Jonathan Mokuena took the life-changing opportunity to coach FNB NWU in the FNB Varsity Cup with both hands. During his seven-year career as a professional rugby player, Mokuena represented the Leopards, Cheetahs, Griquas and Lions. The loose forward also played for a Royal XV against the British & Irish Lions when they last toured South Africa in 2009. After hanging up his boots in 2012, Mokuena decided that with a young family to support, he needed to find a “real job” away from rugby. “I went into the medical field as a sales rep, selling implants, like for hips and knees,” he tells VarsityCup.co.za. “But during that three-year period, I got involved in coaching, first with the U14C team at St Stithians, and then with the UJ and Lions sevens teams.” Mokuena admits “the rugby bug never stopped biting me”, so when he heard that FNB NWU coach Robert du Preez would be joining the Sharks, he decided to throw his name into the hat. “When I walked out of the interview, I knew the job was mine,” he says. “I was blessed to get the opportunity and grateful that NWU took a chance on someone they wouldn’t normally.” Mokuena achieved instant success with FNB NWU-Pukke (now known as the Eagles) as they won the FNB Varsity Cup for the first – and only – time in 2016. “While that was a memorable year, all four years that I spent at NWU were special,” he says. “I think about our former captain, Tiaan Bezuidenhout, who passed away over the weekend … Working with young men like him, Chucky van der Westhuizen and Chriswill September was a wonderful experience.” In 2016, FNB NWU-Pukke finished third on the FNB Varsity Cup log – with five wins from seven matches – one point behind FNB UJ and three behind FNB Maties. Pukke then beat FNB UJ 35-7 in their semi-final in Johannesburg, while FNB Maties thrashed FNB UP-Tuks 49-11 in Stellenbosch. The final was held at the Danie Craven Stadium and to say that FNB NWU were underdogs would be a massive understatement. No one gave them a hope in hell. However, outstanding defence from both teams saw the scores locked at 0-0 at half-time. FNB Maties flyhalf Chris Smith kicked two second-half penalty goals but the visitors kept on coming and thought they had scored a try through replacement wing Dean Stokes in the corner with two minutes remaining. But the TMO ruled the ball had been knocked on. There was plenty more drama to come. FNB NWU won a penalty from the resultant FNB Maties scrum, which was followed by several reset scrums and penalties. During this period, the hosts copped two yellow cards, and Pukke took full advantage with flank Marno Redelinghuys forcing his way over from close range. Fullback Ryno Smith kicked the simple conversion and FNB NWU celebrated a famous win.

Former FNB NWU captain Tiaan Bezuidenhout tragically passed away in a car accident on Saturday. The No 8 earned 10 FNB Varsity Cup caps in 2018. He also represented the NWU 1st XV in the Pirates Grand Challenge and the Leopards in the Currie Cup First Division while studying towards a Senior Phase education degree. As FNB NWU’s first new captain in three years, Bezuidenhout led them all the way to the 2018 final before hanging up his boots at the end of the season. Jonathan Mokuena, who was FNB NWU's coach at the time, remembers Bezuidenhout as a special player and person. “He was someone who I could count on to keep discipline in the team. When I announced him as our captain at the beginning of 2018, I still remember how he cried and how immensely proud he was to represent NWU and captain them. "Seeing his face then is something I will treasure forever. I knew then that I had made the right choice as a coach.” Bezuidenhout's former teammates have posted touching tributes to Bezuidenhout on social media, including Walt Steenkamp, who on Facebook paid homage to the best man at his wedding. Steenkamp wrote (in Afrikaans): "Tiaan, so I now sit with tears in my eyes. I have no words, the shock is great for all of us. My best friend from primary school was taken away from us too early. You were there for every big moment in my life. Know that I carry all our times together in my heart. From school days, Pukke, every time we ran out on the field together, Soeties [Soetdorings hostel] initiation to both of our weddings. I love you, my friend! I'm going to miss you so much! You will always be my 'best man'. Rest in peace." Varsity Cup extends its deepest condolences to Bezuidenhout's family and the larger NWU community.

