Shimlas will regroup for UJ battle
FNB Shimlas will this week be regrouping for next Monday's Varsity Cup match against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) from the home comforts of Shimla Park.
After going down 7-20 to the FNB Maties this past week - having lost at home to the FNB Madibaz seven days before - the Kovsies have their backs against the wall.
Yet, that said, they know what to expect from the Men from Gauteng in one of just three home games for Shimlas in this season's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
"UJ are one of the strongest sides in this competition," Shimlas coach Jaco Swanepoel told this website. "Along with Tuks and Maties they are tough opposition.
"We have our backs against the wall, while UJ are on an upward curve going into this match.
"We will have to re-orientate and focus on our game patterns," added Swanepoel, "we now have conceded four yellow cards in three matches, so our discipline clearly needs attention."
Shimlas lock JC Astle was yellow-carded for being on his feet at a ruck and Swanepoel said: "And, of course, the right decision-making will be very important."
Shimlas' match against the Maties was a disappointing loss for the Bloemfontein side, but likely their toughest away game this season. Swanepoel also admitted that they could have done better and that their gameplan was not up to standard since they did not make use of all their opportunities.
He said: "Maties were strong, especially up front. They kept us under pressure. We simply played the wrong game and stayed in our own half too much which gave them ample opportunities to score."
Other lows were when skipper Pieter 'Lappies' Labuschagnè came off the field at half-time - a situation which allowed the Maties to dominate proceedings on the ground through their flankers.
Labuschagnè is struggling with a slight shoulder injury and had to be spared to play for the Cheetahs in the upcoming Super 15. Also, fellow flanker Oupa Mohoje had already come off the field in the 20th minute with an injury.
One positive, however, was the Shimlas defence and Swanepoel commented: "Our defence was good. They scored tries via the rolling maul and turned over possession. I am really satisfied with the way we defended."
Charles Marais and Ian Potgieter also proved their worth up front, while flyhalf Reinhardt Erwee did well directing his backline.
With Labuscagnè joining the Cheetahs Super Rugby squad this season, the Shimlas will have some consolation.
Influential flanker - and former captain - Willie Britz will return on Monday after long recovering from an injured shoulder. His fellow Griffons forward, lock Joubert Horn, who missed two Varsity Cup matches due to an ankle injury, is also due for a return.
By Stefan Lotter
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