Alumni - Morris Gilbert

Who is Hugo van As...

FNB Varsity Cup — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:50:00 GMT

Maybe it was his destiny to never play for RAU’s (UJ) first team as his appointment as head coach of this insititution in 2008 was such a bigger challenge and honour.

Even if he had only represented RAU at junior level, Hugo became a house hold name in Transvaal senior rugby, missing out on becoming a centurion by a mere two games.

In his 98 games for the “Rooibontes” between 1996 and 2001 he played in two Currie Cup finals and in the team that won the Lion Cup.

“I am also very proud of having the good fortune of playing for the Transvaal teams that beat the New Zealand Cavaliers and the Springboks (on their inland tour). It is very hard for me to say what made me a good centre. That is a question bettered answered by my opponents.”

The toughest centres he has ever played against were Danie Gerber and Fafa Knoetze.

“Danie was a great runner, whilst Fafa was renowned for his twinkle toe magic at especially Newlands.”

And Michael du Plessis was by far the best centre Hugo ever played with.

“Michael had a fantastic vision and feel for the game.”

Hugo’s still has regular contact with his best buddies from his playing days, Hempas Rademeyer, Wahl Bartmann and Jannie Breedt.

Hugo says the biggest and most far reaching change to student rugby was professionalism also becoming part of the game at this level.

“You can say a lot for and against this, but it would be unfair to compare the modern era with when I was still playing . What I miss most is that provincial players and Springboks do not play club rugby any more. I fully understand why not, but it was always nice to play with or against provincial legends and Boks in club matches.

On UJ missing the FNB Varsity Cup play-offs for the third year running, Hugo said “it was and still is huge disappointment”.

“In the FNB Varsity Cup Competion you pay dearly for letting a opportunity go by. We had a good season in that we played more in a structure than in 2009 and consequently scored more points. But we also paid a high prize for not beating Tuks, UCT and Shimlas where we were in with a winning chance, but let it slip through our fingers.”

On the merit of the current 8 team FNB Varsity Cup format, Hugo said it makes sense to him to rather go for 6 teams and then play a double round.

“One can even think of involving top university teams from abroad to make the competition even more competitve and sought after.”

Wie is Mauritz Neuhoff...

FNB Varsity Cup — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:02:00 GMT

Die legendariese prof. Anna Neethling-Pohl, destydse hoof van die Departement Drama aan die Universiteit van Pretoria en een van die mees fanatiese Tuks-ondersteuners nóg, het by geleentheid aan Mauritz Neuhoff gesê: “Rugby gaan op die kort termyn dalk oor wen en bekers inpalm, maar wat jou uiteindelik sal bybly, is die vriendskappe wat jy gesmee het”.

En hiermee gaan Mauritz, wat vir Tuks en Noord-Transvaal in die 1960’s senter gespeel het, 100% akkoord.

“Dis so waar dat silwerware hul glans verloor, maar rugbyvriendskappe geen rakleeftyd het nie. Dis vir altyd en as jy my vra wat ek die meeste van my speeldae onthou, is dit juis die baie goeie vriende soos Doep (Oupa du Pisanie) en Fourie (du Preez Sr) met wie ek vandag nog gereelde kontak het.”

In die vyf jaar wat Mauritz vir Tuks gespeel het (1961-1965), was hy deel van die Universiteit van Pretoria se rugbygeskiedenis.

“Ek was nog o.20 toe ek die eerste keer vir Tuks I gespeel het (1963). My buiging was teen Polisie op Loftus, wat ons oortuigend gewen het. In daardie jare was daar nie Carltonbeker-eindstryde en ons het aan die einde van die seisoen die nuwe houers geword omdat ons eerste op die puntelys was. Dit was die eerste keer in die geskiedenis dat Tuks die alleenhouer van die Carltonbeker geword het.”

Vir hom was die lekkerste van Tuks-rugby die samehorigheid wat daar tussen die spelers was.

“Ons het regtig vir mekaar gespeel en in my tyd was dit ’n reuse-eer en –voorreg om vir Tuks se eerste span te speel. Jy het feitlik helde-status op die kampus gehad wat jou lewe op alle terreine van studentwees baie vergemaklik het. Wat veral lekker was, was die gereelde toere wat ons onderneem het. Die toere na Rhodesië (Zimbabwe), Suidwes (Namibië) en die Boland was altyd ’n fees en baie goed vir die spangees.”

Mauritz sê hy sal die Tuks-span van 1963 ook om ’n ander rede onthou omdat “dit een met die meeste breinkrag nóg gehad het. Baie van sy spanmaats het later jare nasionale bekendheid vir hul geniale vermoëns van die veld verwerf.

Oor hoekom hy ’n goeie senter was, is Mauritz ná al die jare steeds baie beskeie.

“Sjoe, dis moeilik om oor jouself te praat. Maar as ek moet, sal ek sê my grootste bate was die feit dat ek die lyn reguit kon maak. Ek glo vandag nog die kortste pad doellyn toe is die reguitste een.”

In sy 38 wedstryde vir Noord-Transvaal (Blou Bulle) “was ek bevoorreg om in die span te wees wat die Curriebeker in 1968 verower het. Daarmee het Noord-Transvaal ’n lang bekerdroogte gebreek nadat ons die beker laas in 1956 verower het.”

Die wedstryd in 1967 teen die besoekende Franse, tel ook onder sy grootste rugby-herinneringe.

“Ons het goed gewen, maar ek sal dié wedstryd eerder onthou vir die stywe arm waarmee Claude Durthe my vroeg in die wedstryd op die ken getref het. Ek was ’n hele ruk deurmekaar en moes die veld verlaat sodat Ernst Dinkelmann (’n keurder en mediese dokter) my agter die pale kon rondlei totdat ek weer kon opgaan om verder te speel. Gelukkig het Frikkie (du Preez) met Durthe se gal gewerk. Hy het hom so hard in ’n duikslag grond toe gesmeer dat die Fransman sy sleutelbeen gebreek het.”

’n Ander wedstryd in die Ligblou-trui wat hy lank sal onthou, is sy heel eerste  teen Oos-Transvaal in Springs.

“Ons (NTvl), hulle (OTvl) en Wes-Transvaal moes onderling teen mekaar uitspeel om te bepaal wie aan die Curriebeker-reeks deelneem. Ons en hulle (OTvl) het albei met Wes-Transvaal afgereken wat die wedstryd in Springs ’n mini-eindstryd gemaak het. Ons het dié dag bloed gesweet en kon die oorwinning eers twee minute voor die einde beklink nadat Louis Schimdt die bal op hul kwartlyn opgetel en vir die wendrie deurgenael het.”

Die beste senters teen wie hy ooit gespeel het, was Eben Olivier, Gerrie Bester en André van Staden. En sy gunsteling-sentermaats was Henry van Vuuren (NTvl) en Seef Pretorius (Tuks).

Mauritz sê hy kyk graag na wedstyde in die Varsitybeker-reeks, maar is bekommerd oor die huidige stand van Tuks-rugby.

“Dit is vir my opvallend hoe Maties en Ikeys bo die res uitstyg. Die Maties is vir alle praktiese doeleindes in ’n klas van hul eie, want hulle is die ander deelnemers ver vooruit.”

Mauritz kan by 082-444-2820 gekontak word.

Who is George Rautenbach...

FNB Varsity Cup — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMT

Die meeste van sy tygenote is van mening dat jy vandag nie meer sulke slotte soos George Rautenbach kry nie: vreesloos, intimiderend en iemand wat geen genade gevra of gegee het nie.

In sy speeldae vir die Oostelike Privinsie, die UPE (nou die NMMU) en ook die Maties het teenstanders altyd geweet: ‘George is op die veld. Ons moet wakker slaap!’

Dit maak daarom baie sin dat George die gewese Springbokslotte Kevin de Klerk, huidige president van die Goue Leeus Rugby-unie, en Moaner van Heerden uitsonder as die gedugste teenstanders emt wie hy ooit swaarde gekruis het.

Sowel Kevin as Moaner was ewe bekend vir hul inklimspel.

George, wat in 1978, 1979, 1981 en 1982 vir die UPE gespeel het, meen die lekkerste van studenterugby was die goeie gees waarin jy geoefen en gespeel het en ook die lewenslange vriende wat jy gemaak het (daarom dat hy ná al die jare steeds kontak behou het met die ‘groot geeste’ Tobie Hanekom, Schalk Burger en Garth Wright).

“Daar is nie een wedstryd vir UPE wat vir my uitstaan nie, want klubrugby in die Oostelike Provinsie was in my tyd baie kompeterend en kliphard. In die nagenoeg 70 wedstryde wat ek vir die OP gespeel het, het elke oorwinning in ’n ‘groot’ wedstryd my bygebly.”

Die UPE was egter nie die eerste universiteit vir wie George gespeel het nie. Hy het in 1977 ’n vinnige draai in Stellenbosch gemaak waar hy vir die Maties se eerste span gespeel het.

In sy studentedae was die jaarlikse intervarsity teen Rhodes die hoogtepunt op die rugbykalender. Tog maak dit sin dat die tradsionele intervarsities vir die FNB Varsitybeker-reeks moes terugstaan.

“Dit is ‘n fantastiese kompetisie wat soveel groter as enige intervarsity is,” meen George.

George het sedert sy studentedae vir homself as sportbemarker naam gemaak. Hy kan by george@megapro.co.za gekontak word.

Who is Duitser Bosman....

FNB Varsity Cup — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:52:00 GMT

In die jare toe hy die skoolvelde in die Vaaldriehoek aan die brand gespeel het, het baie mense toe reeds van die kêrel met die doopname Jan Duitser Bosman gesê dat hy met sy stille vasberadenheid vir hom ’n pad in die lewe sal oopkap.

Dit het Duitser Bosman inderdaad gedoen, want dié oud-leerder van die Hoërskool Overvaal in Vereeniging het die openbare gesig van die uiters gewilde én suksesvolle FNB Varsitybeker-reeks, aangebied deur Steinhoff International, geword.

Die uitvoerende hoof van die Varsity Cup (Pty.) Ltd kom uit ’n rugbyhuis, want sy pa, Piet, was president van die Vaaldriehoekse Rugby-unie, president van die Vereeniging-rugbyklub en in sy speeldae ’n gereelde lid van een van die gedugste voorrye wat Transvaal (Goue Leeus) toe nog opgelewer het.

Duitser en sy ouer broer Koos het albei Cravenweek-rugby gespeel: Koos vir Transvaal se o.13-span en Duister vir Vaaldriehoek se o.18-span.

“Ek het bykans alles oor en van van rugby by my pa geleer, waarvan die belangrikste was om die etos van die spel te beskerm. In ’n stadium het die klub waar hy betrokke was ontkleedsansers by sekere gesellighede gebruik. Hy het hulle ’n week gegee om amptelik te besluit dat dit nooit weer sal gebeur nie, anders sou hy as president bedank.”

Hoewel hy deesdae ’n ‘neutrale’ hoed op die kop het, kan niemand Duitser verkwalik indien Puk-rugby hom altyd na aan die hart sal bly lê nie. Hy het van 1991 tot 1994 en toe weer van 2000- 2001 vir die Puk uitgedraf.

Die wedstryde wat hy die lankste sal onthou, is dié in sy laaste twee speeljare wat regstreeks tot die heropstanding van Puk-rugby gelei het.

“André Markgraaff (die Puk-afrigter) het ons opdrag gegee om die universiteite op die N1, te wete Tukkies, UJ, Shimlas en Maties, almal te klop. Slegs vier van ons het almal in daardie wedstryde gespeel toe die Puk die ‘N1-universiteite’ in 2000 en 2001 agtereenvolgens geklop het.”

Daar is vyf name op Duitser se lys van ‘groot geeste’ saam met en teen wie hy gespeel het. Hulle is:

■ Eugene Hare, “vir wie se ‘guts’ ek altyd respek sal hê”;

■ Eugene Meyer, “vir sy uitstaande leierskap”;

■ Toks van der Linde, “vir sy hoflikheid van die veld, tipies soos in die ou dae”;

■ Schutte Bekker, “wie se natuurlike talent ongelooflik was”;

■ Leon Boshoff, “wat vir niks bang was nie”.

Toks tel ook onder die gedugste stutte teen wie Duitser in sy speeldae geskrum het.

“Toks was die beste in nat weer, Gary Pagel die gevaarlikste, Rob Kempson die sterk gentleman, maar Günder Williamson die moeilikste skrummer.”

Duitser se meeste provinsiale wedstryde was vir die Valke (42), maar hy het ook vir die Luiperds (11) en Griffons (4) diens gedoen.

Een van die beste herinneringe aan sy dae as provinsiale speler kom juis uit die tyd toe hy vir Wes-Transvaal (Luiperds) gespeel het.

“Ons was op toer in Rio de Janeiro (Brasilië) toe (die gewese Springbokstut) Marius Hurter hom só vir die fiets waarop hy gery het, vererg het dat hy die ketting stukkend getrap het. Marius was ’n kragreus  soveel so dat Kitch Christie (die Bokke se Wêreldbeker-wenafrigter in 1995) nie die uitslae van die toetse wou glo nie en Hurts laat inkom het om self te sien of iemand regtig so sterk kan wees.”

Duitser sê daar lê opwindende tye vir die FNB Varsitybeker-reeks voor.

“Dit was nog altyd die ideaal dat slegs studente aan die reeks deelneem. ‘Krag teen krag’ is die produk wat die beste verkoop. Hierin moet die ander deelnemers by die Maties byhou.”

“Ons is deeglik bewus daarvan dat ons die produk elke jaar in heroënskou moet neem en nie bly glo dat dieselfde resep die hele tyd ewe effektief sal wees nie. Dus sal daar volgende jaar weer veranderinge wees. Ons is juis baie trots op die suksesvolle toevoegings tot die 2010-reeks, te wete:

■ Die strategiese waterbreek van twee minute in elke helfte. Dit het die waarde van die afrigters se insette verhoog, wat tot beter spel aanleiding gegee het;

■ Die ‘pienkbroek’-veldtog vir kanker wat uiters suksesvol was;

■ Die kweek en bevordering van nasionale lojaliteit en eenheid deur die volkslied en SA vlag deel van die produk te maak, was ewe suksesvol en het ’n groot impak op die leiers van môre gemaak.

Duitser wou nie enige besluite van die FNB Varsitybeker-direksie vooruit loop nie, maar het daarop gesinspeel dat meer universiteite aan die 2011-reeks kan deelneem.

“Ons (die direksie) het einde April ’n strategiese beplanningsveragedring oor die toekoms van die Varsitybeker-reeks. Dit bly ons verklaarde voorneme om soveel moontlik universiteite die kans te gee om hulself en hul rugby op te hef.”

Duitser kan gekontak word by duitserbosman@yahoo.com of by 083-395-1073.

Who is Jannie Putter...

FNB Varsity Cup — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMT

Jannie Putter

Ex Western Transvaal and FNB Pukke hooker Jannie Putter says one of his saddest and most conflicting memories at university was the game against UOVS (Free State University) in 1992.

“We were perfectly prepared to break our streak of defeats of previous years. I captained the team and we knew that we were going to make it. We were in front 26 – 24 and could already taste the long-desired victory. A penalty against us just outside their 25-meter line, a quick tap, a tackle, the whistle and then the referee started walking.... 23 steps closer before he planted his heel and indicated the spot for the penalty.

“Their goal-kicker stepped up, about two metres inside their half of the field and indicated his intention – a kick at goal! The ball literally scraped over the cross-bar in front of my eyes and our victory was taken from us. Many things happened thereafter, but until today it still remains a powerful moment of victory in the face of defeat in my life.”

His biggest of “so many” grand moments in the Pukke jersey was the Intervarsity against UJ (at that time it was RAU) when Francois Pienaar was playing for them.

“It was a memorable victory, more so for me as I played with a broken toe....”

He has “many, many” fond memories of playing in 76 matches over a period of 5 years for the then Western-Transvaal (Leopards).

“Memories of fun, heartache, uncertainty, camaraderie, commitment, sacrifice, discipline as well as the lack thereof - all contributing to my personal growth and matureness as a human being. There is no doubt that rugby helped form my character.”

He loved the discipline of training and the respect and friendship amongst honest, yet brutal opponents. A big moment for him was playing against the Wallabies in 1992 with the legendary David Campese in their team.

The best thing about Puk rugby is “the culture of friendship, commitment and fun (being a student and being alive)”.

Jannie started his studies at Potchefstroom University in 1985 and finished in 1994 obtaining four degrees (BA, B. Hons in Psychology, Hons in Sport Science and a Masters in Sport Psychology).

As a player he was renowned for “my ability to keep on (endurance), my commitment and my tackling. I was also one for ‘small details’ like noticing the yellow moon rising above the pavilion in the midst of a tough training session. I am an optimist and a competitor!”

The best hooker he has ever played against will have to be Uli Schmidt, “a hero in South-African rugby at that time. The mutual respect we both shown (like chatting in the scrum) made him a worthy opponent. Our competition was always fair and hard!”

He has a long list of the great players from his playing days:

· The leadership, the presence and the size of Flippie van der Merwe;

· The fun, the calmness and humanity of Tjaart van der Walt (fly half);

· The tenacity and Eugene Hare (Scrum half);

· The unwavering calmness of Kierie Barnard (flanker)

· The “big shots” of (the diseased) Papie Smit (lock);

· The unpredictability and skills of Wessel van der Merwe (fullback);

· The fun & happy-go-lucky approach of Botha Rossouw (flanker);

· The amazing understanding between me and massive Andre May (lock);

· The under-utilized talent of Bertus Pohl (No 8) and

· The skills of Don Berry (Eight-man) ...

He is not current best friends with any of his former team mates, but keeps contact with them through Facebook.

“At functions we bump into each other, re-living great memories, enjoying the camaraderie and friendship. Friendships through rugby remain forever but we all have our careers and families now.”

On the FNB Varsity Cup Competition, presented by Steinhoff International, he said: “I am green with envy and enjoy the awesome opportunity these people have! What a moment, what an event and what a game! It is one of the greatest things that could have happened to and for rugby in our country!”

There are many marked differences between modern day rugby and when het was still playing.

It can be summarised as opportunities, money and technology.

“The pace of life has changed; rugby is more of a career opportunity (because of the finances available) than it was years ago. Training has become an art whereas it was mainly a routine in the years back. The opportunity remains – excellence will take you many places and it is available to many, yet still chosen by a few. You have to be excellent in EVERYTHING you do if you want to ‘make’ it... There is still a price to pay for victory – many things remain the same and many have changed.

Jannie is staying in Pretoria where is he is employed as the Blue Bulls/Bulls’ mental Coach since 2006.

“I practice as a Sport Psychologist and mental coach that involve a lot of motivational speaking. I am also the author of a couple of books (Wie Wen – ek of my kind? & Secrets of a champion / Die geheime van ’n kampioen).

He can be contacted at 083 291 0181 or Jannie.putter@wellnessafrica.com.

Who is Wim Hollander...

FNB Varsity Cup — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:48:00 GMT

In his playing days he was known as the Flying Dutchman, a testimony to his ruthless tackling.

Wim Hollander has a long standing relationship with the University of Johannesburg (the former RAU). He was a student at RAU from 1976 to 1981 and a staff member since 1983.

“I am the executive director of University of Johannesburg Sport. My job is to oversee the strategic positioning of UJ Sport in local, national and international sport. UJ Rugby is a progressive, vibrant, competitive and professional make-up that provides rugby opportunities to students on different levels of participation. It is a club that focus on players and coaches rather than management.”

Wim has many fond memories of his playing days for RAU. He played in 80 matches. His personal highlights are winning the Transvaal Premier League for the first time as RAU and beating Tuks for the first time as RAU. He also treasures his participation in the National Club Championships Final in Durban.

He also represented Transvaal (Golden Lions) over three seasons, playing in 28 games. The match against the touring British Lions in 1981 was his most memorable for Transvaal.

The best centre he ever played against was the Springbok Peter Whipp, who played his provincial rugby for Western Province.

his all time great list include players like Morné du Plessis, Moaner van Heerden, Johan Strauss, Boland Coetzee, Rob Louw, Gerald Bosch, Lee Barnard, Corrie Pypers, Tjokkie van der Merwe, Carel du Plessis and Michael du Plessis.

He is regular contact with De Klerk, Barnard and other former team mates Tommy Bosch, Boela van der Merwe, Martin Burger, Willie Oosthuizen and Connie Kruger.

He is exited about the FNB Varsity Cup competition, presented by Steinhoff International.

“It has enormous value for university sport in general. As the competition takes place within a very professional set-up it creates unbelievable opportunities for students to get exposure on a high level of competition.”

Wim says there is one most notable difference between modern day student players and those of yesteryear.

“Yesteryear’s students participated in rugby for the love of the game. Playing rugby formed part of their educational process in obtaining a qualification (job). Modern day students play rugby to obtain a job (rugby contract).”

Hollander can be contacted at whollander@uj.ac.za.

Wie is Jannie Robbertse...

FNB Varsity Cup — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:12:00 GMT

Dit was ’n baie emosionale dag vir Jannie Robbertse toe FNB Tuks op 1 Maart met 17-64 teen die FNB Maties in die FNB Varsitybeker-reeks, aangebied deur Steinhoff, verloor het.

Nie net was dit FNB Tuks se grootste nederlaag nóg teen hul aartsvyand uit die Suide nie. Tensy die Pretorianers die halfeindronde haal en vir dit Stellenbosch toe moet reis, was dit ook die laaste keer dat Jannie in sy hoedanigheid as spanbestuurder van FNB Tuks in die Danie Craven-stadion aan diens was.

“Hoewel ek van die veld goeie vriende met die FNB Maties se bestuurslede en spelers geword het, was op nog altyd geswore vyande op die veld. Om só ver teen hullle te verloor, dit nog in my 150ste wedstryd as spanbestuurder van FNB Tuks, was en is steeds soos ’n galbitter pil wat teen wil en dank gesluk moet word.”

Jannie het besluit om ná die FNB Varsitybeker-reeks die tuig neer te lê as spanbestuurder van FNB Tuks, ’n pos wat hy reeds sedert 2005 beklee.

“My persoonlike omstandighede het sodanig verander dat ek dit nou moet halt roep. Dit was nie ’n maklike besluit nie, maar uiteindelik die regte een,” het Jannie gesê.

Hy hou steeds styf duim vas dat FNB Tuks die uitspeelronde sal haal sodat hy nie reeds op 22 Maart uittree nie. FNB Tuks speel dan in Kaapstad in sy laaste groepwedstryd teen die FNB Ikey-Tigers.

“Ek is reeds die afgelope 11 jaar by TuksRugby betrokke. ’n Skoolvriend van my, Franna Cilliers, het my lank terug gevra om saam met hom by Tuks se o.19A-span betrokke te raak. Dis is hoe my spanbestuurderloopbaan begin het.”

“Ek het al die jare vasgebyt omdat ek ’n passie vir TuksRugby het en dit baie geniet om met jong spelers te werk en op watter geringe wyse ook al ’n bydrae tot hul ontwikkeling as mense te lewer.

“As student het ek nooit die voorreg gehad om vir FNB Tuks te speel nie, want my rugbyspeel-dae is deur ’n besering beëindig toe ek 21 was. Ek het toe vir FNB Tuks se o.21-span gespeel.”

Jannie se beste herinnneringe aan die 150 wedstryde wat hy hy die ‘pa’ van FNB Tuks was, is ironies genoeg uit FNB Varsitybeker-wedstryde wat op Stellenbosch beslis is.

“In 2007, toe die FNB Varsitybeker-reeks geloods is, het ons in die openingswedstryd teen die FNB Maties in Stellenbosch gespeel. Met net 16 minute speel oor, was ons nog met 31-5 agter en die skrif vir alle praktiese doeleindes aan die muur. Ons het egter skitterend teruggeveg en uiteindelik gelykop gespeel (31 elk). Die briljante drie wat (die Bulls-vleuel) Gerhard van den Heever in dié tyd gedruk het, sal my altyd bybly.”

“En dan sal ek ook ons oorwinning teen die FNB Maties verlede jaar in albei spanne se laaste groepwedstryd baie lank onthou. Ons moes hulle klop om tot die hallfeindronde deur te dring en het dit gedoen omdanks die feit dat net die gehardste FNB Tuks-ondersteuners ons ’n wenkans gegee het.”

“Oor hoe sy FNB Tuks-‘droomspan’ sedert 2005 daar sal uitsien, het Jannie gesê hy ‘kies’ dit graag met dien verstande dat hy nie die 2010-groep in aanmerking wil neem nie.

Sy span is:

15 Johan Jackson, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Lafras Uys, 12 Dylan de Fountain, 11 Pierre Spies, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Piet Vivier, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Eben Joubert, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Bosman Grobler (k), Dewald Senekal, Pieter van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss, Dawie Steyn. PLAASVERVANGERS: 16 Torsten van Jaarsveld. 17 Gert-Andries van der Merwe, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Okkie Kruger 20 Gerrie Odendaal, 21 Werner Pieterse, 22 Kruger van Heerden.

Who is Andrew Paterson....

FNB Varsity Cup — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:11:00 GMT

‘Dual varsity citizen’ Andrew Paterson did not make his provincial debut while he was at either FNB NMMU (the former UPE) or FNB Maties.

It was in fact when he was undergoing his national service in the Northwest border town of Zeerust.

“Stellaland needed players and that is how I made my provincial debut for them in 1983 in the then Sport Pienaar League (the equivalent of the current Currie Cup First Division),” said Paterson.

His fondest memories of playing for UPE (FNB NMMU) and Eastern Province was playing with “greats’ like Garth Wright, Hannes Strydom, Hennie le Roux and Robert Blignaut.

“We were a young and happy team and I had great fun in all 40 matches I played for EP. We were coached by Dr Hannes Marais. He was a great coach and mentor. In 1985 we beat Northern Transvaal 21-15, against all odds. Garth Wright scored a try in the last minutes after running the length of the field,” said Paterson.

In 1989 Pattie, as he is nicknamed, moved to Stellenbosch where he quickly became a regular member of the starting line-ups of Maties and Western Province.

“The best thing about Matie rugby is the wonderful vibe of being part of a world class setup that has the best facilities and people. It is a young rugby player’s dream,” said Paterson.

His best Matie memory is “beating a star studded Tukkies team at the Craven Stadium in 1989. Balie Swart and Guy Kebble were my props. We also played a number of games together for WP.”

And his most memorable match for Province?

“It was in the 1989 Lion Cup final when WP played Northern Transvaal at Newlands. WP won 29-15. As a hooker I recall that day specifically. We scrummed very well and won 5 tight heads.”

“My biggest attribute was always my scrumming, but there was one opponent I could not move. Tommy Lawton (130 kg) was the strongest hooker I have ever played against. It was like pushing against a block of flats.”

His list of favourite team mates include Keith Andrews (WP), Frans Erasmus (EP), Garth Wright (EP), Garry Pagel (WP) and Tommy Laubscher (WP). Today he is still in regular contact Pagel, Wright , Andrews and other well known former team mates like Neil Hugo and Michael Kirsten.

Paterson is a keen follower and supporter of the FNB Varsity Cup competition, presented by Steinhoff International.

“It is a great opportunity for young players to get exposure at the right level of competiveness.”

Paterson is still based in Cape Town where he is the National Agricultural Sales Manager of Mondipak.

Paterson can be e-mailed at Andrew.Paterson@mondigroup.co.za.

Wynand Claassen...

FNB Varsity Cup — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:05:00 GMT

Hy kan homself nie ’n lewe sonder rugby voorstel nie, want “vandat ek verstand gekry het, was ek op of langs die veld”.

Wynand Claassen het min belangstelling nodig. Hy was immers die aanvoerder van die Springbokke op hul betogergeteisterde toer in Nieu-Seeland in 1981 toe selfs meelbomme uit ’n vliegtuig op die Suid-Afrikaners gegooi is. Daarby was hy ’n nasionale keurder en die Curriebeker-kaptein van sowel Noord-Transvaal as Natal.

Sy groot liefde, selfs toe hy lank in Durban gebly het, was nog altyd FNB Tuks waar hy aan die einde van 1977 as argitek gekwalifiseer het. Dit is daarom heel gepas dat hy deesdae in diens van die Universiteit van Pretoria as die bestuurder van TuksSport Alumni is.

Claassen het in Middelburg, Mpumalanga grootgeword en skoolgegaan waar sy pa die hoof van die Hoërskool Middelburg was.

Dit het hom nie lank geneem om sy stempel op Tuks-rugby af te druk nie. Hy het sy FNB Tuks-buiging reeds in sy eerste jaar gemaak (1971) wat toe ’n reuse-prestasie was omdat die Universiteit van Pretoria se eerste span van Bok- en Noord-Transvaalse sterre gewemel het.

“Hoewel ek eintlik tot in 1973 moes wag om gereeld vir Tuks 1 te begin speel, was my buiging in 1971 steeds baie spesiaal omdat my slotte dié dag (Claasssen het agtsteman gespeel) die Springbokke Johan Spies en Piet du Plessis was – wat ’n voorreg vir ’n melkbaard soos ek.”

Hy het baie hoogtepunte in die FNB Tuks-trui gehad, maar die twee wat hom die meeste bybly, is die Noord/Suid-derby teen die FNB Maties in 1976 en die Carltonbeker-eindstryd teen Polisie in 1975.

“50 000 toeskouers het FNB Tuks in 1976 op Loftus teen die FNB Maties kom ondersteun. Ons was rustyd nog agter (0-7), maar in die tweede helfte het ons die krane oopgedraai en uiteindelik met 18-7 gewen. Ons het in dieselfde jaar ook met die Maties by die nasionale klubtoernooi in Durban afgereken, maar dit was my nie beskore nie omdat ek toe beseer was.”

Die 1975-eindstryd om die gesogte Carltonbeker, die grootste prys in Blou Bul-klubbrugby, was “so goed soos ’n toets omdat hulle baie huidige Noord-Transvaalse spelers in hul geledere gehad het. Ons was ’n jong en onervare span, maar desondanks het ons die titel gebuit.”

Van sy 61 wedstryde vir Noord-Transvaal en 65 vir Natal het Claassen skitterende herinneringe oorgehou, wat dit moeilik maak om wedstryde uit te sonder.

“Die eindstryd om die Curriebeker in 1975 teen die Vrystaat in Bloemfontein was baie spesiaal. Die meeste mense sal dit onthou vir die skouspelagtige wendrie van Pierre Spies in beseringstyd. Ek sal dit ook onthou vir die haelbui wat ’n uur of wat voor die eindstryd in die Vrystaat-stadion neergesak het en die veld in ’n wit kombers getooi het.”

“Die twee wedstryde in die Natal-trui wat vir my persoonlike glanspunte was, was in 1980 teen Noord-Transvaal op Loftus en in 1984 teen die Westelike Provinsie op Nuweland toe ek amptelik uitgetree het. Die wedstryd in 1980 was my eerste teen my oud-spanmaats op Loftus en boonop ook oom Buurman (van Zyl) se 100ste as Curriebeker-afrigter van die Bullle. Natal het gewen. Hoewel ons in die 1984-eindstryd (om die Curriebeker) teen die WP verloor het, het ons blote deelname aan die belangrikste 80 minute van die seisoen nietemin my standpunt gestaaf dat Natal die potensiaal het om ’n grote in SA rugby te word. En hoe reg was ek nie!”

Claassen kan gekontak word by wynand.claassen@up.ac.za.

Wie is John Mametsa...

FNB Varsity Cup — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:33:00 GMT

John Mametsa, a current member of the Vodacom Bulls’ Super 14 squad, is a very grateful player.

“I can look back on a career blessed with wonderful opportunities. I could never have anticipated when I came to Pretoria in 2000 as a first year student at Tecknikon Pretoria (Tshwane University of Technology) that I was destined to become a household name at Loftus Versfeld.”

“I am and will be eternally grateful to the Blue Bulls’ coaches, structures and professionalism, all my team mates in the different teams I played for (TUT u.19, u.21 and 1st XV; BB u.19, BB u.21, BB Merit A, BB Vodacom Cup, BB Currie Cup and Bulls Super 14) and my favourite of all crowds: the Loftus faithful,” said Mametsa.

He came to the attention of the Blue Bulls’ head hunters at the 1999 Craven Week in George where Mametsa represented Limpopo Blue Bulls (he went to school at Capricorn High in Polokwane). Mametsa was offered a junior provincial contract and enrolled at TUT in the Sport Administration and Managing diploma course the next year.

“I have fond memories of my student days. I was easily noticed because of my particular hair style (the dread locks that would later become his Loftus trademark), but it did not bother me as I like being my own man. It was fun and carefree days, but I made a point to balance my socialising with finishing my studies, which I’m proud to say I did."

“Playing for the Blue Bulls junior or Merit A sides made too much partying a no-no anyhow. Not that I was not tempted or a bit long lipped when on Friday nights all my student friends partied till late and I had to go to bed early as I had to play in a Loftus curtain raiser the next morning. I only realised much later in my career of how critical importance my choices then were. A professional player has to be very self-disciplined to succeed.”

In the FNB TUT jersey Mametsa had many memorable matches, but “in a sense I still feel robbed that I never had the opportunity to play FNB Tuks in the Carlton League. Beating them would have been the cherry on the cake.”

In his career Mametsa has made a lot of headway for black players.

He was Loftus Versfeld’s first black hero and even the typical hardliner ‘Boere omies’ on the east stand warmed to Mametsa, dread locks and all.

In 2007 Mametsa became the first black player to represent the Blue Bulls in 100 provincial games.

“It was a very emotional moment, the only pity being that the match was not at Loftus but Ellispark (against the Lions). It was nevertheless a most memorable 80 minutes as I scored a hat trick of tries. Even if asked to, I could not have written the script better myself,” said Mametsa.

“It is not easy to single out any other matches for the Blue Bulls, but our 40-18 win against the Sharks in the 2003 Currie Cup final will always be very special to me.”

John’s biggest attributes as player (high work rate, superb finishing and rocklike defence) says a lot about his character and attitude toward life.

“I have always tried to look for a challenge, an opportunity in every potential setback or stumbling block. I only weighed 70 kg when I made my debut for the Blue Bulls at u.19 level, but I was never and still are not deterred by my size. I rather look to where else I can be ‘bigger and better’ than my opponents.”

“My advice to any player, black or white is to always try and be part of the solution rather than the problem. Make the best with what you have and you may well be surprised at what heights you get to soar at!”

Wie is Heunis Johan...

FNB Varsity Cup — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:11:00 GMT

Say Johan Heunis and most people’s first recollections will be good manners, Springboks, Blue Bullls and Tukkies.

True, Johan was and still is the impeccable gentleman; he represented South Africa in 14 tests (in the apartheid years), played 110 matches for the then Northern Transvaal (109 in the starting line-up) and also wore the coveted Tuks whites with distinction.

A less known fact, however, is that Johan was born is George and finished his law studies (BProc) at the University of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) before getting called up for his national service in Pretoria.

“I have fond memories of my student days. I started playing for UPE’s first team in my third year and had the good fortune of having my brother (Chris) as my captain and other well known Eastern Province players like Herman Potgieter, Gavin Cowley, Tino Kankowski, Schallk Burger, George Rautenbach and Andrew Johson as team mates. In those days UPE dominated the local club league, but we still had our work cut out in matches against especially Uitenhage and Park.”

Johan gained his EP colours in the same year (1979).

“My provincial debut was against a star studded Western Province. We did not win, but it was awesome to play against my childhood heroes. My highlight as student was the 1979 intervarsity against Rhodes. We were the overwhelming favourites, but only clinched victory in injury time. I scored the winning try and also converted it.”

“I have so many wonderful memories of my playing years in Pretoria, but will remember a match against WP in 1981 as if it took place yesterday. Seven weeks before that match I was struggling to get a break and only made in to the Northern Transvaal B bench.

“My first game for the Bulls was at wing and like any other player on the field that day I also had a place in the Springbok side to tour New Zealand in the back of my mind. I had a steady performance and scored a good try, but it still came as a surprise when my name was read out as member of the Bok squad.”

“As I was busy with strenuous basic training then, I welcomed every opportunity to get out of the camp. We all remember what happened when the Boks got to New Zealand, but I never had any reason to complain. Being confined to a luxurious hotel room and listening to protestors shouting anti South African slogans, was still much better than being back in basic training.”

Johan says he likes to watch FNB Varsity Cup rugby when he has the time.

“It is very exciting and FNB and Steinhoff (the co-sponsors) have to get all the credit they deserve as they have given young players a wonderful opportunity to make their potential and talent known to a big audience.”

To end a quote from former Bok and Northern Transvaal skipper Naas Botha: “Johan was the ideal team mate in any crisis situation. He was rock solid on defense, very secure under the high-ball and fantastic with ball in hand.”

Wie is Lous Blom....

FNB Varsity Cup — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:44:00 GMT

Die gewese Springbok-, WP- en Matie-stut Cobus Visagie het by geleentheid in ’n onderhoud met die studentekoerant van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch vertel dat hy nog nie onder ’n beter aanvoerder as Louis Blom gespeel het nie.

“Hy is my gunsteling-kaptein en van my beste vriende wat saam met my in die Maroentrui gespeel het,” het Cobus destyds aan Die Matie gesê

Dis groot woorde, maar ook ’n mooi getuigskrif vir Louis wat van 1990 tot 1999 vir die Maties uitgedraf en in dié tyd ook in 127 wedstryde vir die Streeptruie gespeel het.

Louis is ‘n beskeie oor sy rugbyprestasies en vergeet nie dat sy eerste tree op die pad na die WP-trui op Coetzenburg gegee is nie.

Hy verwys na die “wonderlike opvoeding en blootstelling” wat hy as US-student gekry het en hoe bevoorreg hy steeds voel dat hy in die laaste Matie-span gespeel het wat deur die legendariese dr. Danie Craven afgerig is.

“Ek was ook bevoorreg om Matiespanne aan te voer wat nasionale en WP-klubtitels gebuit het.”

Van al sy wedstryde in die Matie-trui onthou Louis dié teen Villagers in 1997 die lankste.

“‘n Jong Matiespan, met sewe o.21-spelers sonder enige toepaslike ervaring in sy geledere (almal het later Springbokkke geword), het die soveel meer ervare Villagers geklop nadat ons ná net 10 minute met 13-0 agter was. Die betrokke Matie-spelers sal almal steeds van hierdie wonderlike dag kan getuig,” het Louis bygevoeg.

Louis, wat slot vir die Maties en WP gespeel het, skryf sy welslae as kaptein toe aan dit wat hy hierin by Tiaan Strauss en Charl Cronjé geleer het.

Oor watter spelers die grootste indruk op hom gemaak het, antwoord Louis dat die slotte/haker-kombinasie van Mornay Visser, Fritz van Heerden en Charl Holwill “onoortreflik” was.

“Ons het mekaar so goed verstaan dat dit amper onnodig was om onderling te kommunikeer in dié wedstryde waarin ons saamgespeel het. Dinge is feitlik outomaties gedoen.”

Louis is kinderlik opgewonde oor die FNB Varsitbeker-reeks, aangebied deur Steinhoff International.

“Dit is ‘n wonderlike geleentheid vir spelers en die deelnemende universiteite om hulself te bemark. Dit behoort vir elke speler en instansie ‘n reuse-vooreg te wees om deel van dié reeks te wees.”

“Ek moet egter ook maan dat deelname aan die reeks valse verwagtinge by spelers kan skep. Elke speler, sy potensiaal ten spyt, moet besef dat Varsitybeker-rugby steeds net die onderste sport van die rugbyleer uitmaak. Jy eers moet dit eers uitklim om die pyp ook op Curriebeker- en Super14-vlak te rook.”

Geoordeel aan wat hy uit die Varsitybeker-reeks ervaar, stem Louis saam dat vandag se “studente-spelers beslis groter, fikser en baie meer atleties as in my speeldae. Maar sterker, twyfel ek! Ek mis daardie natuurlike sterk manne uit die platteland wat die harde werk gedoen het. Vandag se spel/reëls vereis atlete, maar ek glo die harde, sterk manne in die enjinkamer is aan die terugkom. Hul sal net hard moet werk! “

Louis het sedert sy speeldae by Matie-rugby betrokke gebly. Hy is huidig die voorsitter van hul ondersteunersklub, afrigter van die Akkers (Maties III) en ook betrokke by die Craven-beursfonds wat na die belange van jong spelers omsien.

Louis is ‘n verkoopsbestuurder in die IT-bedryf. Hy is verbonde aan die maatskappy AL Indigo in Kaapstad wat SUN-hardeware, Oracle-, BMC- sagteware en dienste aan korporatiewe klante in die Kaap voorsien

“Buiten dit, is ek ’n baie geesdriftige gholfspeler wat glo hy is die BIGGER EASY!“

Wie is JJ VAN DER WALT....

FNB Varsity Cup — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:43:00 GMT

Die gewese Blou Bul-vleuel JJ van der Walt kan nie onthou in hoeveel wedstryde hy vir FNB Tuks gespeel het nie, maar wat hy nooit al vergeet nie, is hoeveel hy dit geniet het.

“Ek was Maandag (1 Februarie) in die Spur toe Tuks teen die Pukke gespeel het en kon die wedstryd net so met die een oog dophou. Wat ek wel net weer besef het, is hoe mooi daai Tukkie-trui is. Ander universiteite verander hul truikleure gereeld, maar die wit Tuks-trui met sy donkerblou, rooi en goue strepe het die toets van die tyd deurstaan. Miskien verklap juis dit ook baie oor die trotse kultuur van Tuks-rugby,” meen JJ.

Hy was net 20 toe hy in 1988 die eerste keer vir Tuks I gespeel het. Later in dieselfde seisoen het hy sy debuut vir die destydse Noord-Transvaal gemaak. Dit was vir die toetsuniedag-kragmeting teen die Oostelike Provinsie in Port Elizabeth, die eerste van 73 wedstryde in die gesogte Ligblou-trui.

“Vir Tuks en die Bulle het ek my meeste wedstryde op linkervleuel gespeel, maar snaaks genoeg is die provinsiale wedstryd wat ek die langste sal onthou die een teen Wes-Transvaal in Potchefstroom toe ek vroeg in die eerste helfte by die beseerde Johan Heunis op losskakel moes oorneem.”

JJ se beste rugby-herinneringe as ’n Tukkie was die wedstryde teen die aartsvyand, die Maties en dié jaar toe hy in die span gespeel het wat Despatch in die eindstryd van die nasionale klubtoernooi in Durban geklop het.

Sy hoogtepunte in die Ligblou-trui was die Curriebeker-eindstryde in 1988 (NT 19, WP 18, Loftus Versfeld) en 1989 (NT 16, WP 16, Nuweland).

