FNB Varsity Cup FNB UFS Shimlas scrumhalf Chadd Adams reflects on his rugby origins, the competition within the current squad and their next match against the FNB UCT Ikeys. What's your first memory of rugby and how did your love for the game develop? It started when I was still a small child. My brother and I used to play rugby on my late grandmother’s bed. We called her bed Newlands Stadium and we used the TV remote as a ball. I’m passionate about rugby and so the love came naturally. What interesting event occurred on your rugby journey? The biggest highlight was definitely in 2017 during the U18 Craven Week at St Stithians. I was playing for Eastern Province and we managed to beat the mighty Blue Bulls 37-10. Being a part of that Craven Week team was truly special. What does it mean to wear the FNB UFS Shimlas jersey? It makes me believe that I can achieve. The likes of Rassie Erasmus, Ruan Pienaar, Ox Nché and many others were at the club. I’m very privileged to be part of this history. This year the jersey means that I have 22 brothers in arms playing alongside me. You are one of three scrumhalves in the squad – along with Rewan Kruger and Jandré Nel. How is the competition between the three of you and how do you complement each other? I’ve always loved working with Rewan. He is such a decent guy, not only as a rugby player but as a human being too. I admire his humbleness and kindness. Jandré Nel – or old Smiley as we call him – is always smiling. He is all about feeling good and positive. He always brings the vibe to training. We all work hard on our individual skills to benefit the team. Who's your rugby hero and who else do you look up to away from the sport? When it comes to rugby, it's Cheslin Kolbe. Outside of sport, there's no doubt about the fact that my mother is my hero. She can move mountains. Who's the biggest character in the squad? We are a brotherhood. We have values and one of them is mutual respect, which I think is very important. But, when it comes to the biggest character, it's definitely flank Thabo Ndimande. How's the mood in the camp following Monday's defeat to the FNB NWU Eagles? We are still in the mood to score some great tries. You've picked up three wins and two losses. How do the FNB UFS Shimlas set the record straight against the FNB UCT Ikeys on Monday? It's important for us to focus on our game plan and the execution. We're going to score tries come Monday night at Shimla Park. Interview by Morgan Piek Photos: Dominic Barnardt/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup FNB NWU Eagles loose forward André Fouché has made a brilliant start to the 2022 FNB Varsity Cup, earning two FNB Player That Rocks accolades. VarsityCup.co.za asked him … We're halfway through the league stage and FNB NWU are seventh on the log with three wins and two defeats. How do you feel about the campaign so far? The bounce of the ball played a part, especially in our games against UCT and UJ [which the Eagles lost]. After that, we just tried to improve our game, which we did and we got positive results against UWC, Tuks and Shimlas. Our forwards are giving us a good platform and our counter-attacks are looking quite good. We have a good chemistry in the team. Who are the toughest opponents you’ve faced so far? The most physical game was against UWC and the toughest against UJ, because of the weather. It was raining in Johannesburg and the field didn’t drain well at all, so when we got to UJ Stadium everyone thought the game was probably going to be played the following morning. Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron wasn’t convinced the game was going to be played. I think the whole build-up to the game made us lose focus. We actually started well but the wheels just fell off in the second half when we conceded two seven-point tries, which were converted. That really sunk us. What was FNB NWU’s best performance so far? Definitely against Tuks [the Eagles won 17-8]. Our game plan went really well against them and the crowd played a major role because the atmosphere was electrifying. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB NWU Eagles vs FNB UP-Tuks What’s the biggest lesson the Eagles have learned so far? We’ve learned not to think of a team as ‘lesser’ than us because all the teams are competitive. We’ve also learned that we can beat any team. We play with confidence now. We take every game as it comes and leave previous games behind. You’ve got a tough fixture coming up, against FNB Maties in Stellenbosch on Monday. How has the team prepared for it? The team is coming together well and the mood in the team is really good. We love playing at the Danie Craven Stadium because it’s always a physical encounter against Maties. It’s a big one. We want to win and make it one to remember. How does it feel to have twice been named as the FNB Player That Rocks this season? I feel really good about it, but without the team I obviously wouldn’t be able to achieve that. I also don’t let these kinds of things get to my head because I know there’s still a long way to go and team achievements matter more than personal accolades. I didn’t play with my pink shorts because I just want to help the team stand out and win. Who inspired you to become a rugby player? At school, I had a coach, Mr Grobler, who taught me a lot of things, not just about rugby but life in general. I