UWC 'can get even better'
Deon Davids, the head coach of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), was happy with his side's opening Varsity Shield win over FNB UKZN on Monday, but he is convinced that his team can get even better.
UWC showed in their 33-9 home victory over UKZN that they are willing to run the ball from anywhere on the park, and with some creative inside backs and pace to burn out wide it made for some crowd-pleasing action in Bellville.
Davids explained: "Our brand of UWC student rugby is to let the ball do the work, and with the opportunities that they got the guys showed that they are willing to run with the ball."
However, as exciting as they were, the UWC boss realises that his side made basic errors which prevented them from fully delivering on their potential.
"It was the first game, so we will take the win but we must just maybe secure more possession and minimise our mistakes and we can get even better," he told varsitycup.co.za.
UWC looked dangerous with the ball in hand and proved that they have the ability to score from anywhere on the field, but once the ball went to ground they battled to secure quality possession and lost momentum.
Davids noted: "I don't think we were so good at the breakdown, in the first half we conceded a lot of penalties there by going off our feet. In the second half we sort of put it right and so we got more continuity to our game and we played better."
One aspect of the game that Davids could not fault was the overwhelming and enthusiastic home support for the opening fixture.
He said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere, the support from the students, the University staff and the community from the surrounding areas really was fantastic and if we continue playing well I think it will get even better."
The UWC mentor is relieved to have come away from the match against the UKZN Impi without any major injuries ahead of the clash against Wits in Johannesburg on Thursday, February 3.
"We have one or two niggles which we will sort out with the physio today (Tuesday), but I hope we can keep the core of the squad for Thursday's game against Wits," he said.
Davids has some important selection decisions to make ahead of the game in Johannesburg on Thursday evening - especially considering that UWC have another fixture against the Central University of Technology (CUT) just a few days later on Monday, February 7.
"There are maybe one or two changes that I have in mind, especially with it being such a short week and the fact that we are playing on Monday again so I would like to keep the guys as fresh as possible.
"But I will make a final decision once I have spoken to the medical staff," he explained.
By Michael de Vries
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