FNB CUT Ixias tighthead prop Tebogo Masemola on his rugby journey, YouTube channel and being in a bio-bubble. How did you get into rugby? I was bullied at primary school for being overweight, which caused me to rebel. I got detention and struggled with my academics. I was subsequently prescribed Ritalin for being hyperactive, which didn't sit well with my mom, who brought me back to Johannesburg from my grandmother's home in KZN. On my first day of school at Laerskool Culembeeck, my mom explained my situation to the headmaster, Mr Geldenhuys, who said that if he deemed me to be hyperactive, he'd put me on to the rugby pitch. The rest is history. You had a successful high school career. What age-group provincial teams have you represented, during and after school? While at Hoërskool Die Adelaar, I represented the Lions U15 and U16 development sides at the Iqhawe Week and Jeppe Rugby Festival respectively. I then moved to Pretoria Boys' High and played for the Blue Bulls at the U16 Grant Khomo Week. Since leaving school, I have played for the Griquas U20 and Free State U21 teams. Who are your rugby mentors? Mr [Jaydon] Kelly at Pretoria Boys', who taught me that first and foremost rugby is about having fun, and then about improving as an individual while achieving one's performance goals. His interest in my odd-shaped-ball journey helped to keep my dream alive and remain positive. My psychologist, Dr [Jannie] Botha, is also a role model because he taught me about perspective. Many things can go wrong on the pitch and I needed to learn to take negativity in my stride. And your rugby role models? Definitely has to be the 'big man' [All Blacks scrumhalf] TJ Perenara. There is just something about the way he carries himself around the field. It's almost like he never runs out of confidence. The fact that he is a small player playing against huge players, but still has the confidence to do what he does on the field, is just truly amazing for me. What would you like to do after rugby? I'd love to get into rugby broadcasting. I'm a very talkative person and genuinely like engaging in conversation with people and telling stories. Through watching many sporting codes, including soccer and rugby, I got to hear the likes of Hugh Bladen, the late Kaunda Ntunja, Andy Townsend, Martin Tyler, Owen Nkumane, Fudge Mabeta and Jonathan Mokuena. That made me fall in love with broadcasting and want to speak to the whole world. When I decided to start my YouTube channel, RuggaChat with Masemola, I wanted to give people a story, something to look forward to. I also wanted them to realise that rugby – and sport in general – doesn't just happen on the weekend or game day, but is part of everyday life. What are your rugby and life goals? I would love to get contracted by a professional team and be able to call myself a Springbok one day. My life goals are to make my mom proud and be an example to my younger brother and sister. FNB CUT have won five out of six matches in this year's FNB Varsity Cup and look set to reach the semi-finals. What are your thoughts on the campaign so far and the win against FNB Maties in particular? So far, so good! We are putting in a lot of work and everything is coming together for us as a team. The win against Maties was really great. I think it was just another sign of how well we prepare and how strongly we believe in ourselves as a team. What's it been like in the bio-bubble? Absolutely amazing, I've loved every single moment of it. It's fantastic to see how a huge tournament like the Varsity Cup could be hosted in this way. It feels great to be part of such an event during these tough times as a country.

Winger Nathan Nkutu scored a late extra-time try as FNB CPUT beat FNB WSU 30-26 in the FNB Varsity Shield final at Tuks Stadium on Sunday. The All Blacks had fought back from 23-6 down midway through the second half to draw level after 66 minutes. FNB WSU captain Litha Nkula then missed two late penalty goal attempts to win it, with the game going into extra time. Nkula was on target with a penalty in the first half of extra time but it was Nkutu who snatched victory for FNB CPUT with a 99th-minute try. It took five minutes of this match for the defending champions to show off their attacking prowess as they faked a driving maul to send the pass out wide to wing Asisipho Malotana, who threw off a tackle to touch down. Flyhalf Feghon-Leigh Snyders missed the extras but did add a penalty six minutes later to make it a two-score game. The Tekkies were dealt a blow when hooker Siyasanga Ngubelanga was shown a yellow card for repeated team infringements but their defence proved solid as a rock as the All Blacks could only land two penalties via the boot of Nkula. Lock Mogamat Ameer Hendricks then scored FNB CPUT's second try from a charged down kick as they took a 15-6 lead into the break. Snyders upped the ante for the Tekkies in the second half, crossing for a brilliant five-pointer before knocking over a clutch drop goal minutes later. The All Blacks finally secured their first try just after the