took a lot of inspiration from him and he made me a better human being. Marcell Coetzee also inspired me to play rugby. When I was at school I always looked up to him. I’m a huge Sharks fan and he was playing for them at the time. I always watched his games and how hard he ran. He now plays for the Bulls but I still love him, as a human being and as a professional rugby player. Interview by Lesiba Dikhoba Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup Centre Luhle Matyolweni on who inspired him to play rugby and why representing FNB Wits is so special. Matlowenyi hails from Knysna in the Western Cape. His rugby career began to flourish at Grey High in Port Elizabeth, where he was the school’s first black African head boy in 2020. From 2018 to 2020, he played for the Grey High 1st XV and also represented Eastern Province at the U18 Craven Week and the EP Sevens team, which he captained. In 2021, Liyema made his FNB Varsity Cup debut and won the SA Rugby U20 Championship with the Lions. VarsityCup.co.za asked him … What got you into playing rugby? My biggest inspiration while growing up was Bryan Habana. I wanted to be just like him. That’s one of the main reasons I’m playing rugby today. What’s your biggest rugby goal? To be a Springbok one day. What’s your fondest rugby memory? Lifting the SA Rugby U20 Championship with the Lions last year. Is there a motto or quote you live by? 'You’ve got to grind to shine!' Any interesting fact about you? If I wasn’t playing rugby, I would definitely be fighting in the UFC! What are you studying at Wits? I’m doing a general BA degree and am in my second year. FNB Wits lost 27-24 to crosstown rivals FNB UJ on Monday. What are your thoughts on the game? It was a very bitter pill to swallow. We didn’t get off to the best of starts, which had a massive influence on the result. Once we started getting into the groove of things, we certainly showcased our potential as team. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB UJ vs FNB Wits Wits have won all three of their home games this season and lost both of their away games. What’s been the difference? The crowds! I don’t think any crowd comes close to the enthusiasm that is shown by the Wits crowds. It’s also very special to play on our field. What makes playing for FNB Wits so special? The people around me. We shed blood and sweat together and fight for each other on the field, where we showcase true brotherhood. Interview by S’fiso Nyawo Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Asem Engage

FNB Varsity Shield FNB CPUT outclassed the FNB TUT Vikings to claim a 47-10 bonus-point victory in round three of the FNB Varsity Shield at Tuks Stadium on Friday. The reigning champions were in cruise control for much of the contest. Their scrum and maul fired, and they managed to convert that dominance into a 19-3 lead inside 20 minutes. Flyhalf Mauritz Maritz converted his own try on the stroke of half-time to give FNB TUT some hope. At that stage, FNB CPUT skipper Siyasanga Ngubelanga was in the sin bin, and the Vikings were in a position to cash in on their numerical advantage. A reckless piece of play by wing Wandile Shabalala, however, resulted in a yellow card for FNB TUT. FNB CPUT touched down after that transgression to secure the four-try bonus point and reassert their dominance. They went on to score another three tries, including an end-to end effort in the final minute. FNB CPUT have accumulated maximum log points from the first two fixtures of their 2022 campaign, and sit in second place on the FNB Varsity Shield log. While they trail the log-leaders – the FNB UFH Blues – by three points, they have a game in hand. The Vikings, by contrast, remain winless after three matches. Earlier, centre Ryan Maree and No 8 Yamkela Mzozoyana scored two tries apiece to boost the FNB UFH Blues to a 46-0 win against FNB Rhodes. The Blues continue to impress via their balanced approach. While their execution occasionally let them down, their physicality at the set pieces and on defence was consistent. Maree scored two of his team’s three tries in the first half. Having amassed a 22-0 lead, the Blues went into the second stanza as heavy favourites to secure the bonus-point win. Mzozoyana powered through some weak defence to score two tries after the break. Thereafter, the men in black maintained their intensity to score seven tries in total. The result marks the Blues’ third-straight win in this year’s tournament and they remain in control at the top of the FNB Varsity Shield log. The Stallions, who face the threat of relegation, are still searching for their first victory. In the last match of the day, a dominant display by the FNB UKZN Impi forwards set up a 31-8 win against FNB DUT in the KwaZulu-Natal derby. It took the Impi less than three minutes to open the scoring when tighthead prop Tristan Trollip went over from a lineout driving maul. Winger Thobani Shangase then finished a slick backline move by handing off a defender and diving over in the left corner. In the 32nd minute, a powerful 5m scrum allowed FNB UKZN scrumhalf and captain Johan Maritz to score a converted try that made it 17-3 at the break. Fullback Mthokozisi Hlatshwayo got FNB DUT back into the game when he scored the first try of the second half, but another strong Impi scrum just before the strategy break resulted in a bonus-point try for No 8 