Nico comfortable at the back
New FNB Shimlas kicking sensation Nico Scheepers might have performed on the wing in Round One of the 2012 Varsity Cup, but he actually prefers playing at fullback.
The 21-year-old speedster started in the No.14 jersey during the Shimlas' Week One win over UCT - in Cape Town - but he made a late return to the No.15 shirt against the Madibaz.
Unfortunately, the Shimlas suffered a heartbreaking 27-29 loss to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) on Monday - despite another impressive points' haul from Scheepers.
"I prefer fullback since I am actually more confident there. I've been playing there my whole school career and started playing on the wing only recently," said the player who matriculated from Nico Malan high School, Humansdorp, in 2008.
Despite being relatively new to the art of wing play, Scheepers has been kicking at goal on the rugby field as long as he remembers. He kicked seven from seven against the Ikeys last week, and he missed just two shots at goal against NMMU on Monday.
And despite their surprise home loss to the Madibaz, Scheepers is confident about his team's title chances in 2012, saying: "We're gelling nicely - this is the most fun I've had in a team environment. We should definitely make semis this year and probably finals too, especially if we can get a home semifinal."
Scheepers is currently playing in his first-ever season of FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International rugby - that after the Cheetahs' Vodacom Cup selectors had preference over Shimlas in 2011.
"The Varsity Cup is something else," he enthused.
"Not many people watch the Vodacom Cup - whereas the following and buzz around the Varsity Cup is that much better. On the field, the Varsity Cup's tempo is much quicker and it makes me want to play more... and quicker!"
Scheepers was a part of the Cheetahs' pre-season Super 15 group - along with fellow Shimlas stars Pieter Labuschagnè (flank), Cameron Jacobs (centre/wing), PW van Vuuren (hooker) and JC Astle (lock).
Thus, if all goes well, he could make his debut in Super Rugby later this year - that after Labuschagnè and Jacobs were included in the Cheetahs' final Super Rugby group earlier this week.
When asked about his Super Rugby ambitions, Scheepers replied: "I am hoping for a good Varsity Cup and a chance to play Super Rugby this year. I just have to keep my form."
Even with the possibility of Super 15 rugby almost within his reach, given his strong start to the 2012 season, Scheepers has already achieved plenty in his fledgling rugby career to date.
"My Currie Cup debut in 2011 against the Griquas was one of my highlights in rugby," he admitted, "I have always wanted to play Currie Cup, so everything fell in place without too many challenges.
"But playing for the Baby Boks in 2010 and placing third in the Junior World Cup in Argentina that year was the biggest highlight of my rugby career (so far)," Scheepers added.
By Stefan Lotter
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