second strategy break when wing Sakhele Ngeno raced over the chalk so quickly that he had trouble stopping to actually score. Nkula had no issues in converting. FNB CPUT lost Mputa to a yellow card in the 62nd minute and the All Blacks did not need to RSVP to the party as Nkula slotted his third penalty before scrumhalf Eric Mcaphukana dotted down from a dominant 5m scrum. Nkula's conversion levelled the scores to ensure a spicy hot final 10 minutes. After a disallowed try to Nkula – who was penalised for kicking the ball out of an FNB WSU player's hands – and Nkula's two late penalty misses, the final was forced into two, 10-minute extra-time halves. Nkula slotted a penalty within three minutes, but it was Nkutu who would determine the defending champions' fortune, racing into the right-hand corner to score the match-winner. Snyders added the conversion as the Tekkies successfully defended their 2019 title after last year's tournament was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A round of applause must be given to the four players – Mputa, inside centre Lunathi Nxele, Hendricks and replacement flank Phumlani Mkhaliphi – who all featured in their last match for the Tekkies. FNB Player That Rocks: Nathan Nkutu (FNB CPUT) FNB CPUT – Tries: Asisipho Malotana, Mogamat Ameer Hendricks, Feghon-Leigh Snyders, Nathan Nkutu. Conversions: Snyders (2). Penalty: Snyders. Drop goal: Snyders. FNB WSU All Blacks – Tries: Sakhele Ngeno, Eric Mcaphukana. Conversions: Litha Nkula (2). Penalties: Nkula (4). Photo gallery FNB CPUT – 15 Raven Chester Smith, 14 Asisipho Malotana, 13 Jurick Lewis, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Nathan Nkutu, 10 Feghon-Leigh Snyders, 9 Hugan Engelbrecht, 8 Sesona Macala, 7 Ché Klaasen, 6 Butsha Mputa (c), 5 Roland van der Heever, 4 Mogamat Ameer Hendricks, 3 Matthew Coenraad, 2 Siyasanga Ngubelanga, 1 Dé-Angelo Williams. Subs: 16 Damian Isaacs, 17 Onika Mgijima, 18 Jacques-Lynn Josephus, 19 Bradley van Boven, 20 Phumlani Mkhaliphi, 21 Cuan Maree, 22 Bjorkan Hendricks, 23 Imibongo Vabaza. FNB WSU All Blacks – 15 Litha Nkula (c), 14 Sakhele Ngeno, 13 Sicelo Tole, 12 Thembani Kori, 11 Tebogo Madigoe, 10 Lwandile Mapuko, 9 Eric Mcaphukana, 8 Adri Kermis, 7 Ayabulela Zono, 6 Siphosihle Magawu, 5 Hlomla Payi, 4 Asekho Marubelela, 3 Siyasanga Dingezweni, 2 Zanokuhle Nkabi, 1 Xolani Jacobs. Subs: 16 Nande Lucas, 17 Lindokuhle Seteni, 18 Miyelani Ngobeni, 19 Khanya Solani, 20 Lithemba Ngcetane, 21 Lisolethu Valisi, 22 Asivile Ngcawe, 23 S'bulelo Roji. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Varsity Cup

Sesona Macala has won the 2021 FNB Varsity Shield Overall Player That Rocks award. The FNB CPUT No 8 received the award after his team's dramatic 30-26 extra-time win against the FNB WSU All Blacks in the final at Tuks Stadium on Sunday. Macala saw off the challenge of FNB WSU lock Hlomla Payi and FNB TUT Vikings flyhalf Lusanda Xakwana in a public vote on the Varsity Cup's Facebook page. Macala showcased his strength and speed during this year’s FNB Varsity Shield tournament, scoring three tries, including a memorable brace against the FNB TUT Vikings. Meanwhile, FNB CPUT hooker Siyasanga Ngubelanga won the FNB Forward That Rocks award, for which Macala and Payi were also nominated. Ngubelanga scored six tries in this year’s FNB Varsity Shield, including four against the FNB DUT Rhinos and two against the FNB TUT Vikings. FNB WSU All Blacks fullback and captain Litha Nkula beat FNB CPUT wing Nathan Nkutu and Xakwana to the FNB Back That Rocks award. Nkula scored 83 points this season, including three tries, 22 conversions and eight penalty goals. He racked up 24 points (including two tries) against FNB Rhodes – the most by an FNB WSU player in an FNB Varsity Shield match – and is the all-time leading point-scorer for the All Blacks in the tournament (117). 2021 FNB VARSITY SHIELD AWARD WINNERS FNB Overall Player That Rocks: Sesona Macala (FNB CPUT No 8) FNB Forward That Rocks: Siyasanga Ngubelanga (FNB CPUT hooker) FNB Back That Rocks: Litha Nkula (FNB WSU All Blacks fullback)

VarsityCup.co.za content contributors Dan Lombard and Bronwen Bain select the standout players from Friday’s matches at Loftus Versfeld. LARO DELPORT (FNB TUT VIKINGS) The powerful hooker was in rampant form against 2021 finalists FNB WSU as he played to the ball, ensuring that he was a nuisance on the deck, while also bagging a brace. Under his captaincy, the Vikings secured a fifth win from six matches. SIBONGILE NOVUKA (FNB UKZN IMPI) The FNB UKZN flyhalf enjoyed a perfect night with the boot, slotting four conversions and four penalty goals in their 40-33 win against the FNB UFH Blues. With the Impi being outscored by five tries to four, Novuka’s boot proved to be the difference. MERLIN DU PLESSIS (FNB UFH BLUES) The Blues scrumhalf provided flyhalf Keith Chiwara with quick service, was a threat around the fringes and crossed for his team’s first try in the 14th minute of the match. SIMELELA MBANZI (FNB RHODES) Mbanzi scored two late tries in the space of two minutes against the FNB DUT Rhinos, showcasing his ability to not only break the line but power on through. His midfield channel was well defended and he can look back at his 2021 performances in the purple and white hoops with pride. CAMERON MARAIS (FNB RHODES) Marais' second-minute try set the stage for the Stallions to run free as if they’d suddenly found themselves on the plain of the Northern Cape! The winger was a near constant threat down the touchline and not afraid to search for work. He ran strong supporting lines and was solid on defence. Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