Menzi Mabaso. FNB DUT lock Alberth Kapenda was yellow-carded with 12 minutes remaining and the Impi scored almost immediately afterwards through centre Singele Mkhize. FNB UKZN are now third in this season’s standings and FNB DUT fifth. However, the latter remain last on the combined 2021-22 FNB Varsity Shield log, two points behind FNB Rhodes, as the relegation battle heats up. FNB Varsity Shield Round 3 results and scorers: FNB Rhodes 0 FNB UFH Blues 46 (22) – Tries: Kamvelihle Fatyela, Ryan Maree (2), Yamkela Mzozoyana (2), Langalethu Susela, Mziyabulela Bathu. Conversions: Keith Chiwara (4). Penalty: Chiwara. FNB Player That Rocks: Yamkela Mzozoyana (FNB UFH Blues) FNB CPUT 47 (19) – Tries: Iwaan Bloys, Joshua Paris, Siyasanga Ngubelanga, Roland van der Heever, Darren Alexander, Keano Cookson, Christopher Andrews. Conversions: Feghon-Leigh Snyders (6). FNB TUT Vikings 10 (10) – Try: Mauritz Maritz. Conversion: Maritz. Penalty: Maritz. FNB Player That Rocks: Joshua Paris (FNB CPUT) FNB UKZN Impi 31 (17) – Tries: Tristan Trollip, Thobani Shangase, Johan Maritz, Menzi Mabaso, Singele Mkhize. Conversions: Jarryd Nicholls (3). FNB DUT 8 (3) – Try: Mthokozisi Hlatshwayo. Penalty: Hlatshwayo. FNB Player That Rocks: Wilhelm Fenske (FNB UKZN Impi) FNB Varsity Shield teams (Round 3) Round 4 fixtures (Sunday, 20 March, Tuks Stadium) FNB DUT vs FNB CPUT (15:00) FNB UFH Blues vs FNB WSU All Blacks (17:00) FNB TUT Vikings vs FNB UKZN Impi (19:00) All fixtures and logs Photos: Catherine Kotze/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UP-Tuks flank Dian Schoonees talks about his try-scoring exploits, the synergy of the pack and his pre-match ritual. How did your rugby career start? My parents moved from Cape Town to the Free State when I was young. I went to Grey College and signed with the Lions after school. I was at the union for four years, and also represented UJ for a couple of seasons. How did your time at Grey College shape you as a player? I was fortunate enough to play two years for the 1st XV, so I gained a lot of experience. That team didn’t lose many games, so when it did, the players took it hard. That’s probably why I hate losing so much now. During my time there, I also learned every basic skill and how to apply those skills in a game situation. What did you learn during your time with the Lions? My time at the Lions was very good, We had one of the best coaches, Joey Mongalo – who is now with the Bulls – as our head coach. He gave us a lot of rugby knowledge to help us understand the game better. What brought you to FNB UP-Tuks? It was always a dream for me to come and play my rugby in Pretoria. You’ve scored a lot of tries in the FNB Varsity Cup this season. Which one stands out? That long-range try in the match against UCT. I just saw a gap and went for it. I didn’t know if I should side-step or run over the defender, but somehow it all played out well. I just went full out, almost like a big Cheslin Kolbe. You’ve scored four tries to date. To what do you attribute your current form? When I compare my form now to my form in previous seasons, I think my fitness and physicality are peaking at the right time. It’s also down to the synergy and speed of our forwards. We work very well as a unit. Where does your speed come from? That’s a tough one. Maybe from my father and grandfather, who played for Boland. I read a few articles about them and they told me a few stories about their exploits. I did athletics and swimming at a young age, so maybe that made me the player I am today. What are you studying? I’m studying education. Do you have any superstitions? Nothing specific. I do have a routine, though, in that I have two Lucozades as well as jelly babies five hours before the game. What are your goals for the next game against the FNB CUT Ixias? I would like to see if we can gain some confidence and execute more effectively. We are starting to build momentum at an important part of the season, but I believe we haven’t realised our full potential yet. Winning the Varsity Cup is definitely our goal. Interview by Lehlogonolo Ditshego Photo: Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup FNB CUT fullback Cohen Jasper has finally driven off in his Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 SX AT courtesy of Hertz Car Rental. Jasper was revealed as the winner of the Overall Player That Rocks award in the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup after the final on 31 May but had to get his driver’s licence before he could pick up his prize, which he did on Wednesday. The 21-year-old IT student also has to complete his studies and graduate with a university degree in order to keep the car. 'Hertz is very proud to be part of the Varsity Cup,' said Julian Visagie, Chief Operating Officer at Hertz South Africa. 'We believe Jasper has unbelievable talent and is definitely a star of the future. We wish him many happy miles with his new wheels.' Jasper scored seven tries in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup, including the winner in their first-ever win against FNB Maties. During the FNB Varsity Cup, Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie compared Jasper to Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe, so it was no surprise when the CUT star went on to play for the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Premier Division.

