Alistair Schwikkard, the talented College Rovers hooker, will lead a depleted young side to the 34th SAA National Club Rugby Championships starting in Stellenbosch tomorrow.

Centre Jovan Bowles was a late withdrawal from the side leaving the midfield looking somewhat vulnerable. Rovers who finished as runners up in the tournament against all odds in 2006 do however have an exciting new bunch of youngsters ready to do battle and one can be assured that they will lay their bodies on the line come kick off time at 10am tomorrow morning when they open their account against Buffaloes the Border champions in the opening match of the competition.
Sharks players' wing Chris Jordaan and centre Riaan Swanepoel will add vital experience in the backline while the club also welcomes back former SA Schools fullback Chris Mickelwood who also adds another dimension to their game plan.

Relative newcomers to club champs in the forwards prop Siko ‘Snare’ Sinelwiza who joined the club three months ago from Umtata, No 8 Abonga ‘Bones’ Nkwelo, lock Simba Bwanya and flanker TC Khoza are an enthusiastic group of youngsters ready for the challenge and by all accounts are looking to prove their worth in the senior ranks.

The Team is: Chris Jordaan, Chris Mickelwood, Wesley Bodmer, Gareth Mc Ray, Malusi Zuma, Riaan Swanepoel, Jared Nash, Andrew Borgen, Guy Ranger, Sandile Nxumalo, Neil Cole, Grant King, Os Faul, Snare Sinelwiza, Alistair Schwikkard (capt), Justin Meanwell, Jonno Coetzee, Dayle Shortt, Simba Bwanya, Justin Downey, Mark Els, TC Khoza, Bones Nkwelo and Nick Strauss. Coaches: Ryan Strudwick and Andre Barnard. Manager Kevin Carolan.

- Jos Robson - The Mercury