Roux praises his 'power pack'
FNB Maties coach Chean Roux was full of praise for his team's pack after their 52-2 demolition of the FNB TUT Vikings on Monday night.
Five of the Stellenbosch team's seven tries were scored by forwards, with giant prop Os Hamman and lock Grant Hattingh scoring a brace and a hat-trick, respectively.
"Those tries from Os and Grant were highlights, but, overall, I was happy with my pack's performance on the night," Roux told varsitycup.co.za.
"They're a great bunch of guys to coach though," he added. "We spend a lot time just talking about the game and our approach and I'm really privileged to be coaching these guys."
One disappointing aspect from the game - according to Roux - was the high penalty count against his side.
They began the match by going 2-0 down (penalties, remember are worth two points in the 2012 Varsity Cup) and conceded a total of nine penalties in the opening fifteen minutes.
"It's [the penalty count] definitelty something we need to work on," admitted Roux.
"The referees are stricter at the breakdown this season, which means fewer scrums and more line-outs, but that aside, I wasn't happy with our penalty count.
"Maybe the guys were a bit over-eager trying to get to the ball, maybe the ref was a bit harsh on us... But, either way, we will pay attention to that this week."
The Men in Maroon will travel to Potchefstroom to take on the FNB NWU-Pukke in next week's Round Two clash, a tough trip - according to Roux.
"It's a flight to Johannesburg... then a two-hour journey to Potch, the travel takes a lot out of the guys," he said.
"Potch itself is a lekker place, but it's always a tough one playing early in the tournament - especially as we haven't seen Pukke play yet.
"Remember, too, they beat us in the semifinals of the Club Champs last year, so they'll be confident. That said, the Varsity Cup is an age-group competition, so there's that unknown factor.
"But I've got confidence in my players and if we stick to our plans we will have a chance."
The Maties have one injury concern in the shape of star No.8 Tertius Daniller, who has a 50-50 chance of making the trip to Potchefstroom.
"I won't rush him if he's not ready," revealed Roux, "it's a long tournament, so there's no point forcing the issue (right now)."
By Jim Krone
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