FNB Varsity Cup Scrumhalves Clyde Lewis and William Rose were prominent as the ball-tracking technology introduced during the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup playoffs delivered insightful performance data. Sportable, the sports tech company founded by three Capetonians, teamed up with sports equipment manufacturing brand Gilbert to introduce a ‘Smart Ball’ to the FNB Varsity Cup during the knockout rounds. The tournament has earned a strong reputation for innovation and this was the first time the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball had been used in Africa. The Smart Ball spat out team and players stats related to kicks and passes, providing instant, accurate data on events that would otherwise have required match footage to be manually coded. Notable on the kicking front, FNB UP-Tuks went home with the trophy despite being the playoff team that fired the shortest exit kicks. On average, FNB Maties (47.5m), UCT (43.4m) and NWU (42.1m) each launched clearance kicks that travelled for a net gain superior to Tuks’ 40.4m, perhaps underlining the coaching point that exit kicks must ‘go into the stands’ to limit quick throw-ins. FNB UCT and FNB Tuks boasted the most hang-time on contestables in the playoffs and this may be why both teams advanced to the final – just reward for Ikeys halfback William Rose (who averaged 4.4sec per box kick) and Tuks scrum-feeder Clyde Lewis (4.3sec). But where Rose clocked the longest average passing range (9m), perhaps based on FNB UCT’s preference for playing off 10 and launching from kick receipt, Lewis (and his backup, Johan Mulder) fed shorter passes (Lewis averaging 7m, Mulder 6.3m) to the Tuks heavies coming round the corner. A disappointing campaign for the Stellenbosch juggernaut may be related to the pedestrian speed of Maties’ passes, travelling an average of 8.5m per second while UCT’s passes (10.2m/sec) had 20% more zip on them. By Zelím Nel – This article first appeared on SARugbymag.co.za

FNB Varsity Cup Varsity Cup Tournament Director Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi pays tribute to Dougie Heymans, who passed away at the age of 48 after battling Covid-19. A tough customer. That’s how Dougie Heymans was introduced to me when I joined the FNB Varsity Cup team. His reputation preceded him. He had folklore status within the university sporting ranks and for good reason. The story of Dougie’s involvement in the Varsity Cup speaks to the crux of what makes our tournament so special and unique. Dougie has been part of the Varsity Cup virtually since inception and over those many years, we’ve had what we call club managers break-aways. These are trips where all the university rugby club managers come together and we discuss all aspects of the tournament and build for the upcoming season. At these sessions, Dougs was unbelievably instrumental in the success of each tournament. He was firstly a 'tough customer'. He wouldn’t mince his words when he thought an idea didn’t carry much merit. An example of this was when our campaign activations didn't work, or meal sizes for players were insufficient. When #KeepTheAggro off the field, the campaign against women and children abuse, came to an end and we moved on to another social cause, Dougie was quite upset as he sincerely believed in the work we were doing and knew how much work they still wanted to do as University of the Free State rugby at the shelter with whom UFS had partnered. He fought for that campaign because he genuinely believed in making a difference. In the same meetings, filled with robust discussions and different takes, Dougs would be the first to crack a joke and get everyone in the room laughing. That was the measure of the man. It was never personal, it was always about the matter at hand and how we improved as a collective. His presence will be sorely missed. We were better because he was around. The high point in our relationship was the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup final at the University of the Free State. It was incredible how much work he put in for it. Dougie called every contact and resource at his disposal to ensure the stadium was packed to capacity and that UFS hosted the best final ever. We worked together for weeks and it was just remarkable to see his work ethic and style. He would call someone, confirm on the call what he would do, and do just that. His word was enough and then he followed through on it. He cared deeply about where he came from and the way we represented Bloem that night. We delivered something special that year and full credit must go to him. There is so much more one could say. But an email from Dougs stands out for me: Hi everybody, I had a quick telephonic discussion with [name] about a possible U19 competition and residence competition between the northern and central universities during Varsity Cup 2020. U19 competition We want to give a little prestige to U19 rugby because we recruit a lot of players and there is 'no U19 rugby anymore’ – you know what I mean ... For the U19 competition, we will look at possibilities for how we can run such a competition without high costs involved. We will arrange a meeting where we will invite the universities to discuss it (if some of them do not want to take part then we work with those that want to) The email continues. But the point I’m trying to make is that this was someone who genuinely cared about the game of rugby and providing opportunities to young players. He would do the leg work to get these discussions going. Dougs, your legacy will live on. We are all so hard hit by your loss because you were a man of character. We are better because you lived. You will always be in our hearts. Love, Nesi FNB Varsity Cup Tournament Director, on behalf of the Varsity Cup family

