Heyneke Meyer Reflects on SaberCats’ Preseason Match, readiness: ‘Happy with the start’

By Aaron Wilson

Gerrie Labuschagne dove across the line untouched for a try off a crisp pass, looping up the left side as he accelerated for the score.

Dom Akina busted through a tackle attempt for another SaberCats try.

Overall, the SaberCats were a step ahead of the visiting New England Free Jacks at Aveva Stadium this week.

Between the SaberCats’ hard work in the weight room and major emphasis on speed and overall conditioning and practice sessions, the returning playoff team delivered a strong performance in its lone preseason match.

The 34-21 victory wasn’t as important as building chemistry and evaluating the state of the team as the SaberCats prepare for a Feb. 19 season opener on the road against the Dallas Jackals.

Although the SaberCats looked fairly sharp and there were some encouraging moments overall, there were some breakdowns that director Heyneke Meyer wants to see sharper and more disciplined play as they prepare for games that count in the standings.

“There’s obviously a lot we can work on as a team,” Meyer said. “I feel like we got the win and all those things, but there’s a lot we can work on. It’s a good start. Obviously, you make a lot of mistakes in a preseason game. The best thing about the game is there weren’t a lot of injuries. You always worry about injuries at this stage. There were a few good things, some good signs. We gave a lot of players a lot of game time.

“The continuity wasn’t always there. Lot of things to work on. We don’t look at the score. We just like to look at some of the newer players. We did some good things, but there’s a lot of work to be done. We’ll keep our feet on the ground. It’s a long season, but happy with the start.”

Because a previously scheduled SaberCats preseason game against the NOLA Gold was canceled due to widespread illness within the Gold, this was the only preseason match.

The SaberCats have signed several new players and are implementing their skills to mesh with the returning players, including second-team all-star Dean Muir, who was a team captain last season.

“I feel like it went good,” Akina said. “The boys are starting to click. A lot of us are new. Coming into the preseason really helped develop us and mold us together. I think we did good for it being the first time all playing together. It was awesome. A lot of reps and development. Having that chemistry is a big deal for us.”

LaBuschagne, a 6-foot-4, 228-pound South Africa native, is a versatile player with a rare combination of size and athleticism.

“There’s obviously a lot we can work on as a team, especially going into Dallas, which is a very tough game,” LaBuschagne said. “I think it’s important that we go back to basics and do what the coaches ask of us. If we follow that, we’ll definitely be able to give it our best this year. It’s very important.

“I feel like I could have done more. At the end of the day, it’s a team sport. It’s not about me individually. Individually, I would like to work more toward the ball and touch it and give my best for the team.”

Progress is being made as the SaberCats are making their imprint and establishing their style of play.

That’s pivotal to the upcoming regular season schedule.

“Obviously, the way we want to play is to be aggressive and confrontational,” Meyer said. “Usually these matchups, you can’t read too much into it. We need to work on our discipline. We are getting a ref in next week to work with us. We need to improve our discipline. We need to work and get off to a good start.”

*Photos by Nicolas Romero