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- VOTE for who you think will be crowned the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield champions!
With the 2024 edition of FNB Varsity Cup kicking-off on Monday 19 February and the FNB Varsity Shield set to bring the heat on 22 February we are asking our fans who they think will be crowned champions this year. Reinging Varsity Cup title holders the FNB NWU Eagles will be looking to repeat their excellent 2023 campaign which saw them beat Maties in the semis and the UCT Ikey Tigers by just two points in a tightly contested final. With FNB UWC being promoted to the Cup competition the Varsity Shield trophy is up for grabs and this year it will be fiercely contested with the relegated Tuks team looking to bounce back as well as newcomers Varsity College eager to make a good first impression. Have your say on who will go all the way this year! And who will be lifting the FNB Varsity Shield? We can't wait to find out. FNB Varsity Cup FIXTURES HERE. FNB Varsity Shield FIXTURES HERE.
- Shimlas banking on experience
Continuity is key for FNB UFS Shimlas as they are busy wrapping up their preparations for the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup. The Bloemfontein-based team has an experienced squad for 2024 and most of the regulars will be back in action, apart from a handful of lads who went on to graduate or turn professional. Shimlas will be hoping for a case of third-time lucky under the guidance of coach André Tredoux. This after back-to-back defeats (2022, 2023) at home in the semi-finals. According to Tredoux there is an upbeat mood in the camp and they have a settled squad. “We've been honoured to have quite a few of the boys receiving professional contracts, but we've kept great continuity, especially in the tight-five and in the backline. We basically got the whole backline returning, except for Litha Nkula who is too old.” The addition of Melusi Mthethwa to the coaching staff has also been a major coup for Shimlas. Last season’s head coach of FNB CUT Ixias reunites will take care of the Shimlas attack, something Tredoux is ecstatic about. “It's exciting times with Melusi coming in as the attacking coach to take our attack to the next level. He has been working really hard on that side of the game.” On Saturday (3 February) Shimlas will face FNB NWU Eagles, the 2023 Varsity Cup champions, in a warm-up game in Vrede in the eastern Free State. Then there’s a team building getaway in Clarens where they will do a community outreach clinic with the Clarens Eagles. Shimlas will face FNB UCT Ikeys on Monday 19 February at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein in the first match of the 2023 Varsity Cup season. PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Michael Jnr Kurt Annies, Zane Bester, Henty Paul Beukes, Kwezi Dlamini, Nqobani Dlamini, Stiaan Genis, KL Hlengwa, Hlumelo Mihlali Klaas, Lwando Zomthonyama Kolisa, Asanda Kunene, Avuyile Mabece, Liyema Mgwigwi, William John Moffat, Jandre Nel, Gideon Jooste Nel, Nkoka Ngobe, Lathitha Nqebe, Loyiso Peteni, William Conley Pieterse, Pierre Raymond Freddie Uys, Leyton Jawdin Valentyne, Johannes Alwyn Van der Linde, Henri Christian Van Heerden, Ferdinand Pieter Vergottini, Reinier Juan Martin Viljoen, Andreas Visser, Ethan SJ Wentzel, Siviwe Zondani, Frank Dos Reis, Siya Ningiza, Cornelius Hermanus Smit Volschenk, Bradley Giddy, Johnre Stopforth, Bernardu Deleon, Riaan Van der Merwe, Lilitha Billy Lunqe, Diego Lottering, Curwin du Preez, AJ Van Vuuren, Jaco Bezuidenhoudt, Dujean Smith, Katlego Lobakeng, HJ de Beer
- UCT not going to give an inch
After falling at the last hurdle in the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup final, losing to FNB NWU by just two points, FNB UCT coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says his team is power-hungry this year. The Ikeys’ 2024 campaign kicks off on 19 February with an away game against FNB UFS Shimlas in Bloemfontein. Dawson-Squibb says the Ikeys players have been going hard at it in their training sessions. “So far preparations have been going pretty well. Obviously you lose a couple of guys, but we've still got a really nice core of our squad from last year and you can see the guys are looking cohesive and connected. There is still work to be done, but I would say we're looking pretty good at the moment." Speaking to Varsity Cup from their training camp at Hermanus, Dawson-Squibb says they are putting the emphasis on training as best they can. "I think if we train well, we put ourselves in a good position to do well. Off the field, we had a nice campaign launch where we climbed Lion's Head, did a tour of the Bo Kaap and we had a fantastic talk at the DHL Stadium.” Dawson-Squibb says his charges know what to expect against a tough Shimlas side in a little under three weeks. "Against Shimlas you know what's going to come. If it's dry, it will be very fast, attacking and high-tempo rugby. They, you know, they sort of turn themselves into the great entertainers of the competition, which is cool. "It's a nice place [Bloemfontein], we enjoy playing there. Last year we went there in the semi-final and we played a really good game of rugby, so I