It is the battle of the Tshwane neighbours when log leaders FNB UP-Tuks and FNB TUT meet tonight (Friday 5 April, 19:00) in the penultimate round-robin match of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition.
Tuks vice-captain Ethan Burger, one of the top try scorers this year, says the Stripe Generation find themselves where they are because they went back to basics.
“This year we have gone back to basics, we are doing what our team does well and we’re starting to enjoy the game again and to believe in ourselves as players and as a team. We have not taken anything for (granted), we know that despite being relegated the Varsity Shield is not an easy competition to compete in.
“Every week is a new challenge and to be able to perform to the best of your ability you can’t afford to be comfortable and be complacent because that’s when the game of rugby humbles you like it did to us in the past season.”
Burger represented the Bulls at the U19 and U21 levels after being scouted at the St Stithians Rugby Festival in 2018. Since then his hopes of playing in a professional rugby set-up have just grown, he says.
“My aspirations for rugby are to take the next step in my rugby career and play professionally. I want to strive to be the best possible player that I can be and that involves aspects both on and off the field.
“There’s a few guys now I have played alongside in the Varsity Cup who have made it to the professional level and I am incredibly happy for them. If I were to get a professional contract, it would be a dream come true and I would be blessed to be given such an opportunity to play at a higher level. It has always been my dream and it’s something that drives and motivates me because I do want to take the next step and compete at a professional level.”
Burger relishes his form and thanks his teammates for it.
“I’ve always considered myself a strong ball carrier, that’s what I feel is one of my strengths. I love to have the ball in my hands and be able to make plays and challenge the opponent's defence. My form comes from my team and teammates around me, I can’t do it alone out there just like the guy next to me can’t.”
by Lehlogonolo Ditshego