FNB Varsity Cup Newly-crowned FNB Varsity Cup champions FNB UP-Tuks will not rest on their laurels. In fact, some of the players were back on the training field on Tuesday afternoon as Tuks prepare to play Centurion in the Carlton Cup on Saturday. "The preparation for the 2022 Varsity Cup starts this afternoon," says coach Nico Luus, who is still buzzing after their 34-27 win against FNB UCT in Monday night's final. "I love it when a plan comes together," he adds. "Last night's win is undoubtedly one of the gutsiest in the history of Tuks rugby. The players never gave up. They fought to the last minute to ensure victory. That is what makes coaching worthwhile." It is the fourth time that FNB UP-Tuks have won the FNB Varsity Cup, having done so in 2012, 2013 and 2017. Only FNB Maties (five titles) have been more successful. FNB UP-Tuks captain Sango Xamlashe, who scored one of his team's four tries, was almost at a loss of words after the final. "Yoh, it was a hard and long journey for the team," he said. "It all added up to the final. I could not be more grateful to win. It is my first Varsity Cup victory. I don't think what we've achieved has sunk in yet." HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Varsity Cup final FNB UP-Tuks replacement tighthead prop Etienne Janeke was named the Player That Rocks for the final. He scored a try and secured victory in the 83rd minute by making a crucial turnover. "I did not expect to get an award, it's not a prop thing," joked Janeke during a TV interview, before thanking his mom for her support. Luus credited the whole team for the win, but singled out the players who had impressed him the most. "Rugby is a team sport," he says. "We would not have achieved what we did if everyone was not prepared to give 100%. I dedicate our victory to each of the coaching staff and each player. It is a fantastic team. "But I've got to say, Zander du Plessis, Hanru Sirgel and Jaco Bezuidenhout were phenomenal throughout the tournament. Louritz van der Schyff was brilliant in the last three games, while Clyde Lewis was undoubtedly our most valuable player. It did not matter where he played – scrumhalf, centre or wing – he made a difference." – Article courtesy of Tuks Sport

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UP-Tuks survived a second-half fightback from FNB UCT to claim a 34-27 victory in the FNB Varsity Cup final at Tuks Stadium on Monday night. It is Tuks’ fourth title, having previously won the competition in 2012, 2013 and 2017. FNB UCT came into the decider on a nine-match winning streak, excluding their cancelled Round 6 fixture against FNB UP-Tuks, who suffered two defeats during the league stage of the tournament. But it was the hosts who won when it mattered most. The opening 15 minutes of the final saw the heavies run into wall after wall of defence, before FNB UP-Tuks prop Cebo Dlamini barged his way over the tryline. Ikeys counterpart Robert Hunt returned the favour in similar fashion eight minutes later. Fullback Zander du Plessis and flyhalf James Tedder converted their respective efforts before an uncharacteristic error by the FNB UCT backs was scooped up by pivot David Coetzer. The ball was shifted into the breadbasket of FNB UP-Tuks captain and inside centre Sango Xamlashe, who tore down the left touchline to score a point-of-origin try. Tedder cut into the deficit with a penalty goal just before the strategy break to keep FNB UCT within touching distance. The break proved effective if only to dull the match as a point-scoring lapse followed directly afterwards with the Ikey Tigers attempting to put together phase after phase against a resolute FNB UP-Tuks defence. A snap decision by FNB UP-Tuks replacement scrumhalf Johan Mulder to snipe around the edge of a ruck was a masterstroke as it resulted in a try to lion-hearted prop Etienne Janeke several phases later. Tedder left the field with a knee injury shortly afterwards to the collective groan of Cape Town. Carrying the underdog tag throughout the weekend allowed the Stripe Generation a touch more freedom to just go and play, and it resulted in yet another try after the first half hooter to flank Hanru Sirgel. Du Plessis added the extras as FNB UP-Tuks enjoyed a 31-10 half-time led. The Ikey Tigers' ears should have been ringing after a tongue lashing due to their lacklustre performance in the first stanza and it took just three minutes for lock Byron Cranswick to profit off a powerful drive to score a try. Replacement flyhalf David Hayes was on target with the extras. However, it was the FNB UP-Tuks forwards who dominated, forcing FNB UCT to lose six lineouts while the hosts jackled five balls by the 66th minute. The Ikey Tigers finally took their opportunity as close-quarter fighting was whipped out wide to fullback Athi Gazi, who scored in the left corner. FNB UP-Tuks No 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout was shown a yellow for cynical play, leaving the men from Pretoria to scramble in the final minutes. Despite facing immense pressure on defence, Tukkies earned a penalty attempt which Griquas-bound Du Plessis slotted with ease, before Gazi bagged his brace. That ultimately proved to be a consolation try as FNB UP-Tuks were crowned 2021 champions. FNB Player That Rocks: Etienne Janeke (FNB UP-Tuks) FNB UCT Ikeys – Tries: Robert Hunt, Byron Chanswick, Athi Gazi (2). Conversions: James Tedder, David Hayes. Penalty: Tedder. FNB UP-Tuks – Tries: Cebo Dlamini, Sango Xamlashe (1x7), Etienne Janeke, Hanru Sirgel. Conversions: Zander du Plessis (3). Penalty: Du Plessis (2). Photo gallery FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Le Roux Malan, 11 Rethabile Louw, 10 James Tedder, 9 William Rose, 8 Christian Stehlik, 7 Niel Otto, 6 Liam Greenhalgh (c), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Byron Cranswick, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Devon Arendse, 1 Luthando Woji. Subs: 16 Josh van Vuuren, 17 Seth Christian, 18 Ashwyn Adams, 19 Byron Bowes, 20 Taariq Kruger, 21 Kyle Bowman, 22 David Hayes, 23 Duran Koevort. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Zander du Plessis, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Sango Xamlashe (c), 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 11 Ambesa Zenzeli, 10 David Coetzer, 9 Clyde Lewis, 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Eduan Lubbe, 5 Thomas Meyer, 4 Mihlali Stamper, 3 Damien Swartz, 2 Werner Fourie, 1 Cebo Dlamini. Subs: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Dewald Donald, 18 Etienne Janeke, 19 Orateng Koikanyang, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 Enrique Oranje, 23 Tharquin Manuel.