There were wins for the FNB TUT Vikings, FNB UKZN Impi and FNB Rhodes in the final round of the FNB Varsity Shield at Loftus Versfeld on Friday. FNB TUT VIKINGS 64 (38) FNB WSU ALL BLACKS 8 (8) FNB TUT ended their best-ever FNB Varsity Shield campaign on a high as they ran in nine tries to beat this year’s finalists FNB WSU, writes Dan Lombard. Having already secured a spot in Sunday's final against FNB CPUT, the All Blacks opted to rest 13 first-choice players, which made it somewhat easier for FNB TUT. Take nothing away from the Vikings – who finished third on the log with five wins from six matches – but an FNB WSU team operating at full capacity is no easy affair as the understrength Tekkies found out in the penultimate round. Thus the men from Pretoria were able to assert themselves from the get-go and by the time the first strategy break was blown, they had racked up a commanding lead with tries to prop Goabaona Mokone (after just 34 seconds) and flyhalf Lusanda Xakwana, with Xakwana adding two conversions and a penalty. FNB WSU pulled back a try courtesy of outside centre Mbulelo Totose to add to fullback Sakhele Ngeno's earlier penalty goal. This did little to halt FNB TUT's onslaught as hooker Laro Delport crossed the chalk, before wing Wanga Shumi and outside centre Franco Stassen touched down for tries four and five respectively. Xakwana converted both to increase their lead to 38-8 at the break. The second half saw a continuation of the first’s status quo as Stassen bagged his brace before wing Vuyani Vanqa and replacement loose forward Nyakallo Masitha forced their way over the whitewash. FNB TUT certainly played until the final whistle as Delport secured his brace in stoppage time and Xakwana added the extras to finish with a 24-point haul. FNB Player That Rocks: Lusanda Xakwana (FNB TUT Vikings) FNB TUT Vikings – Tries: Goabaona Mokone, Lusanda Xakwana, Laro Delport (2), Wanga Shumi, Franco Stassen (2), Vuyani Vanqa, Nyakallo Masitha. Conversions: Xakwana (8). Penalty: Xakwana. FNB WSU All Blacks – Try: Mbulelo Totose. Penalty: Sakhele Ngeno. FNB UKZN IMPI 40 (17) FNB UFH BLUES 33 (12) The FNB UKZN Impi secured fourth place on the FNB Varsity Shield log by beating the fifth-placed FNB UFH Blues, writes Bronwen Bain. The Impi were outscored by five tries to four but four penalty goals from fullback Sibongile Novuka helped them claim a third win of the campaign. The Blues were dealt an early blow in this match when they lost inside centre Lethukuthula Mthethwa to injury. FNB UKZN drew first blood when flanker Carl Cuttings finished off a fantastic team try, before FNB UFH scrumhalf Merlin du Plessis scored at the other end of the field. Novuka’s first penalty was followed by winger Jarryd Nicholls’ converted try in the right corner after an impressive offload from replacement loose forward Llawdden Roux to make it 17-5. FNB UFH finally turned their possession into points when winger Lukho Jongizulu forced his way over the tryline just before half-time. Roux got his name on the scoresheet early in the second half but the Blues then responded through captain Yamkela Mzozoyana. FNB UFH were reduced to 14 men after outside centre Jonathan Booysen was yellow-carded for a high tackle, and the Impi scored 13 points in his absence – through scrumhalf Johan Maritz’s try and a conversion and two penalties from Novuka – to take a 37-19 lead. Despite being a man down, FNB UFH got their second wind after the strategy break and Fields snuck through the defence to score a self-converted try. Flanker Kamvelihle Fatyela kept the Blues’ hopes alive when he rounded off a good team attack, with the conversion reducing the deficit to just four points. But Novuka then kicked his fourth penalty of the match, before Booysen was handed his second yellow card – followed by a red – at the death for another high tackle. FNB Player That Rocks: Azakhiwe Afrika (FNB UKZN Impi) FNB UKZN Impi – Tries: Charl Cuttings, Jarryd Nicholls, Llawdden Roux, Johan Maritz. Conversions: Sibongile Novuka (4). Penalties: Sibongile Novuka (4). FNB UFH Blues – Tries: Merlin du Plessis, Lukho Jongizulu, Yamkela Mzozoyana, Brandt Fields, Kamvelihle Fatyela. Conversions: Brandt Fields (4). Vote for your FNB Varsity Shield award winners! FNB DUT RHINOS 3 (3) FNB RHODES 46 (15) FNB Rhodes broke a 13-match losing streak in the FNB Varsity Cup after finding their feet in the final quarter of their meeting against FNB DUT, writes Dan Lombard. The Stallions, facing the Rhinos for