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Eagles coach gets good news

George - South Western Districts Eagles coach Phil Pretorius has every reason to smile broad.

He received a double bonus of good news ahead of his Premier League rugby match against the EP Elephants at the EP Rugby Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Former Cheetah No 8 Ryno van der Merwe has fully recovered from his shoulder injury and has been included in Pretorius' starting line-up.

And hard-working flanker Devon Raubenheimer, who was doubtful with a niggling ankle injury, also passed a fitness test. He will start on the bench.

With Van der Merwe and Raubenheimer both travelling to Port Elizabeth, the Eagles must have a good chance of gaining five points out of the match.

They have scored 17 tries in three matches since Ricardo Croy has joined the team and EP will therefore have everything to do if they intend to record an upset win.

The Eagles team is: Bobby Joubert, Ricardo Pietersen, Valentine van Wyk, Izak Saayman, Allister Kettledas, Ricardo Croy, Hendrik van der Nest, Ryno van der Merwe, Doppies le Roux, Victor Joubert, Henry Grimes, Theo Bezuidenhout, Ashely Buys, Hannes Franklin (captain), Tiaan de Kock. Replacements: Pierre Munroe, Wickus Harmse, Jonathan Muller, Devon Raubenheimer, Tertius Carse, Ambrose Barends, Mark Esterhuizen.

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