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Back-rower Jesse De Vries available for Canterbury Rugby Club again at home to Barnes this Saturday after appearance in Netherlands’ 31-10 defeat against Georgia

05:00, 16 February 2024

updated: 10:10, 16 February 2024

Jesse De Vries is set to return for Canterbury Rugby Club this Saturday after representing his country.

The back-rower came on as a replacement in the Netherlands’ 31-10 defeat to Georgia last weekend.

Alex Evans in the thick of the action for Canterbury in their weekend loss at Dorking. Picture: Phillipa Hilton
Alex Evans in the thick of the action for Canterbury in their weekend loss at Dorking. Picture: Phillipa Hilton

But he’s expected to make his club comeback as the city side host second-placed National League 2 East Barnes at Merton Lane.

Coach Matt Corker said: “He got about 20 minutes.

“It was a bit of a tough result for them. Georgia are establishing themselves as a really strong nation.

“Jesse is back with us this week and I’m looking forward to seeing him.

Report: Dorking 42-22 Canterbury

“I know he really enjoyed the experience, being part of it.”

Canterbury were outclassed 42-22 at Dorking last weekend, despite Cameron Murray and Nathan Morris dotting down alongside a penalty try, and Corker won’t accept a repeat display.

“This weekend is about us being a bit humble from last weekend,” he explained.

“We talk about being at the right emotional level. That’s enormously important.

“There will be a conversation around pride, as well, because what we have got on tape last Saturday isn’t something that we are proud of.

Tom Williams on the attack for Canterbury. Picture: Phillipa Hilton
Tom Williams on the attack for Canterbury. Picture: Phillipa Hilton

“Another strong opponent comes to our home ground and there’s no way we can play like that two weeks in a row.

“Once? That’s not acceptable. But twice in a row? That’s out of the question.”

Indiscipline also cost them at Dorking. Jamie Stephens, Shay Kerry, Tyler Oliver and Alfie Orris spent time in the sin-bin.

“The discipline thing is important,” Corker continued.

“There’s been a bit of a refocus since Christmas on the tackle height and that’s something we’re working on.

“There’s some poor decisions, as well.

“A couple of the yellow cards are probably unfortunate - but we’re putting ourselves under pressure with the referee because we’re giving away so many penalties.”

Canterbury’s Charlie Barker has been called into England under-18s’ training camp for their Six Nations tournament.

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