think what we'll try and do is bring real intent and intensity to the Shimlas game." SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Adam De Waal, Alexander Castle, Alexander Vermeulen, Asad Moos, Asive Qhawe Soji, Bruce Campbell, Bryan Le Roux, Cameron Whitson, Christopher Pittawey, Compion von Ludwig, Duran Koevort, Enos Ndiao, Ethan Cole Wasserfall, Golden Ziyanda Msipha, Hlumelo Ndudula, Isaiha Louw, Jared Connor Hansen, Johan Lombard, Johan van Rhyn, John Kelly Okonkwo, Jonathan Roche, Joshua Boulle, Joshua Miller, Jovan Bekker, Keagan Blanckenberg, Keenan Mills, Kian Daniel Davis, Laro Delport, Lezane Davis, Luca Luciano De Leo, Luke Burger, Luthando Woji, Matthew Anthony Beckett, Matthew Macleod Smith, Mhleli Khethuxolo Khuzwayo, Mika Schubert, Ntokozo Makhaza, Rafiek Petersen, Rethabile Louw, Reynhardt Crous, Riaan Genis, Rihaz Fredericks, Rupert Holmes, Seth August Christian, Sinengomso Brawen, Siphumezo Dyonase, Taariq Kruger, Thabiso Molekwa, Thomas Francois de Lange, Thomas Nel, Tian Vorster, Wandile Mlaba, Xola Nyali, Justin Damonze. by Ayanda Frances Felem
- Recap of FNB Varsity Cup 2023
With the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup season due to kick-off on 19 February it’s only fitting that we set the stage by looking back at how last season brought the heat. One of the most memorable tournaments ever ended with the FNB NWU Eagles lifting the trophy on home soil in Potchefstroom while the defending champions FNB UP-Tuks were automatically relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield without winning a single game. For the first time in the competitions history eight teams competed for glory and the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup Women’s competition was introduced. The season began with a bang as FNB UFS Shimlas clutched a one point victory over defending champions FNB Tuks while the Cape derby saw FNB Maties pick up a narrow win over rivals FNB UCT. Eventual winners FNB NWU made their intentions clear early on stringing together successive wins as many of the powerhouses struggled to maintain consistency. The FNB CUT Ixias emerged as the surprise package in the early rounds scalping notable wins over Maties and Tuks. With the battle for semi-final spots raging all eyes were on the the bottom of the table as the reigning champs Tuks lost their seventh straight game to be automatically relegated. The final took place at a sold out Fanie Du Toit stadium in Potchefstroom where the Eagles beat UCT in a thrilling game to be crowned champions. 2023 saw some epic tries being scored that showcased sensational teamwork coupled with individual brilliance the best of which featured in the Steers Tries of the Season highlights. It was a year of firsts with the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup Women’s competition taking place and FNB Maties dominated to be crowned champions after an emphatic 63-9 victory over FNB UJ in the final. FNB Shimlas scooped the end of season FNB Players of the Tournament awards while Ikeys scrummie Asad Moos was named as the Suzuki Rookie of the Year. If last year is anything to go by then the 2024 season promises to be another sizzling tournament. Can the Eagles defend their title or will another team emerge to lift the trophy? On 19 Februray we find out. For fixtures, tickets, details and more about FNB Varsity Cup 2024 CLICK HERE.
- Varsity College hit the ground running ahead of debut FNB Varsity Shield campaign
The FNB Varsity College Rugby squad for the upcoming FNB Varsity Shield competition began their preparations for their inaugural appearance in the competition with a gruelling training camp at their base in Durban North. After beating Rhodes in August last year, Varsity College qualified to play in the Varsity Shield and will be the first private higher education institution to do so. With just over a month until they make their debut in the second tier of the premier varsity rugby competition in South Africa, the players were put through their paces in the tough Durban summer conditions. "Some people might think that a three-and-a-half day camp isn't that long but we managed to achieve a lot in that time which made every minute worthwhile," head coach Jeremy McLaren said. "We spent a lot of time coming up to speed on our fitness as well as concentrating a lot on some theory work in the lecture room where we got to know each other on a more personal level as well as focus on our set plays.” McLaren and his coaching staff worked the players hard throughout the camp in an attempt to prepare them for the high level of competition that comes with playing in the Varsity Shield. "There was a lot of accountability placed on each individual during the holidays and I think that the players have come back ready to tackle what lies ahead and are looking strong," McLaren added. Despite many successful years playing top-tier club rugby in the KZNRU leagues and being competitive in the USSA competitions, this is a whole new challenge and a huge opportunity for growth for Varsity College. Varsity College’s first Varsity Shield match is a home fixture against FNB TUT on Friday 23 February at IIE Varsity College Durban North. For all their fixtures click HERE.
