South Africa will take on the mighty New Zealanders in their own back yard in a once off international on 9th February 2013. New Zealand traditionally invite a high goal polo team to compete in their sponsored “International Day” which takes place annually at the KihiKihi Polo Club not far from Auckland.
South Africa will field a 26 goal team comprising the following players:
No. 1 - Duncan Watson (5 goals)
No. 2 - Jean du Plessis (6 goals)
No. 3 - Nachi du Plessis (8 goals) (Captain)
No. 4 - Tom de Bruin (7 goals)
This will be one of the highest rated teams to leave our shores and with all four players still in their early twenties, South African polo looks set for many years to come. All four players have had international experience with de Bruin and the two du Plessis brothers representing South Africa in the Coronation Cup last year against England. Duncan Watson did duty for South Africa against India in the BMW International Series in August 2012 where the home side took the Series 2-0.
New Zealand will field an equivalent 26 goal team, spear headed by the experienced JP Clarkin playing off 8 goals - the rivalry between these two countries goes back many years with New Zealand winning their last tour to South Africa (BMW International Series in 2010) two to zero. However, the South African team is a lot stronger and more experienced this time around and should take it to the Kiwi’s provided they get adequately mounted.
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