FNB Varsity Cup Unbeaten FNB UCT will go into Monday night’s decider as favourites, but FNB UP-Tuks appear to be peaking at the right time of the tournament. FNB UCT and FNB UP-Tuks will finally meet in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup after their Round 6 clash was cancelled following three Covid-19 positive tests in the hosts’ camp. At that stage, the Ikey Tigers had won their first five matches and were expected to beat a Tukkies team that had lost to FNB Maties. FNB UCT went on to top the FNB Varsity Cup log for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 2008, with eight wins from eight completed matches, while FNB UP-Tuks finished third after losing to FNB CUT in their final league-stage fixture. However, Tukkies’ impressive 44-35 semi-final win against FNB Maties suggests they are ready to ambush FNB UCT in the final. “That was our best performance this season and exactly how we want to play,” FNB UP-Tuks coach Nico Luus tells VarsityCup.co.za. “There is a belief in the team now that was perhaps lacking during the second bubble and I can’t wait for the final.” The Ikey Tigers made a nervous start to their semi-final against the FNB NWU Eagles, falling 15-0 behind after as many minutes, before scoring eight tries to win 54-36. “We hadn’t played in a semi-final for six years so I expected the guys to be nervous,” says FNB UCT coach Tom Dawson-Squibb. “We saw that with a couple of glaring errors early on when covering our backfield. But from the 15-minute mark, we were almost flawless in that area of the game. So I’m really happy with how we were able to adapt and once we got our attacking game going, we looked really good.” The Ikey Tigers suffered a big blow just before kick-off when star flyhalf James Tedder was ruled out of the semi-final having failed to recover from a concussion, but Tedder’s replacement, David Hayes, more than filled his boots to win the Player That Rocks award. “David’s actually played a lot of rugby during this tournament so we were less worried about losing James than some outside of the camp,” says Dawson-Squibb. “James has been targeted during the tournament, which is what happened when he got a high shot against the Madibaz, so we’ve often replaced him with David during a game.” FNB UCT have “massive respect” for FNB UP-Tuks, according to Dawson-Squibb. “They were the pre-tournament favourites, playing at home and with massive resources, which we’ve all seen while staying here over the past couple of months. They’re a physical, well-drilled side with a former Springbok defence coach [John McFarland]." So where will Monday’s final be won and lost? “It’s no secret that both teams use their kicking games quite cleverly, but I think it will come down to the balance between physicality and tempo,” says Dawson-Squibb. “Tuks want to bash you into smithereens but they do it at a good pace. We’ve got to handle that and move them around the field. We believe in ourselves and are very confident in our game plan.” “We expect a physical game and we will be physical,” says Luus. “We will also rely a lot on [fullback] Zander du Plessis and [flyhalf] David Coetzer as far as our kicking game is concerned. But I believe the final will be determined by small margins.” FACTS & STATS This is a repeat of the 2011 final, which FNB UCT won 26-16 at Tuks Stadium. The Ikey Tigers’ other FNB Varsity Cup title came in 2014, while Tukkies lifted the trophy in 2012, 2013 and 2017. (See FNB Varsity Cup finals table below.) FNB UCT come into the 2021 final unbeaten. It is the third consecutive FNB Varsity Cup that a team enters the final unbeaten, with FNB Maties having gone on to win the title in both 2018 and 2019. The home team has won eight of the previous 12 FNB Varsity Cup finals, including the last three. The last time the away team won the final was when FNB NWU beat FNB Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium in 2016. Both of FNB UCT’s FNB Varsity Cup titles were won away from home. FNB UCT are on a nine-game winning run in the FNB Varsity Cup (excluding the cancelled fixture against FNB UP-Tuks), their longest in the history of the tournament. PLAYERS TO WATCH FNB UCT flyhalf James Tedder was a late withdrawal from the Ikeys lineup before their semi-final after failing to recover from a concussion sustained from a high tackle during their last league-stage match against the FNB Madibaz but he did pass a late fitness test before