The 2014 edition of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International will forever be etched in everyone's minds as the most-tightly contested tournament to date. It was capped off with one of the biggest and most dramatic comebacks in the final between FNB NWU-Pukke and FNB UCT Ikey Tigers. In this two-part series, Supersport will be airing the Varsity Saga, highlighting all the highs and lows of the 2014 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International campaign with a unique insight into the minds of the coaches and players. There were major upsets along the way, incredibly tight matches which went down to the wire and pre-tournament favourites were knocked out at the end of the round robin phase. Heading into the final match of the round robin fixtures, seven of the eight teams were in with a chance of making the play-offs, proving that the 2014 edition was the most-dramatic and tightly contested of all the Varsity Cup campaigns thus far. In what was meant to be a walk-over, the table topping FNB NWU-Pukke hosted last-placed and winless FNB Wits, who were in a tough relegation battle. The match turned out to be a tightly contested one in a wet Potchefstroom which eventually saw the home side walk away with a narrow 16-8 victory. In the final, NWU-Pukke looked to have their first-ever title wrapped up with a comfortable 33-15 lead heading into the final stages of the match, however, the proverbial fat lady was not ready to sing yet, and the UCT Ikey Tigers staged a dramatic comeback. Three tries in the final five minutes secured an unlikely 39-33 victory for the Cape students, to claim their second Varsity Cup title. See the schedule below: Schedule Date Series Season Episode Schedule Time Duration Channel Status 30-Dec-14 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 17:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Published 30-Dec-14 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 18:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Published 02-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 19:00 0:30 CSN /Supersport 1 Repeat 02-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 19:30 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 7:00 0:30 CSN /Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 7:30 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 13:20 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 03-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 13:50 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 04-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 23:45 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 05-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 0:15 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 06-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 4:00 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 06-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 4:30 0:30 CSN / Supersport 1 Repeat 08-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 7:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 08-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 7:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 09-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 17:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 09-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 18:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 15-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 1 20:30 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat 15-Jan-15 Varsity Saga 2014 Part 2 21:00 0:30 Supersport 1 Repeat

The FNB UCT Ikey Tigers' win in the 2014 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International final will long be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks of all time. Trailing 33-15 with five minutes to go against FNB NWU-Pukke in Potchefstroom, the Ikeys scored three unanswered tries to claim a famous 39-33 victory that was almost beyond belief. to order a copy of the book please click on http://alwaysbelieveinmagic.com Now the UCT RFC have brought out a book telling the story behind that incredible campaign which saw them claim their second Varsity Cup title. In "Always believe in Magic" Professor Tim Noakes, Ikeys coach Kevin Musikanth and former Test referee Jonathan Kaplan tell the inspiring story of the UCT Ikey Tigers journey in the 2014 Varsity Cup. “This is an incredibly inspiring book about overcoming the odds,” said Noakes, the eminent UCT Professor of Exercise and Sports Science, who is the hugely successful author of numerous publications; most recently he co-authored the bestselling The Real Meal Revolution. As a mentor of the UCT Ikey Tigers, he worked closely with the coaches on mental preparation and assisted in strengthening the mindset of the players and management. Noakes explained: “My key message is that the quality of your thinking determines the quality of your execution. Once a team decides and truly believes that it is going to win the game, it will play without the fear of error. And