- The road to the semi-finals
It all comes down to this – four teams battling out for the chance to advance to the final where the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup champion will be crowned. What is certain is that there will be a new title holder as defending champions FNB UP-Tuks failed to make it past the round-robin matches after failing to win a single match. As a result, they’ve been relegated to FNB Varsity Shield for the first time in the competition’s history. The semi-finals are taking place on Monday 10 April. FNB UFS Shimlas host FNB UCT Ikeys in Bloemfontein (17:00) while FNB NWU Eagles take on FNB Maties in Potchefstroom (19:00). (Fixtures HERE) Varsity Cup looks at how the teams progressed to the last four of this year’s tournament. FNB UFS SHIMLAS UFS are sure to take advantage of playing in front of their home crowd at Shimla Park in their efforts to add to the lone Varsity Cup title they won in 2015, beating NWU at the same venue. (Watch highlights HERE) Shimlas finished second on the log, with five victories from their seven matches. They started their campaign, and what would turn out to be the most miserable of seasons for the defending champions, with a one-point victory over Tuks. (Watch highlights HERE) The Free State team’s only two losses came against their semi-final opponents UCT Ikeys (12-29) and NWU Eagles (16-63), also in the last four. However, big wins over Bloemfontein neighbours FNB CUT (68-36) and former champions Maties (43-12)in the last couple of matches came at just the right time. (Watch highlights HERE and HERE) Points for: 223 / Points against 220 Top points scorer: Lourens Oosthuizen – 24 Top try scorer: Kwezi Dlamini – 5 FNB UCT IKEYS UCT have an impressive record coming into the semi-final of this year’s Varsity Cup. Two-time winners (2011 and 2014), Ikeys also played in the 2010 and 2021 finals, both times against UP-Tuks. They lost the most recent one by just seven points (27-34, watch highlights HERE). It’s been a topsy-turvy season for UCT, winning four games that saw them claim the third spot on the log. After a narrow opening-round loss against Maties (19-21), they pounded on the hapless Tuks a week later with a comprehensive victory (42-19, watch highlights HERE). Further losses against FNB UJ (24-43) and the Eagles (26-42) followed. Solid performance against semi-final opponents UFS Shimlas (29-12, watch highlights HERE) and last round against FNB CUT (79-31, watch highlights HERE) secured their place in the top four. Points for: 265 / Points against 187 Top points scorer: NtokozaMakhaza – 95 Top try scorer: Duran Koevort – 4 FNB NWU EAGLES NWU had the privilege to lift the coveted Varsity Cup trophy in 2016 when they beat their semi-final opponents Maties 7-6 (watch highlights HERE) in that year’s final. In total, these two teams have met in the final three times. The Eagles finished top of the log, winning six of their seven matches. Playing in front of their home crowd in Potchefstroom, they beat UJ (41-28, watch highlights HERE) in round 1, and followed it up with a rugby lesson against Shimlas (63-16, watch highlights HERE). A mid-season loss against their semi-final opponents (28-31) threw NWU slightly off track. They however pulled it back by beating UP-Tuks (26-22), CUT (45-28) and UCT Ikeys (42-26, watch highlights HERE) in the latter rounds. Points for: 281 / Points against 154 Top points scorer: Zinedine Robinson – 60 Top try scorer: Vernon Paulo – 9 FNB MATIES Maties will be looking to advance to an unprecedented 11th Varsity Cup final. They won the title between 2008 and 2010, and then again back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 they beat their semi-final opponents NWU Eagles 40-7 (watch highlights HERE). The Maroon Machine ended the round-robin stage with four victories from seven matches. They had to rely on a few favours from other teams to secure the fourth spot on the log and advance to the semis. Maties had a few close calls in the first half of the competition, including against NWU Eagles (31-28, watch highlights HERE), FNB Wits (56-54) and UP-Tuks (46-35, watch highlightsHERE). Losses against CUT (19-23), UJ (42-49) and Shimlas (12-43) however nearly destroyed their chances of finishing in the top four. Points for: 277 / Points against 252 Top points scorer: JurieMatthee – 78 Top try scorer: Waqar Solaan – 4
- It’s a wrap for FNB Varsity Cup 2023 - Season Highlights