the first time, were dominant in the first half. However, they did struggle to put points on the board after scoring their opening try in the second minute courtesy of wing Cameron Marais. The Rhinos could only add a penalty goal three minutes later via the boot of fullback Nelson Mhlongo. Proceedings subsequently dwindled into a scrappy affair as both teams misfired on attack and were left frustrated. FNB Rhodes finally broke the deadlock when they scored two quick tries through outside centre Damian Morrow and fullback Simamkele Ngantweni to take a 15-3 half-time lead. The majority of the second half was equally frustrating in terms of points as the scoreboard was only challenged in the 57th minute when FNB Rhodes flank Athenkosi Nkewana flew over the chalk to score his team’s only bonus-point try of the competition. The final 20 minutes belonged to inside centre Simelela Mbanzi as he collected two tries from strong and direct running, before replacement scrumhalf Dimitri Mngqolo raced through to score. Flyhalf Matthew Royle slotted all three conversions. Replacement utility back Abonga Manka bagged the Stallions' eighth try to wrap up a 46-3 win that will go a long way in boosting their confidence. FNB DUT did well not to concede as many points against the Stallions as they did against other FNB Varsity Shield opponents. They should see their participation as a learning exercise as opposed to a failure with the tournament certainly being a step up from what they are used to. A special mention must be made of FNB Rhodes replacement loose forward Viwe Makeleni, who represented the Stallions for the last time after joining the team in 2016 and becoming an integral part of the purple and white hoops. FNB Player That Rocks: Simelela Mbanzi (FNB Rhodes) FNB DUT Rhinos – Penalty: Nelson Mhlongo. FNB Rhodes – Tries: Cameron Marais, Damian Morrow, Simamkele Ngantweni, Athenkosi Nkewana, Simelela Mbanzi (2), Dimitri Mngqolo, Abongo Manka. Conversions: Matthew Royle (3). FNB Varsity Shield teams (Round 7) The FNB Varsity Shield final between FNB CPUT and the FNB WSU All Blacks will take place at Tuks Stadium on Sunday (19:00, SuperSport Rugby channel 211). FNB CPUT will be out to defend the title they won in 2019, while FNB WSU are hoping to lift the trophy for the first time. FNB Varsity Cup and Shield fixtures and logs DOWNLOAD THE NEW FNB VARSITY CUP APP! App Store Google Play

The FNB DUT Rhinos have stood in solidarity with blindside flank and vice-captain Lwazi Bhengu after a fire destroyed his family home. The Rhinos are currently experiencing a baptism by fire in their first FNB Varsity Shield campaign. Further impacting the team was the news that the home of Bhengu's grandmother – the matriarch of the family – had been destroyed in a fire during the recent school holidays. It was situated in Ngwelezane, a village in Empangeni. The family not only had to deal with the loss of the home but the loss of their grandmother, who passed away due to smoke inhalation, while Bhengu's siblings were hospitalised in a critical condition. Fortunately, the medical team has indicated that they are now stabilised and should make a full recovery. Bhengu, who attended Eshowe High School and represented the College Rovers U20 team last year, is as passionate about rugby as they come. He was part of the first FNB Varsity Shield bubble before being released on compassionate leave to attend to his grieving family. Rugby is and always will be more than just a sport; it's a way of life that holds its players to the highest moral standard, emphasising values such as integrity, compassion, respect and dedication while valuing human connection. When tragedy strikes a player, it's the broader rugby community that immediately swings into assistance, helping to shoulder the weight of it all. "Lwazi is a fantastic young man, full of life and so eager to make a success of his rugby journey, while passionately doing everything he can to improve our structures at DUT," director of rugby Matthew Russell tells VarsityCup.co.za. "As one of our core leaders, he is committed to bringing out the best in our players and himself. "Despite relying on him as a player and leader, we value family and knew that we would have to make do without him [during the second Shield bubble] as he supports his family," adds Russell. "He has our full backing, as does the Bhengu family at large." Bhengu has already completed his BTech in Business Administration and BTech in Management. He is currently in the process of obtaining his honours in the latter and the Durban University of Technology is doing everything it can to support him. "We are in constant communication with him as management, and his teammates are taking turns each day to check in on him," explains Russell. "Once he's back at varsity, we will ensure he has access to any counselling he may need, while helping him to catch up on his studying. His mental health is of paramount importance to us." – FNB Varsity Cup extends its deepest condolences to Lwazi Bhengu and his family during this difficult time.