when that happens, the impossible becomes achievable. For the past seven years I have preached this principle to successive generations of young UCT rugby players without ever encountering any contradictory evidence. The 2014 Varsity Cup final strengthened my faith in this idea in a way I could never have foreseen.” Kaplan, the well-known South African rugby referee, is the most experienced match official in the history of the game. He returned to his alma mater UCT in 2014 when he became the Ikey Tigers’ assistant coach for player technical development, strategic thinking and referee matters. “It’s one thing to say ‘I believe’ but it’s another thing to actually act it out. I’ve been a referee for 34 years and I‘ve watched rugby since a very early age but I cannot remember there ever being such a dramatic finale to a match and such an awesome comeback as the one we witnessed on that night in Potch on 7 April 2014,” he said. Kevin Musikanth, who as UCT Head Coach and Director of Rugby masterminded the campaign, said: “Magic is around us all the time but it only becomes a reality for those who truly believe in it.” * Always Believe in Magic – The Greatest Comeback of All Time (216 pages, including two colour sections), is published by UCT RFC to order a copy of the book please click on http://alwaysbelieveinmagic.com

Experienced fullback Jarryd Buys will lead the new-look FNB NMMU Madibaz on their road to the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, team management announced in Port Elizabeth this week. Madibaz head coach David Maidza said Buys, who has been vice-captain for the past two years, was the ideal candidate, as he had strong personal integrity and a clear vision for his future. “Jarryd’s understanding of and authority over people around him, whether they be his juniors or seniors, is of the highest repute,” said Maidza. “I’m glad to have him return to NMMU for the Varsity Cup and he’ll prove worthy of his position in the team.” He said the approachable 24-year-old marketing student brought a much-needed calmness to the side. “Jarryd came back from an injury a couple of games into the tournament this year and the team immediately felt much more composed. He is well respected among his peers.” Buys – who also captained the national student Sevens side at the 2013 World University Games in Russia – said he was delighted to be stepping into the role vacated by front ranker Roy Godfrey, who has signed with French outfit Perpignan. “I’m really excited and looking forward to the new season. It brings new challenges, new players and new management. “We still don’t have that Varsity Cup trophy in our cabinet, so that’s keeping my hunger alive,” he said. With a completely new forward pack and a largely unchanged backline, Buys said the challenge would be to adapt the Madibaz game plan to suit the individuals on the field and get the best outcome for the team. “There is a new line-up of seniors and big changes from last year, so it’s a chance to start afresh and also build on what we have achieved over the past couple of seasons,” he said. Formerly overlooked as underdogs, the Madibaz came within striking distance of the trophy in 2013 and 2014 but suffered a single-point semifinal loss on both occasions. After being seen off by FNB NWU-Pukke in this year’s competition, the PE team will have a chance to avenge themselves in the first match of the new campaign on February 9. “Playing Pukke away in the first game of next season will be a huge test, as they are a team we’ve never beaten since the inception of Varsity Cup,” said Buys, whose semifinal drop goal was almost a game-changer this year. “We obviously want to take it one game at a time, especially with the first game being such a vital one, and then look to qualify for a semi again. “I’d be lying if I said we weren’t aiming to win it but first there are seven hurdles that lie in wait before the play-offs.” The Old Selbornian, who has also represented the Leopards and SWD Eagles Currie Cup squads, said his men had some serious work to do in order to advance their ambitions. “There’s a good mix of youth and experience and it’s a great opportunity for some of the younger guys to showcase their talent and put their hands up for future years under the guidance of the older guys.” Elliot-born Buys is no stranger to the Varsity Cup competition, having also represented Maties during his undergraduate studies in 2011 and 2012. He enrolled for a postgraduate course in financial planning at NMMU last year. “Building on the brotherhood we have at NMMU is something I’m striving to maintain and also grow. I think leadership is about trust and respect, and with that a team can achieve just about anything.” Buys is currently recovering from knee surgery and looking forward to leading his team onto the field for the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International. With four home games, three of which will be televised, he said he hoped to fill the Madibaz Stadium and “give the people an exciting brand of rugby to shout about”.