With the FNB NWU Eagles lifted the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup trophy in Potchefstroom after beating the FNB UCT Ikeys in a pulsating final, it’s time to reflect on a historic season. This year not only saw eight teams competing in the prestigious tournament for the first time, but the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup Women’s competition also took place. The action kicked off on 20 February with defending champions FNB UP-Tuks hunting their third consecutive title. They were shocked on home turf in Pretoria when FNB UFS Shimlas beat them 26-25, a telling omen for the rest of the season. The middle rounds of the tournament saw some upsets with many of the big teams struggling to get their season going. While NWU continued to rack up victories, the FNB CUT Ixias were labelled as giant killers with victories over FNB Maties in round 2 (23-19) and over Tuks (41-39) in round 3. Back-to-back losses for Tuks in round 4 (22-26 against NWU) and round 5 (35-46 against Maties) saw the stripe generation remain winless and end up in the relegation red zone with the UJ orange army. Round 6 and Round 7 saw the teams at the top of the log battling it out for the playoffs where NWU managed to secure a home semi-final against Tuks while Shimlas would host FNB UCT Ikeys in Bloemfontein. Tuks and UJ would face off in their final game of the season and it was the Joburg side who handed the title holders their seventh straight loss and see them automatically relegated to the Varsity Shield for the first time ever. In the semi-finals, the Eagles beat former champions Maties 19-10 and Ikeys scored a convincing 65-30 victory over Shimlas. A week later the Ikeys would travel to Potchefstroom to come face to face with NWU at a sold out Fanie Du Toit stadium. It was a hard-fought match with the result hanging in the balance until the last second. The Eagles managed to hang on to beat Ikeys 27-25 and be crowned champions for the second time in their history. The Women’s tournament saw FNB UJ Women beat FNB Tuks Women 36-5 in the first semi-final and FNB Maties Women beat FNB UFH Women 33-7 in the second semi-final to advance to the final. A week later Maties outscored UJ 63-9 to score an emphatic victory in the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup Women’s final in Cape Town. 2023 also saw the launch of the #ShowUs campaign, a community outreach programme where each Varsity Cup and Shield university aligned with an existing project within their campuses to uplift and assist those in need. Read more about their initiatives HERE. The excitement went into overdrive in 2023 with the first-ever Cheerleaders That Rock Challenge, taking fan engagement to the next level to find the best cheerleading squads around the country. After a judging and voting process the UCT cheeleaders took the top top hours with UWC and Tuks as runners up. FNB Players of the Tournament: Suzuki Rookie of the Tournament: Cheerleaders That Rock:
- All the highlights of the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield season
After no tournament in 2020, a bio-bubble in 2021 and limited spectators in 2022, the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield tournament kicked off on 16 February in front of full-capacity stadiums. Twenty-eight matches over seven rounds and two semi-finals later, FNB UWC were crowned champions when they beat FNB CPUT in the final. This year saw eight teams competing for the first time with FNB UFH Blues intent on defending the title they won in the dying minutes of last year’s final against CPUT. While they scored a narrow 14-13 victory over FNB WSU in the first round, there were big wins for CPUT over FNB UKZN (50-8) and UWC over FNB Rhodes (87-5). UWC and FNB Madibaz, relegated after dropping down from the FNB Varsity Cup in 2022 as a result of their log positions, dominated their matches as the tournament progressed. Defending champions UFH however continued to struggle and lost 13-33 against UWC at home in round 2 and 21-36 against CPUT in round 3. During the latter part of the tournament, it was clear UWC were on track to remain unbeaten. They won their Cape Town derby against CPUT in round 5 (31-10) and beat FNB UKZN in round 6 (45-11) to set up an interesting promotion decider in the final round of the group stage against Madibaz. In round 7 UWC showed why they remained unbeaten when they beat Madibaz 45-31. Both teams progressed to the semi-finals, with UWC hosting UFH and Madibaz facing CPUT at home in Gqeberha. UWC and CPUT came out on top, setting up an enticing final in Cape Town between these two neighbours. In the end, UWC were not going to be denied a third Varsity Shield title when they held off a spirited CPUT for a brave and valiant 24-18 victory to be crowned the 2023 champions. *Madibaz got another crack at promotion to the 2024 Varsity Cup when they faced off against FNB CUT. It was however not to be, as the Bloemfontein side smashed their Eastern Cape rivals 91-10. FNB Players of the Tournament Suzuki Rookie of the Tournament FINAL HIGHLIGHTS: For all the season highlights click HERE.
