a midfield axis comprising Van Rensburg, Eugene Meyer and Japie Mulder.
"One of the Waratahs' main areas of attack is through that channel," Mains said."
Although the Waratahs have lost several experienced players in the last year, Mains disputes the widely-held belief that their opponents are young and inexperienced.
- NZPA
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule/results
Defence strength earns spot
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