The FNB UKZN Impi squad was recently given a break from their examination and training schedule to spend a day gardening in the Garden of Hope at the Jes Foord Foundation’s Rape Crisis Centre in Mariannhill, KZN. The Rape Crisis Centre was recently in the media spotlight when it was forced to close its doors after burglars ransacked the facility. Rape survivor and foundation patron, Jes Foord was on hand to meet the UKZN lads, and outline the work done at the facility. The Impi have supported the Jes Foord Foundation’s crisis centres as their charity for the past three years, and funds accumulated during the Varsity Shield’s “pink ball tries” initiative are donated to the foundation. Trish Buchanan, project manager at the Jes Foord Foundation was appreciative of the help the students put in: “Thank you to the young who came to work in our Garden of Hope on Saturday, it was a huge help. We are looking forward to working with the team in 2015”. By Mark Schulze

The FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International for 2015 is set to continue its grand tradition of trying out experimental laws, further cementing the tournament’s status as a testing ground for the laws of rugby. This season sees the exciting reintroduction of the White Card – which was used in the inaugural 2008 Varsity Cup Final. The White Card is a card that can be used by either coach or captain to review a decision by the referee. This exciting experiment is endorsed by the South African Rugby Union (SARU). Andre Watson, SARU General Manager Referees, had the following to say on the white card. “This is a step in the right direction to assist referees to get that important decision correct, and to put some responsibility on the captain and coaches to help with the process.” The White Card challenge system is to only be used during the Varsity Cup. The team challenge, or White Card, can be called by the team coach or captain. During a stoppage in play they can request that the referee review a decision they believe to be incorrect, or request the referee to review an infringement that went unnoticed and requires appropriate sanction. Duitser Bosman, CEO of the Varsity Cup was extremely positive about the reintroduction of the White Card. “We at Varsity Cup started with the two referees this year and we are reintroducing now the white card this coming year in a process to get the game as fair as possible.” The process of a White Card challenge is as follows: The coach will inform the TMO of the request for a review via radio contact. The coach must advise details regarding the location on the field where the incident took place, the time it occurred as well as the phase in which it took place. The TMO will inform the referee of the challenge. The referee will then, at the next stoppage of play, raise a white card to indicate that a request for a review has been lodged. The TMO will then review the incident, and advise the on-field referee of the appropriate decision to be taken. The timing of the challenge is vital, as it should be done before the start of the next play. For example: if the whistle blows and a scrum is awarded, the challenge should have been lodged in order for the match officials to review the decision. If the scrum has commenced with the ball being fed, no review can take place. The coach, however, is not the only person who can lodge a team challenge. The on-field captain also has the right to review a decision. The team/captain’s challenge also has clear parameters for the usage thereof. Each team (either the coach or the captain) is allowed two challenges per game. This in turn is limited to a single challenge per half. If a challenge is successful, then it will remain intact for the remainder of the half. If a challenge is unsuccessful, the team will have no challenges remaining for the half. If a challenge is still intact at the end of a half, it expires. It is important to note the following terms regarding the experimental White Card law: • There is no limit on what can be reviewed by either the coach or captain, provided it concerns an infringement of Law or incorrect application. • The outcome of the review by the TMO and the referee is final, and stands regardless. Laws changed by Varsity Cup in the past: • Eight players on the bench which is being used world-wide in test matches; • Three point conversions and the two points penalties which is used in the Australian Domestic League • Free catch rule • 2 referee rule Varsity Cup 2015 is set to be another action packed tournament, be sure to catch all the action on SuperSport 201 on Monday nights from 9 February at 16.45.

Franco Smith will be hoping to transfer his European coaching experience to the FNB Shimlas as he heads into his debut FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International season. Smith, who is also an assistant coach at the Free State Cheetahs, previously held the head coach position at Pro12 club Benetton Treviso between 2007 and 2013 and will be looking to merge the European style of play with the attitude of the Southern Hemisphere. "I always dreamt of combining the attitude and ability of the Southern Hemisphere with the style of the Northern Hemisphere style, so hopefully we can blend it and play an expansive brand that has become synonymous with the Cheetahs. "I gained a lot of experience when I was over there [in Italy] and I see things a little differently now. Hopefully I can contribute that experience to the team and make an impact. "It's a short time to get a lot of it across and I know everything won't happen in three or four months but we are prepared to equip the large group, not only for this season but future seasons," he said. Smith will be assisted by backline coach Jaco Swanepoel and forwards coach Hendro Scholtz for the upcoming tournament and the trio have already been putting the 50-man squad through their paces but will also be relying on the expertise of consultants throughout the campaign. "We started our pre-season about four weeks ago and are about to reach the end of phase one of the process. We will come together again for 10 days in December and then again early in the new year. "The plan is to keep the 50-man squad together for the entire pre-season as we are not only looking at the upcoming season, but also to the next season, so we want a bit of progression. We are trying to do as much as we can with the big group and then, when we need to implement finer details, the squad will be cut," he added. The FNB Shimlas have played an integral part in blooding the next generation of Currie Cup, Super Rugby and Springbok players, none more so than Springbok Tebogo 'Oupa' Mohoje, who represented them in the 2014 edition of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International. "We are very proud of all of them and they serve as a big stimulation to the current players. There is no greater inspiration to our players than Oupa Mohoje, who went all the way by becoming a Springbok. "His success, and the success of others who have played in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions, not only proves the value this competition but it also goes to show that committed can open doors for you. "Oupa is very popular on campus and believes in the Shimlas, which is awesome for us, and we are hoping that when he is available, we could use his experience as a consultant or a motivational speaker," he stated. It's going to be an exciting campaign for the Bloemfontein-based students as they are able to draw on some exciting young players: Neil Klaasen, Tienie Burger, AJ Coertzen, Zee Mkhabela and Ox Nche, who are almost certain to set the Varsity Cup alight.

NWU-Pukke had a near-perfect 2014 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International season, winning six and losing one, as they topped the log and securing a home final. With seemingly one hand on the trophy, they somehow managed to let a comfortable lead slip and fell at the hurdle but head coach Robert Du Preez believes they have learnt a valuable lesson from that match which holds them in good stead for the 2015 season. "It [the season] was a great experience for all the players. We played really good rugby [throughout the campaign] but it [the final] was proof there are no favourites in a final. "The one big lesson we have learnt is that you have to play until the last minute and it's not over until the final whistle goes. It was the first time we played in the final but that's rugby. "We thought we had one-hand on the trophy with five minutes left in the final but that just shows you how unpredictable rugby can be," he said. Du Preez said he and the players are excited about the upcoming season and has assembled an initial squad of approximately 50 players which will be trimmed down early 2015 after they had some practice matches. "Everyone is excited and looking forward to the new season. We are arranging a camp which will incorporate a friendly games as part of it. It makes it [the camp] more exciting. "We have roughly 15 new players in the squad who have come through the ranks and have either played for the Leopards Under-19 or U-21 sides. "We have arranged to play against the Golden Lions and we are in the process of liasing with the Sharks," he added. Pukke will be without the services of numerous players who have either completed their studies or have exceeded the age limit. These players include outstanding prop Armand van der Merwe - who shot onto the scene with sublime performances for the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, Hofmann Marit - who has signed for the Pumas, Francois Robertse - who will be playing at the Leopards and Juan Language. Despite losing some key players, Pukke still have the likes of utility back Sylvian Mahuza and explosive wing Luther Obi to make an impact for them. Du Preez will have an unchanged coaching staff for the upcoming season and will be looking to provide the players with the necessary skills training which could see them emulate the likes of Oupa Mahoje. "Varsity Cup is such a great vehicle for exposure for any player with aspirations and hopefully all the guys will take their opportunities and play well so that they can also, one day, play in the Currie Cup, Super Rugby and hopefully, the Springboks," he stated.

There will be plenty of familiar faces in the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International as only one coach will be making his debut, while FNB CUT Ixias earned their place in the Cup competition after gaining promotion from the Varsity Shield. FNB Shimlas have recruited former Springbok, Franco Smith as their head coach and FNB CUT Ixias have once again placed their faith in Andre 'Skillie' Bester, who guided them to the 2014 Varsity Shield title and promotion to the Cup competition. Here is a comparison of the men in charge for 2015 and their credentials: Kevin Musikanth - FNB UCT Ikey Tigers Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (winners) Other experience: WP amateurs, False Bay RFC WP Super League, Wynberg Boys High School director of rugby Musikanth enjoyed immediate success in his debut season with the FNB Ikey Tigers as he coached the side to their second FNB Varsity Cup title. He replaced Kevin Foote as head coach after the latter moved to Australia to take up the defensive coach position with the Super Rugby franchise, the Western Force. Musikanth has enjoyed great success as False Bay RFC coach, earning them promotion to the Western Province Super League A twice in two separate stints with the club as well coaching the impressive Wynberg Boys High first XV. Robert Du Preez - FNB NWU Pukke Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (2nd) Other experience: College Rovers (2011-13) 2014 was a milestone year for Du Preez and NWU-Pukke, as he guided the Potchefstroom students to their first-ever home final after topping the table. In his playing days, Du Preez represented the Springboks on seven occasions between 1992 and 1993 and was the scrumhalf to two of South Africa's legendary flyhalves, Naas Botha (at Northern Transvaal, now Blue Bulls) and Joel Stransky (at Natal). Before coaching Pukke, Du Preez enjoyed plenty of success with Durban-based amateur side, College Rovers, guiding them to second place in the inaugural Community Cup in 2013. His son, who shares the same name, represented Maties as a flyhalf in the FNB Varsity Cup. Chris Rossouw - FNB Maties Varsity Cup experience: 2013 (2nd), 2014 (semifinal) Other experience: Paarl Gimnasium (2010), Victorians (2011), SA Students (2013) Returning for his third stint with the FNB Maties, Rossouw will be looking to take the institution back to the glory days which saw them claim a hat trick of titles between 2008 and 2010. The younger brother of Springbok wing, Pieter 'Slapchips' Rossouw, the flyhalf made his made Springbok debut in 2000 against Argentina 'A', a the age of 23, in Tucuman and played his last tour match a year later against an England National Division XV in Worcester. A back-to-back Currie Cup winner with Western Province in 2000 and 2001, Chris was also one of the first players to head North where he played for Toulon in France. David Maidza - FNB NMMU Madibaz Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (semifinal) Other experience: Border Bulldogs (2001, 2008-2009), Free State Cheetahs (2003-2007), EP Kings (2010-2013) Maidza's coaching career started in 2001, after his playing career ended, when he became a technical adviser to the Border Bulldogs. He then moved to Bloemfontein to take up an assistant coach position at the Cheetahs from 2003 to 2007 before returning to the Bulldogs as their head coach in 2008 and 2009. He then joined the Eastern Province Kings as an assistant backline coach in 2010 and became the head coach of their Vodacom Cup side for the 2013 season before taking up the role with the Madibaz in 2014. In his playing days, he represented Zimbabwe's national Under-21 and Under-23 teams before earning a call-up to the national side in 1993, where he made his debut against an Arabian Gulf team, in a qualifier for the 1995 World Cup. He made a total of 5 appearances in 1993 and 1994. In 1996, he moved to South Africa and represented the Border Bulldogs and had a brief stint with the Sharks squad for the 1999 Super 12 season. Franco Smith - FNB Shimlas Varsity Cup experience: None Other experience: Free State Cheetahs (2005-2006), Benetton Treviso (2007-2013) He may be the only newcomer to the Varsity Cup fraternity but Smith has a wealth of experience, not only as a coach but also as a player. His coaching career started in 2005 when he was the technical advisor for the Free State Cheetahs before becoming their backline coach on 2006. Smith then went to Italy where he was the head coach of Benetton Treviso between 2007 and 2013. He then returned to South Africa to once again join the Cheetahs as an assistant coach in 2014. Smith has an illustrious player career spanning 10 years where he represented Griquas (1996-1997), the Blue Bulls (1998-2002), Benetton Treviso (2000-2005) and the Cheetahs (2006). He received his first Springbok cap in 1996 and went on to represent the Boks in 9 Test matches between 1996 and 1999. Pote Human - FNB UP Tuks Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (6th) Other experience: Blue Bulls (2005-06), Bulls forwards coach (2005-08), Griquas (2012-13) Human inherited double-defending champions from Nollis Marais but was unable to guide them to a hat trick of titles, finishing in a lowly sixth place. Human has a wealth of experience, previously coaching the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup (2005-06) and being their Super Rugby forwards coach (2005-08) before heading to Kimberley to coach Griquas for two years (2012-13). Werner Janse van Rensburg - FNB UJ Varsity Cup experience: 2014 (7th) Other experience: UJ Under-19, Golden Lions Academy Week, Golden Lions Schools U19, Golden Lions Craven Week Janse van Rensburg could not have asked for a worse start to his Varsity Cup career as UJ ended seventh on the log and narrowly escaped relegation to the Varsity Shield by beating UKZN-Ipmi, who are coached by former All Black and Golden Lions coach John Mitchell. He started his coaching career at the tender age of 21 when he was in charge of the university's Under-19B side and also coached a number of other UJ sides, along with some representative age-group teams. He served as the Golden Lions Academy Week coach in 2006 and 2007 before taking charge of the Golden Lions U19 Schools side in 2008 and 2009 and, eventually, serving as Golden Lions Craven Week coach from 2010 through to 2013. Andre 'Skillie' Bester - FNB CUT Ixias Varsity Cup experience: None Other experience: UFS-Kovsies (12 years), Free State Craven Week (2004-05), Wannaroo (2006-08), Varsity Shield (2014 winners) In his first year of coaching FNB CUT Ixias, Bester not only guided them to their third Varsity Shield title but also got them promoted to the 2015 Varsity Cup competition. Skillie, as he better known, began as the manager of the team in 2011 and watched the team claim two Shield titles in 2011 and 2013 as well as finishing runners up in 2012 before taking over as coach. Bester will be joined by former Free State Cheetahs lock, Izak van der Westerhuisen who will be the forwards' coach.

FNB CUT will be making their debut in the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International after beating the FNB UKZN Impi 35-26 in the 2014 Varsity Shield Final. The promotion to the Cup competition also means they will have a representative team in the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships and that honour has gone to the Steinhoff Tigers. The Steinhoff Tigers became the first CUT Koshuis team to represent the University in the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships. The final was a tense affair between Steinhoff Tigers and their "old foes", Steinhoff Buffalo. Steinhoff Buffalo were the defending CUT Koshuis champions and went all out to retain their title but fell short by the narrowest of margins, losing 16-17. Preparations for the Steinhoff CUT Tigers' debut in the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships have already commenced as they look forward to matches against UFS' Steinhoff Vishuis, UCT's Steinhoff Cobras, TUKS' Steinhoff Mopanie and NMMU's Steinhoff Stallions.

After two encouraging seasons, FNB NMMU Madibaz coach David Maidza wants his side to take the next step in the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International. The last two seasons have seen the Eastern Cape side knocked out by consecutive one-point away semifinals defeats, so their sights are set firmly on doing everything they can to reach their first final next year. Maidza believes that the key will be consistency in what is sure to be yet another demanding season. "We have built something and we want to carry on building. "We are excited about what lies ahead, the standards have been set in the last two years and we do not want to drop them. We will keep fighting to ensure we get into that final," he told varsitycup.co.za. Maidza has two exciting new assistant coaches this year in former EP Kings players Barend Pieterse and Tiger Mangweni. Pieterse has been involved in the Kings' coaching structures since he retired in 2012 and will take the Madibaz forward pack, whilst Mangweni will be defence coach. Maidza said that he is looking forward to seeing what both can add to NMMU's game. "It is a good learning curve for both of them. "Tiger was with the EP Under-21s this year and he has learned quite a bit from Michael Horak and I'm hoping that he brings the benefit of that experience with him. "Tiger was always a rugged player and a hard tackler so I'm hoping that as a coach he can share what he had as a player. "If you look at Barend's line-out work in his playing days, he was one of the masters, one of the few people that used to challenge Victor Matfield. "Apart from the line-out work he does help me with a lot of the attack play, especially from a forward's perspective. "We are a young coaching group, but we are very excited to get into the season," he said. The Madibaz have already started training with a fair amount of new faces, with Maidza admitting that he will have a completely new-look forward pack. "The bottom line is that there will be a whole new pack and I am looking forward to watching some of the youngsters that have come through from the academy. "There are some very exciting youngsters coming through from the academy which is being run by Robbie Kempson. The Madibaz coach said that the close relationship NMMU has with their home union has been extremely valuable. "The two coaches have actually been seconded from EP, so that is the relationship we have got with EP. "The union plays a big role in our recruitment and our basic running of the game. For EP to be in the Currie Cup is a lure for some players and that is something that we are taking advantage of," he said. NMMU will play some warm-up games in January ahead of the new campaign, and Maidza said that they will not be changing too much in their preparations. "We don't want to reinvent the wheel and try and ponder and crash our heads as to why we haven't been lucky in the last two years. "For us to have lost out by small margins to top teams it gives us the edge of that hunger to want to get to that final. "All I want to do is make sure I have prepared the students best to understand the game and for most of the group that I have it won't just be for this year but hopefully the next couple of years," he said.

