Young Ixias determined to turn season around after tough start

The Central University of Technology are confident they can still turn their FNB Varsity Cup campaign around, and that revival begins on Monday night in the capital when they face FNB UP-Tuks.

The young Ixias have endured a tough baptism of fire so far, suffering three losses on the bounce. The challenge does not get any easier in round four, but FNB CUT have a habit of being particularly dangerous when their backs are against the wall.

Despite the results, there remains plenty of energy and belief in the camp. At times the Ixias have shown flashes of impressive rugby, and the focus now is on doing the right things consistently for longer periods of the match.

Flyhalf Kehan Myburgh, who is playing in his final FNB Varsity Cup season, said the one thing missing so far has been a complete team performance, with the goal now being to get the forwards and backs operating in sync.

“We’ve learned important lessons from the first three games,” said Myburgh, who was the Player That Rocked in the clash against the FNB NWU Eagles.

“In some matches the backs clicked but the forwards didn’t, and in others it was the opposite. If everyone - forwards and backs - clicks and does their part, we are a very dangerous team.

“We’re a young team with a lot of spirit and a strong sense of brotherhood. These three losses don’t define who we are. We’re a tight-knit group and we still believe we can turn the season around.”

Myburgh added that while the Striped Generation are widely regarded as the team to beat this season, CUT is expecting a physical battle and are ready to meet their more fancied opponents head-on.

“We know Tuks are a physical team that play very direct and have a big pack of forwards. Our forwards know they’ll have to step up to compete with them,” the backline general said.

“If they can give us momentum and good ball, we have a backline that can definitely finish the job.”

Kick-off for Monday night’s fourth-round clash at the Tuks Stadium is scheduled for 19:00.