The Eagles were beaten 35-26 by the Ikeys in Potchefstroom on Monday night thanks to a late point-of-origin try.

Speaking about the defeat, Eagles coach, André Pretorius, told OFM Sport that there are a lot of work-ons.

“Definitely high-ball contesting will be a work-on. I don't know how nine got put in that position the whole time. That's definitely something that we are going to have a look at.

“Then just individual decision making. We created enough opportunities to put them to the sword, but they are a quality and side with a quality coaching staff, so well done to them.”

The Eagles tighthead prop and captain, Sampie Swiegers, feels that it will all be about staying positive, sticking to the basics and putting in the hard graft.

“Staying positive and sticking to our process. Before the game we said that we want to stick to our processes as well.

“I don't see any change in how we train or we forward in the tournament. We must just stick to the basics and grind hard.

“I think we always start well. That is one of the strengths here at the Eagles and I think we stayed a lot more focused than we did last year. There has been a lot of improvement in the mental area as well.”

Next week Monday’s game at the Fanie du Toit Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

At the same time, the Shimlas host Maties in Bloemfontein, while Wits are at home to the Ixias in Johannesburg.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport