NMMU pass their Kings test
FNB NMMU came through their clash with the EP Kings battle hardened and ready to take on the best the Varsity Cup has to offer.
The friendly was not a full 80-minute match and was divided into four chukkas, with each side using one chukka to practice attacking set-pieces in their opponents half, before the final two chukkas of open play.
While the Kings outscored the Madibaz six tries to two, NMMU coach Brent Janse van Rensburg was chuffed with his team's effort against a professional unit.
"Up front the EP Kings were very strong and I was happy with the way we defended against them," he told varsitycup.co.za.
"It was good to test ourselves against a provincial side, which was always going to be tough for the guys, but we're pleased to have had another good hit out.
"When we attacked we were able to keep the ball in hand and get through some phases, but our finishing could still use a bit of work."
Importantly, however, NMMU did not pick up any serious injuries in their pre-season fixtures against the SWD Eagles and EP Kings, as an untimely injury before the start of a season is always a coach's worst nightmare.
"We've come through all the friendly matches with a clean bill of health, although there are still five or six guys shaking off niggles who were injured before the pre-season matches," Janse van Rensburg added.
"We've done everything we can now to prepare for the competition and everyone has put their pound of flesh in at training to be as prepared as we could hope to be at this stage.
"Now it's up to us to play to our potential and arrive on each Varsity Cup matchday with the right mental approach to do ourselves justice on the pitch."
NMMU and the Kings are building a good relationship, and while Janse van Rensburg is grateful for the support from the Kings, he is secretly hoping that they do not poach his best players before the end of the Varsity Cup.
"It's always good to work together and I'm sure the Kings will have taken note of some of my players who impressed on the day," he said.
"My philosophy is that if they want to use any of my guys they can go with our blessing, and whatever is good for the game and the union is what's important."
By Timmy Hancox
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