Coaching the FNB UCT Ikeys in the FNB Varsity Cup was a life-changing experience for John Dobson, who went on to coach Western Province and the Stormers.VarsityCup.co.za asked him … What was the state of club rugby when the FNB Varsity Cup began in 2008 and what impact did the tournament have on UCT rugby and your coaching career? Club rugby at that stage was going through quite a lull, and the gap between club rugby and professional rugby was widening quite rapidly. The Varsity Cup gave me an entrance into a semi-professional tournament. You train during the day and are much closer to provincial rugby. The Varsity Cup put me on the radar as a coach, because – rightly or wrongly – university clubs were elevated above other clubs. We became almost like a super-club because of the Varsity Cup’s high profile. At that stage, Chean Roux [Maties] and I would have been the two pre-eminent non-contracted coaches in the country and we became the next coaches to enter the professional setup. If the Varsity Cup hadn’t been around, and I had just been coaching UCT to another fourth-place finish in the [Western Province] league, then I’d probably still be doing that! What are your recollections of your time as head coach of UCT in the FNB Varsity Cup? The 2008 tournament remains the highlight of my coaching career. We were seeded eighth out of eight teams, so to finish top of the log – six points clear of Maties – was extraordinary. That year, teams had to play three games in five days in George over the Easter weekend and we won all three. In the final against Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium, we were leading by a point and had the ball after the hooter. But we lost possession and Maties scored a try. That was a very UCT way to die! But I was proud of the way the guys behaved after the final. In 2009, we finished second on the log, before losing our home semi-final to Pukke by two points, and in 2010 we lost another tight final to Maties in Stellenbosch. In 2011, you were technical director when UCT staged that incredible comeback to beat FNB NWU-Pukke in the final in Potchefstroom. How did it feel to finally get your hands on the trophy? It was a helluva relief. We felt we should have won the 2008 final so it got the monkey off our backs. Before the Varsity Cup, UCT had never seriously been on the rugby radar. We had been part of the FNB Superbowl [which preceded the Varsity Cup] and embarrassed ourselves. We always felt that we had let down the rugby traditions of the university and the likes of [UCT Springboks] HO de Villiers, Peter Whipp, Nick Mallett and Cecil Moss. Winning the Varsity Cup in 2011 restored UCT’s pride. What advice do you have for up-and-coming coaches in the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield? Unfortunately, when it comes to coaching opportunities, a lot is down to timing. There’s got to be a vacancy and you’ve got to make sure you’re at the front of the queue when there is. You can ensure you are by being technically superb and innovative with your players, and by being patient. I had been coaching university rugby since 2004 when I was given an opportunity by Western Province [in 2010], so I don’t think people can say I just got lucky. My advice is don’t get despondent as a coach if you haven’t made it by year one or two – just stay at the front of the queue. There are so few coaching jobs in professional rugby. The biggest decider – and this is true in all rugby, not just Varsity Cup – is not actually your bosses, the public, or the media, but the players. Quite a few Varsity Cup players end up moving into professional setups. If a provincial union needs a forwards coach, a player will say “That guy at Tuks was excellent”. That’s how your name gets out there. – This is the eighth instalment in a series of FNB Varsity Cup Changing Lives articles focusing on those whose lives were forever changed by Rugby That Rocks.