The fixtures for the 2015 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International have been released, with a replay of the epic 2014 final between FNB UCT and FNB NWU-Pukke on the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom lined up. Ikeys snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on the same field in the final last season with a last gasp, injury time converted try that came after a drop kick charge down on the stroke of full time. The Ikeys counter attack and try that followed will long live on in Varsity Cup folklore as one of the tournament’s enduring moments – the comeback of all comebacks. The two sides will face each other again in Round Five which will take place on Monday, March 9. The opening round of the new season will feature replays of both the 2014 semifinals and once again promises much in terms of excitement-filled student rugby fueled by youthful flair and an attacking approach. Defending champions FNB UCT will face their old Cape rivals FNB Maties at home on the Green Mile, whilst FNB NWU-Pukke will be up against the FNB NMMU Madibaz at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds in Potchefstroom in the opening round on Monday, February 9. Both semifinals in 2014 were won by the home side, with three-time champions Maties going down to the Ikeys and NWU-Pukke snatching a dramatic one-point victory over the Madibaz before going on to contest the memorable final which saw UCT score three tries in the last five minutes to claim their second title. The other two matches in the opening round will both be in Bloemfontein as newly promoted Varsity Shield champions FNB CUT host FNB UJ and FNB UP-Tuks take on FNB UFS-Shimlas. The Varsity Shield will get started a week earlier with the opening clashes between FNB UWC and FNB UKZN in Bellville and FNB TUT and FNB Fort Hare in Pretoria - both televised live on Supersport One on Monday, February 2. The 2015 Varsity Shield season will see the return of FNB Wits, who did not manage to win a game in their two years in the Varsity Cup. The FNB Varsity Young Guns and Steinhoff Koshuis rugby Championships will both get underway on Monday, February 23 with a big double-header at the CUT Rugby Stadium in Bloemfontein. Reigning Young Guns champions UFS will be up against local rivals CUT, and Shimlas koshuis champions Steinhoff Vishuis taking on CUT's Steinhoff Tigers. The finals of the Varsity Shield and Young Guns competitions will take place on Monday, April 6, whilst the Varsity Cup and Koshuis rugby Championship finals will be on Monday, April 13 with all four matches televised live on Supersport One. Varsity Cup 2015 fixtures Varsity Shield 2015 fixtures Varsity Young Guns 2015 fixtures Koshuisrugby Championship fixtures

Two FNB UKZN Impi players, Siphathisene "Spa" Dube and Shayne Makombe have been selected for the Sharks Sevens squad. Dube will travel with the team to the SARU interprovincial Sevens tournament, while Makombe, a Zimbabwe International remains on standby as the non-travelling reserve. The Sharks Sevens team is managed by this year's UKZN Impi assistant coach, Ryno Combrinck. Sevens success has not been restricted to the men's squad. The UKZN Women's Sevens team recently returned from Pretoria where they took part in the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Sevens championship. The UKZN ladies swept aside all of their opponents to reach the final of the students' showpiece tournament against the University of Pretoria. In the final they beat UP-Tuks 27-7 to claim the national title. In the traditional fifteen-man game, Shayne Makombe, Rico Lategan, Lwazi Ncgungama and Adam Wessels have returned from their tour with the Sharks Clubs XV (the old "Natal Duikers"), which recently won the SARU Central Amateur Tournament, seeing off their counterparts from the Free State, Griqualand West and Griffons regions. UKZN alumnus Ryan Strudwick has been re-appointed as captain of the South African Legends rugby team. Strudwick, who returned to his alma mater as forwards coach during the 2014 FNB Varsity Shield campaign, will lead the SA Legends in the annual World Rugby Classic in Bermuda. The Legends will compete with the Classic Lions as well as the national veterans teams of New Zealand, Italy, Argentina, the USA, France and Argentina for the coveted Bermuda title. Further, UKZN alumni Craig Joubert and Stuart Berry have been appointed by the International Rugby Board as match officials for the November Internationals in the northern hemisphere. Berry will take charge of the Canada v Namibia match in Colwyn Bay, and will officiate as assistant referee for Scotland's Murrayfield clash with New Zealand and the France v Argentina match in the Stade de France. Joubert will control proceedings in the historic USA v All Blacks match in Chicago as well as Wales v Australia in Cardiff and Italy's Test match against Argentina in Genoa, and will then return to the Millennium Stadium as assistant referee for Wales' encounter with New Zealand.