the final. Tedder is the second top-point scorer in the tournament (105) and his tactical kicking and game management have been crucial for his team. FNB UP-Tuks fullback Zander du Plessis broke FNB UCT flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis’ record of 136 points in an FNB Varsity Cup season during their semi-final against FNB Maties and will go into Monday’s decider with his tally on 145. If the final is tight, the 21-year-old’s boot could be decisive. Vote for your FNB Varsity Cup award winners! ROAD TO THE FINAL FNB UCT Ikeys Beat FNB Maties 26-20 Beat FNB Wits 40-22 Beat FNB UJ 39-34 Beat FNB UFS Shimlas 59-5 Beat FNB CUT Ixias 76-5 Drew with FNB UP-Tuks 0-0 (match cancelled) Beat FNB UWC 58-55 Beat FNB NWU Eagles 42-36 Beat FNB Madibaz 34-23 Beat FNB NWU Eagles 54-36 (semi-final) FNB UP-Tuks Beat FNB Wits 48-25 Beat FNB UJ 47-19 Beat FNB NWU Eagles 33-15 Lost to FNB Maties 24-31 Beat FNB UWC 31-25 Drew with FNB UCT Ikeys 0-0 (match cancelled) Beat FNB UFS Shimlas 42-39 Beat FNB Madibaz 75-0 Lost to FNB CUT Ixias 40-41 Beat FNB Maties 44-35 (semi-final) TEAMS FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Le Roux Malan, 11 Rethabile Louw, 10 James Tedder, 9 William Rose, 8 Christian Stehlik, 7 Niel Otto, 6 Liam Greenhalgh (c), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Byron Cranswick, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Devon Arendse, 1 Luthando Woji. Subs: 16 Josh van Vuuren, 17 Seth Christian, 18 Ashwyn Adams, 19 Byron Bowes, 20 Taariq Kruger, 21 Kyle Bowman, 22 David Hayes, 23 Duran Koevort. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Zander du Plessis, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Sango Xamlashe (c), 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 11 Ambesa Zenzeli, 10 David Coetzer, 9 Clyde Lewis, 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Eduan Lubbe, 5 Thomas Meyer, 4 Mihlali Stamper, 3 Damien Swartz, 2 Werner Fourie, 1 Cebo Dlamini. Subs: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Dewald Donald, 18 Etienne Janeke, 19 Orateng Koikanyang, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 Enrique Oranje, 23 Tharquin Manuel. 2021 FNB VARSITY CUP TOP POINT-SCORERS Name Team Points Zander du Plessis FNB UP-Tuks 145 James Tedder FNB UCT Ikeys 105 JP Duvenage FNB UFS Shimlas 73 Charles Williams FNB CUT Ixias 71 Jurich Claasens FNB UJ 64 Keagan Fortune FNB NWU Eagles 62 Branden de Kock FNB UWC 60 Janus Venter FNB CUT Ixias 60 Christopher Schreuder FNB Maties 49 Gustav du Rand FNB NWU Eagles 45 2021 FNB VARSITY CUP TOP TRY-SCORERS Name Team Tries Janus Venter FNB CUT Ixias 12 Gustav du Rand FNB NWU Eagles 9 Cohen Jasper FNB CUT Ixias 7 Tinotenda Mavesere FNB UWC 7 Athi Gazi FNB UCT Ikeys 6 Rethabile Louw FNB UCT Ikeys 6 Josh van Vuuren FNB UCT Ikeys 6 André-Hugo Venter FNB Maties 6 Devon Arendse FNB UCT Ikeys 5 Thembekile Boltina FNB Madibaz 5 Eduan Lubbe FNB UP-Tuks 5 FNB VARSITY CUP FINAL RESULTS Year Winners Runners-up 2008 FNB Maties 16 FNB UCT Ikeys 10 2009 FNB Maties 11 FNB NWU-Pukke 6 2010 FNB Maties 17 FNB UCT Ikeys 14 2011 FNB UCT Ikeys 26 FNB UP-Tuks 16 2012 FNB UP-Tuks 29 FNB Maties 21 2013 FNB UP-Tuks 44 FNB Maties 5 2014 FNB UCT Ikeys 39 FNB NWU-Pukke 33 2015 FNB UFS Shimlas 63 FNB NWU-Pukke 33 2016 FNB NWU-Pukke 7 FNB Maties 6 2017 FNB UP-Tuks 28 FNB Maties 21 2018 FNB Maties 40 FNB NWU-Pukke 7 2019 FNB Maties 34 FNB UP-Tuks 12 WHITE CARD EXPLAINED A white card referral may be used by coaches and captains to review a decision made by a referee. Each team will be allowed one referral per half. If the team is successful in their referral, they will keep their referral. If they are unsuccessful, they will lose it. The process will be as follows: 1. Each team will receive two cards marked ‘Half 1’ and ‘Half 2’. 2. If the captain wants to refer an incident, he will request the referee to show a white card. 3. He has to be specific in his referral. No general referral will be allowed. 4. If the coach wants to refer an incident, he will request the TMO to inform the referee of the white card request. The referee will show the white card. 5. The coach will then convey his referral to the TMO and this must be specific. 6. The TMO will then inform the referee and producer and the normal procedures will prevail. 