All the lineups for Friday's FNB Varsity Shield matches at Loftus Versfeld. FNB TUT VIKINGS vs FNB WSU ALL BLACKS (Friday, 15:00, Loftus Versfeld, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB TUT Vikings – 15 Mauritz Maritz, 14 Wanga Shumi, 13 Franco Stassen, 12 Musawenkosi Sili, 11 Vuyani Vanqa, 10 Lusanda Xakwana, 9 Ethan Wilson, 8 Handro Horn, 7 Francois de Villiers, 6 Phuzukuvela Sithole, 5 Kazadi Mukendi, 4 Marco du Plessis, 3 Goabaona Mokone, 2 Laro Delport (c), 1 Heirich Briedenhann. Subs: 16 Joseph Kwinda, 17 Gunter Jager, 18 Thabiso Masuku, 19 LJ Viljoen, 20 Nyakallo Masitha, 21 Ngcebo Thusi, 22 Dieter Groenewald, 23 Ayabulela Koza. FNB WSU All Blacks – 15 Sakhele Ngeno, 14 Soyama Mini, 13 Mbulelo Totose, 12 Yamkela Nyembe, 11 Tebogo Madigoe, 10 Lisolethu Valisi, 9 Azola Mashalaba, 8 Esethu Zenani, 7 Ayabulela Zono, 6 Khanya Solani, 5 Miyelani Ngobeni (c), 4 Aviwe Tame, 3 Lindokuhle Seteni, 2 Nande Lucas, 1 S'bulelo Roji. Subs: 16 Zanokuhle Nkabi, 17 Xolani Jacobs, 18 Asekho Marubelela, 19 Thembani Kori, 20 Lithemba Ngcetane, 21 Asivile Ngcawe, 22 Lwandile Mapuko, 23 Siyasanga Dingezweni. WATCH: Steers Top 6 Tries (Round 6) FNB UKZN IMPI vs FNB UFH BLUES (Friday, 17:00, Loftus Versfeld, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB UKZN Impi – 15 Sibongile Novuka, 14 Jarryd Nicholls, 13 Wandile Shabangu (c), 12 Gacula Poswa, 11 Luyanda Zondi, 10 Azakhiwe Afrika, 9 Johan Maritz, 8 Menzi Mabaso, 7 Charl Cuttings, 6 Byron Booysen, 5 Marnus Botha, 4 Heinrich Cronjé, 3 Minenhle Ngubane, 2 Tristan Trollip, 1 Lindelwe Cele. Subs: 16 Bambolunye Dlamini, 17 Benjamin Maseko, 18 Muzomuhle Ncanana, 19 Llawdden Roux, 20 Sinamava Ntsinde, 21 Jodian de Vos, 22 Linamkele Mcwabeni, 23 Thobani Shangase. FNB UFH Blues – 15 Lakhanya Sam, 14 Brandt Fields, 13 Jonathan Booysen, 12 Lethukuthula Mthethwa, 11 Lukho Jongizulu, 10 Keith Chiwara, 9 Merlin du Plessis, 8 Yamkela Mzozoyana (c), 7 Kamvelihle Fatyela, 6 Garin Strydom, 5 Ayabulela Xhosana, 4 Walter Moyo, 3 Sibabalo Mnkani, 2 Daniel Caku-Caku, 1 Anele Nkohla. Subs: 16 Moeketsi Tuswa, 17 Mesuli Nzima, 18 Lilitha Mdladlana, 19 Bukho Mgatyelwa, 20 Avuzwa Noko, 21 Lwazi Madiba, 22 Apiwe Sidloyi, 23 Yonela Baleni. Vote for your FNB Varsity Shield award winners! FNB DUT RHINOS vs FNB RHODES (Friday, 19:00, Loftus Versfeld, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB DUT Rhinos – 15 Nelson Mhlongo, 14 Luyolo Nkwanca, 13 Mpilenhle Mthembu, 12 Moyomuhle Mkhize, 11 Sabelo Ngema, 10 Langelihle Ntombela, 9 Anele Mzobe, 8 Simphiwe Makhubu, 7 Thabani Mnisi, 6 Sithembiso Mthihare, 5 Katambwa Mulumba, 4 Luyanda Miya, 3 Mpumelelo Hlefane (c), 2 Siyanda Mthembu, 1 Bayanda Mdladla. Subs: 16 Ntando Mahlaba, 17 Sinqobile Maseko, 18 Sinqobile Mtshali, 19 Malusi Mkhize, 20 Simphiwe Phiri, 21 Andile Dlamini, 22 Sizwe Nkosikhona Malakoane, 23 Bongumenzi Mkhize. FNB Rhodes – 15 Simamkele Ngantweni, 14 Cameron Marais, 13 Damian Morrow, 12 Simelela Mbanzi, 11 Tinashe Famba, 10 Matthew Royle, 9 Nicholas Dettmer, 8 Bradley van Heerden, 19* Ongeziwe Shumi, 24* Athenkosi Nkewana, 5 Xhanti Stofile, 4 Bongumusa Mokoena, 3 Sinolwazingekamvalakhe Ralo (c), 2 Loyiso Isaacs, 1 Sithembele Njokweni. Subs: 16 TC Junior Manana, 17 Katlego Petje, 18 Ntsika Ndungane, 7* Qawe Mzawuziwa, 20 Viwe Makeleni, 21 Dimitri Mngqolo, 22 Abonga Manka, 23 Kuhle Mqingwana. *Jerseys as worn on the day