- Eagles crowned 2023 FNB Varsity Cup champions
FNB NWU Eagles claimed their second FNB Varsity Cup title with a hard-fought 27-25 victory over FNB UCT Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom. First-half tries from Vernon Paulo (2) and Tino Swanepoel, converted by Zinedine Robinson gave the Eagles the edge heading into halftime. Robinson also landed a penalty. Ntokozo Makhaza was successful with three penalties but it wasn’t enough as the home team went to the break with a 20-9 lead. Ikeys made their intent clear at the start of the second half, coming out all guns blazing and scoring a quick point-of-origin try through Reynhardt Crous to make it 20-18. The Eagles remained under pressure for much of the half with the visitors being relentless on attack. Tino Swanepoel showed why he was voted as the FNB Player That Rocks in the semi-final against FNB Maties last week as he scored a try to get the Eagles out of a difficult position, making it 27-18. Ikeys however continued with the pressure and a late try by Jac van der Walt made it a two-point game at 27-25. Had a few balls gone to hand and the ball bounced their way, it may have been a different outcome. In the end, the Eagles held their nerve to lift the coveted Varsity Cup trophy for the second time after they first did so back in 2016. FNB NWU Eagles 27 (20) – Tries: Vernon Paulo (2), Tino Swanepoel (2). Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (2). Penalty: Robinson. FNB UCT Ikeys 25 (9) – Tries: Reynhardt Crous (POR), Jac van der Walt. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (2). Penalties: Makhaza (3). FNB Player That Rocks: Reynhardt Crous (UCT Ikeys) FNB NWU Eagles: 15 Swanepoel Tino Santino, 14 Windvogel Keano Ricardo, 13 Pretorius Theunis Gerhardus, 12 Phatudi I. S. Vincent Phatudi, 11 Jaarts Naiden, 10 Robinson Zinedine, 9 Hassien Sylvester, 8 Erlank Gustav Zacharias, 7 Bertram Karl-Heinz Henlein, 6 Vermaak Chris, 5 Nel Wihan, 4 Krugel Stephan, 3 Swiegers Ruan (Sampie), 2 Paulo Vernon, 1 du Plessis Ruben. FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Koevort Duran, 14 Louw Rethabile, 13 Boulle Joshua, 12 Lamb Kyle, 11 Makhaza Ntokoza, 10 Hayes David, 9 Moos Asad, 8 Delport Laro, 7 Ndiao Kyle, 6 Dyonase Siphumezo, 5 van der Westhuizen George, 4 Crous Reynhardt, 3 le Roux Bryan, 2 Blanckenberg Keagan, 1 Woji Luthando. by Lesiba Dikhoba
- CUT thump Madibaz to remain in Varsity Cup
FNB CUT demolished FNB Madibz 91-10 in their promotion/relegation encounter at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom to retain their FNB Varsity Cup spot for the 2024 campaign. CUT took a 42-10 half-time lead following a strong start with tries from Kevin Strydom, Jandré de Beer and Xavier Swartbooi while Christian Rheeder landed all his conversions. Madibaz eventually got on the scoreboard with a try by Chadwyn November and a conversion and penalty from Kehan Myburg. CUT began the second half exactly like they did in the first half with tries from Ricoman Titus, Jan Bessenger and Zac Bester to extend their lead to 63-10. CUT were simply too strong for Madibaz as Bester, Jacobus Cloete, Trevino Swartz and Matthee Sekele also crossed the whitewash for a comprehensive victory. FNB CUT 91 (42) – Tries: Kevin Strydom, Jandre de Beer, Xavier Swartbooi, Ricoman Titus, Jan Bessenger, Zac Bester( 2), Jacobus Cloete, Trevino Swartz and Matthew Sekele. Conversions: Christian Rheeder (10). FNB Madibaz 10 (10) – Try: Chadwyn November. Conversion: Kehan Myburgh. Penalty: Myburgh. FNB CUT: 15 Titus Ricoman, 14 Gouveia Adielson, 13 Bester Zac, 12 de Beer Jandré, 11 Malumane Tsepo, 10 Rheeder Christian, 9 Swartbooi Xavier, 8 Stander Ulrich, 7 Cloete Jacobus, 6 Sekele Matthew, 5 Strydom Kevin, 4 Marubelela Asekho, 3 Augestyn Zran, 2 Ntaopane Tokelo, 1 Bessenger Jan. FNB Madibaz: 15 Myburg Kehan, 14 Konza Kholiwe, 13 Kruger Henry, 12 Delport Troy, 11 Bophi Khakalethu, 10 November Chadwyn, 9 Mavuso Mpumelelo, 8 van der Merwe Leon, 7 Bobelo Alwaba, 6 Hlupheko Mzwakhe, 5 Tokwe Umna, 4 Kachungunu Christopher, 3 Limba Aqhamile, 2 Olivier Keaton, 1 Kuse Endinako.