7. Once a half or the game finishes, each team will have 15 seconds to indicate if they want to use a white card referral. READ: FNB Varsity Cup promotion/relegation 2021-2022 EXTRA TIME AND KICK-OUT EXPLAINED If the scores are level after full-time, 20 minutes of extra time (10 minutes each way) will be played with a one-minute break. The teams will toss ahead of extra time. If the scores are still level after extra time, a kick-out will be held. For the kick-out, each team chooses five players out of the matchday 23, whether they have played in the match or not, to place kick from a designated point on the field as instructed by the tournament director or referee. The teams will toss for kicking first. If the score is still equal after the kick-out, it will continue on a sudden-death basis. The same five players will kick again in the same sequence that was used in the first round of the kick-out.

FNB Varsity Cup A tambourine has become part of FNB UCT’s team culture during this year’s FNB Varsity Cup. There’s no doubt that Tom Dawson-Squibb has brought a winning culture to FNB UCT since taking over as head coach in October 2019. The Ikey Tigers are on a nine-game unbeaten streak heading into the FNB Varsity Cup final on Monday night, their longest in the history of the tournament. PREVIEW: 2021 FNB Varsity Cup final Having been involved with the club since 2011, Dawson-Squibb is familiar with its culture and what the ideal culture should be. A culture shift was evident at the beginning of the year, when UCT released a modernised version of the Ikeys anthem ‘Warrior Poet’, which now includes Xhosa and Afrikaans, and is sung by the players. A lot of FNB UCT’s on-field calls are music-related and at the beginning of pre-season last September, they were divided into musical houses and competed within the team for points, which is one of the ways they’ve kept themselves entertained in the bio-bubble during the FNB Varsity Cup. Four management members each have a team with a musical name: Raun Stars (named after Raun Billett), Destiny’s Childs (named after Craig Childs), Earth, Wind and Carew (named after Josh Carew) and Jackie and the Cleggs (named after Mike van Rheede). A tambourine was introduced during FNB UCT’s pre-season camp in Hermanus when all 42 squad members and management discussed their “why”. Afterwards, Dawson-Squibb asked everyone to write down the reason why they played or coached and place the piece of paper in the tambourine, which he closed. It is now a prized possession that the Ikey Tigers carry with them everywhere they go. Captain Liam Greenhalgh also runs onto the field with it before every game. “The main reason we keep it with us is so that when times get really tough, on and off the field, we can remember every thought that’s in that tambourine,” Greenhalgh tells VarsityCup.co.za. “It helps us through those dark times and ensures we never forget why we play the game.” Ikey Tigers hooker Josh van Vuuren says the tambourine brings meaning to their slogan, “Turning noise into music”. “Anyone can make noise, but everyone has to work together and in harmony to make music, and that’s what Tom wanted from the team. While he wanted everyone to try hard, he wanted them to do so as a team.” Van Vuuren, who is playing his last match for FNB UCT on Monday night after four years in the squad, says his motivation for playing is his love for the game. “I’ve always loved sport. I played club rugby, soccer and cricket for years, and I always wanted to use rugby to further myself.” ALSO READ: UCT hooker excited to study and play rugby in Scotland Evardi Boshoff will be playing in his second FNB Varsity Cup final, having done so for FNB NWU against FNB Maties in 2018. “Ever since I was little I have wanted to make my parents and family proud in everything I do and that motivates me to be better,” says the centre. “What also motivates me a lot is the fact that I don’t do it for myself, but for the team, and that winning feeling after a game.” Greenhalgh, who will also don the blue and white hooped jersey for the last time on Monday, says he plays rugby for two reasons. “The first is for my late dad, who passed away in 2014 when I was in Grade 11. He taught me everything I know about rugby and how to love the game. When I play the game today, it feels like it keeps me in touch with him. I feel connected to him. “The second reason is that when I play the game, I’m always chasing that feeling of collective euphoria, which is a term Tom uses a lot. We work together to create opportunities to make incredible memories that will last a lifetime.”