Hy moes eers ’n rukkie dink voordat hy sy kortlys van spesiale Tukkie-spanmaats kon saamstel. Die drie grootste geeste saam met wie hy vir Tuks gespeel het, was Robert du Preez, Duanne Adendorff en wyle Gerbrand Grobler.

JJ meen die instelling van die FNB Varsitybeker-reeks, aangebied deur Steinhoff International, maak dit soveel makliker vir spelers in studentespanne om hulself aan provinsiale unies te “verkoop”.

“Die feit daar elke Maandag twee wedstryde op TV uitgesaai word, beteken dat die betrokke spelers die blootstelling kry wat hulle andersins nie sou gehad het nie. En vir die werklik goeie spelers kan dit deur tot provinsiale rugby oopmaak.”

By JJ is daar geen twyfel nie dat die spelers in sy dae nie met vandag s’n vergelyk kan word nie.

“Die manne wat deesdae Varsitybeker-rugby speel, is beslis groter en sterker. Ek dink ook die omstandighede verskil hemelsbreed van toe ek rugby gespeel het. Ons het byvoorbeeld dalk ’n bietjie meer gekuier!”

Toe ek hom vra om sy vier jaar in die Tuks-trui (1988 – 1992) in een sin op te som, het JJ geantwoord: “Ek sal beter doen deur dit in een woord op te som: Lekkerrr!!”

Tjaart Marais....

FNB Varsity Cup — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:40:00 GMT

Tydgenote sal Tjaart Marais onthou as die blondekop wat met sy konstante uithalerspel op losskakel ’n groot staatmaker van die Pukke en destydse Wes-Transvaal (nou die Luiperds) was.

Toe ek die Puk nader oor oud-spelers wat vir hul heldegalery kwalifiseer, het Hendrik Truter, self ’n bekende oud-provinsiale speler, in vet letters agter Tjaart se naam geskryf: “Hy is ’n moet!”

Vandag is Tjaart ver weg van die klipharde speeloppervlakte van Olënpark in Potchefstroom waar hy soveel stervertonings gelewer het.

Hy is nou ’n Kapenaar waar hy by Face Technologies, ’n sagteware-ontwikkelingsmaatskappy in Durbanville, onder meer verantwoordelik is vir bemarking en verkope.

Gelukkig is hy nog steeds by rugby betrokke en help hy nou bou aan die potensiaal van die Hoërskool D.F. Malan.

Tjaart gesels met geesdrif oor sy studentedae, want hy het in die agt jaar wat hy vir die Pukke gespeel het (1980 -1988) mooi herinnneringe opgebou.

Tjaart het ook diep spore in Wes-Transvaalse rugby getrap deur dié unie 88 keer te verteenwoordig. Hy het selfs ’n draai in Pretoria gemaak waar hy in ses wedstryde vir Noord-Transvaal (Blou Bulle) gespeel het.

As student was intervarsities altyd vir hom die lekkerste wedstryde. Vandag het daar egter van die tradisionele intervarsities bra min oorgebly en Tjaart voel dis ’n kosbare tradisie wat bedreig word.

Hy dink vir enige student is intervarsity die groot hoogtepunt van die jaar en dit sal jammer wees as dié tradisie verlore gaan.

Nie dat hy enigsins van die beduidende meerderheid verskil dat die FNB Varsitybeker-reeks, aangebied deur Steinhoff International, studente-rugby soos ’n welkome vars bries getref het nie. Inteendeeel.

“Dis ’n uitstekende en opwindende reeks,” som Tjaart dit op.

Op die vraag oor wie en wat hy die meeste van sy studentedae onthou, antwoord Tjaart:

● Puk-rugby wat die Wes Transvaalse ligas oorheers het.

● Die Puk-toere na Pietersburg, Ammasol en die Toyota-klubtoernooi in Durban.

● Robert du Preez se passes wat hy eers ná die eerste vyf meter kon sien!

● Naas Botha en De Wet Ras wat nie gelykes as skoppers gehad het nie.

● Die afrigters James Stoffberg en Manie Spamer vir hul rugbykennis en menswees.

Robert du Preez, ’n latere Springbok-skrumskakel, tel ook onder sy lysie van groot geeste.

Robert, Dolf Jonker, Martin Knoetze, Kobus Wiese en Eugene Hare “was almal skitterende spelers, op en af van die veld!”

Daar is by Tjaart geen twyfel nie dat vandag se studente sterker en groter as in sy speeldae is.

“Wat voer hulle dié spelers,” vra hy tong in die kies.

As die eerste skote in vanjaar se FNB Varsitybeker-reeks op 1 Februarie klap, sal Tjaart dalk onwillekeurig terugdink aan hoe dit in sy dae was – die dae toe hy hom as een van die Pukke se grotes gevestig het.

Wie is Hennie Le Roux...

FNB Varsity Cup — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:24:00 GMT

Hennie le Roux

Former Springbok Hennie le Roux is one of the real legends of the then University of Port Elizabeth, now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Hennie was a member of the all-conquering Bok World Cup squad in 1995 and played in all six matches - including the final.

Hennie was born in Grahamstown and attended Graeme College. He represented Eastern Province at the Craven Weeks of 1985 and '86.

As a student at UPE from 1987 until 1991, he played first team rugby and was once voted as the University's Sportsman of the Year. He played flyhalf for Eastern Province in 1990 and 1991.

After he completed his studies (BA and HDE) at UPE, he moved to the then RAU - now UJ - where he completed an honours in Sports Management.

Hennie played for RAU in the national club championship in 1992 when they beat Harlequins 40-22 in the final.

He was selected for Transvaal and scored 92 tries in his 252 appearances in the red and white jersey. He was a member of the teams that won the Currie Cup in 1993 and 1994 and also in 1999 (as the Golden Lions).

Hennie represented the Springboks in 51 matches, 27 of those were Test matches. He made his debut in 1993 against France and played his last Test against Wales in Cardiff in 1996.

These days, Hennie is a regular face and voice on the SuperSport channels where he shares his expertise with the viewers.

Le Roux has been impressed with the standard of play in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International and feels that the competition is a marvellous opportunity for students to be noticed by the big unions.

Hennie invites his old teammates from his UPE and RAU days to keep in touch.