- VOTE for you favourite #CheerleadersThatRock!
UPDATE: VOTING HAS CLOSED. Only votes received up until 9am on 17 April will be counted. With the FNB Varsity Shield and FNB Varsity Cup tournaments coming to an end it's time to decide who the #CheerleadersThatRock of 2023 will be! Throughout the season the cheerleading squads at participating universities brought the heat and entertained the crowds in-stadium and those watching at home. This year we launched the first ever Cheerleaders That Rock challenge and you can help decide which squad is the best. Each squad was required to perform at their home games throughout the season and to officially enter the competition they recorded their best performance and submitted it to a judging panel and for public vote. Official judging will be conducted by the South Africa Majorettes and Cheerleading Association and Gymnastics South Africa. The public will also get to cast a vote which will count towards the final decision by the judges. Below are the university cheerleading teams who submitted an official entry. Watch their entries and then vote in the poll for the squad you think should be the winner! Make sure to click 'See All Options' to view the full list. The public can vote from Friday 14 April until Monday 17 April at 9am and the winners will be announced after the FNB Varsity Cup final on Monday 17 April.
- CUT and Madibaz battle for promotion to Varsity Cup
FNB Madibaz and FNB CUT face each other in an all-or-nothing promotion/relegation battle tomorrow in Potchefstroom. The winners will advance to the FNB Varsity Cup in 2024 while the losers will compete in the FNB Varsity Shield next year. Kick-off is at 15:00. Madibaz advanced to the play-off courtesy of their second-place finish on the Shield log while CUT’s seventh-place finish on the Varsity log put them in this precarious position. Madibaz mentor David Manuel isn’t a fan of making any one game seem more important than another despite what’s at stake in tomorrow’s match. As far as he is concerned, their normal preparation protocols were the best way to get the team game-ready this week. “We know that we have to give it our all. We have done our analysis and know what they will bring to the match. We know what a dangerous side they are with ball in hand and they are quick to capitalise on any mistakes.” Staying in the fight until the final whistle will be critical in Potchefstroom, says Manuel. “You cannot afford to give away soft points because psychologically it becomes very difficult to close the gap. It will be tough, but we are prepared to grind it out to give ourselves a chance.” CUT coach Melusi Mthethwa says with seven Varsity Cup games behind them, they know how physical the competition is. “The boys understand that Monday's game is very important for both teams, but for us as CUT, every single game in the Varsity Cup was important. Not one game we played was easy. We are fighting and we will continue to fight for every single inch. “We respect the Madibaz, we respect the way that they play, but we are concentrating on us and we are going to Potch to go and play winning rugby and correctly close our competition. There is nothing more I would love to see than the boys putting in a massive effort for themselves.” FNB CUT: 15 Titus Ricoman, 14 Gouveia Adielson, 13 Bester Zac, 12 de Beer Jandré, 11 Malumane Tsepo, 10 Rheeder Christian, 9 Swartbooi Xavier, 8 Stander Ulrich, 7 Cloete Jacobus, 6 Sekele Matthew, 5 Strydom Kevin, 4 Marubelela Asekho, 3 Augestyn Zran, 2 Ntaopane Tokelo, 1 Bessenger Jan. FNB Madibaz: 15 Myburg Kehan, 14 Konza Kholiwe, 13 Kruger Henry, 12 Delport Troy, 11 Bophi Khakalethu, 10 November Chadwyn, 9 Mavuso Mpumelelo, 8 van der Merwe Leon, 7 Bobelo Alwaba, 6 Hlupheko Mzwakhe, 5 Tokwe Umna, 4 Kachungunu Christopher, 3 Limba Aqhamile, 2 Olivier Keaton, 1 Kuse Endinako.