VarsityCup.co.za content contributors Dan Lombard and Bronwen Bain select the standout players from Tuesday’s matches at Tuks Stadium. BRANDT FIELDS (FNB UFH BLUES) Fields had a field day against the FNB DUT Rhinos. He not only scored a brace of tries and kicked six conversions but also gave up a hat-trick in a moment of selflessness to ensure outside centre Keith Chiwara got his. Potent on defence and deadly on attack, the winger is certainly a valuable asset to the Blues. KEITH CHIWARA (FNB UFH BLUES) The outside centre was in fine form against the Rhinos where his direct running and supporting lines earned him a hat-trick. On defence, he managed his channel in the midfield effectively, constantly thwarting any inkling of attack from a lacklustre FNB DUT outfit. LUSANDA XAKWANA (FNB TUT VIKINGS) The Vikings flyhalf is the top point-scorer in this year’s FNB Varsity Shield (88) and has been nominated for both the Overall Player That Rocks and Backline Player That Rocks awards. On Tuesday, he added 15 points to his tally by scoring a try and slotting five conversions. Vote for your FNB Varsity Shield award winners! LARO DELPORT (FNB TUT VIKINGS) The Vikings forward is one of the most versatile players in the competition. He started their match against FNB UFH at No 8, before scrumming down at hooker in the second half. Delport scored his side’s first try and nailed his lineouts with pin-point accuracy. ASEKHO MARUBELELA (FNB WSU ALL BLACKS) The 20-year-old lock is truly destined for higher honours as his aggressive and barnstorming runs almost always give the All Blacks forward momentum. He regularly breaches the tryline, twice against top-of-the-table FNB CPUT, and coupled with his work rate on the paddock, it came as no surprise when he walked away with the FNB Player that Rocks award. WATCH: Steers Top 6 Tries (Round 6)

Fourteen FNB Maties players wrote university tests during the last FNB Varsity Cup bubble in Pretoria. Stellenbosch University made special provisions for the players, while management was responsible for invigilating. No 8 Ben-Jason Dixon, flank Simon Miller and hooker André-Hugo Venter wrote four tests during this period, including the day before and after matches against FNB UP-Tuks and the FNB NWU Eagles. Despite having to deal with this off-field pressure, Miller was named FNB Player that Rocks after the Tuks clash, while Dixon got the honours after the Eagles match. FNB Maties coach Drikus Hancke is proud of his players for taking the challenge head-on. “We adapted our training schedule as much as possible," he says. "I’m impressed with the discipline and dedication the players showed to their studies and the good rugby they played.” “I’m not going to lie," says Venter, "it's not easy at all, but we managed thanks to good planning and the coaches who understood that we sometimes had to miss a meeting or training session. “Believe it or not, my bookbag was heavier than my bag with all my clothes and shoes for the bubble! It was important to use every minute before and after training sessions and even on match days we studied before and after matches.” “Even though rugby is my life, my studies are also important to me," says Miller. "There are times when it feels a bit out of control, and to give both rugby and studies my best really tests my will and determination. To take your battered body and tired mind to the study-hub after a match takes self-discipline. "I am so thankful to the university for allowing us to write in the bubble and to the members of our management for facilitating it.” FNB Maties flyhalf Christopher Schreuder, who has been doing the balancing act since his days at the Western Province Rugby Institute, says the bubble helped him to focus because there were no outside distractions. “We were forced to use our time wisely. Having to go and study after a match was probably the biggest challenge. You have very little energy left, but an aching body isn't a good enough excuse!” By Eunice Visagie