Rugby
Game on...it's derby day!─── 10:38 Mon, 13 Apr 2015
The University of the Free State Shimlas are feeling upbeat ahead of tonight’s big Varsity Cup final against the North West University Pukke in Bloemfontein.
Team work has been a key area in both teams in the road to the final this season, however and an up-down-season could hurt the Pukke, while inconsistent setpieces could derail the home time.
The Shimlas are in their first ever final, while the side Potchefstroom will be hoping that it’s a case of third time lucky after losing in their previous two finals.
The last time these two sides met was on 23 March in Bloemfontein, when the Shimlas edged Pukke 29-26.
Although it was a tight score…Shimlas had made nine changes for that match, however a final is a whole different kettle of fish, and the playing fields will be level for both teams.
Shimlas coach Franco Smith feels that the fact that the final is a traditional derby won’t add any extra pressure on his side.
The former Springbok flyhalf feels there is enough pressure, however is of the view that the derby status will add to the occasion.
“The excitement around it has been enormous. A lot of old Shimlas have got involved again so there is a lot of hype in Bloemfontein around the home final.
“I have been involved previously in my career in a lot of these intervarsities and there is a big sense of that in Bloemfontein, it has definitely added a bit of spice to what is already a big game,” he said.
Pukke mentor, Robert du Preez who was also a Springbok, believes his sides’ confidence has returned following their semi-final against Tuks, in which they edged the Pretoria side, thanks to an outstanding individual try by flyhalf, Johnny Welthagen.
The former Blue Bulls and Bok scrumhalf is expecting a strong turnout from Puk supporters in the City of Roses.
“I believe there are a lot of supporters going down which is always nice. Even from my days when I played the Pukke-Shimlas intervarsities were great affairs, and this one won’t be any different,” he said.
This evening’s final kicks off at 19:00, while at 16:30 the Koshuis Rugby final between Vishuis (Kovies) and Mopanie (Tukkies) kicks-off.
Tickets will go on sale at the Shimla Park this afternoon at 14h30 at R30 a ticket.
Teams:
Shimlas - 15 AJ Coertzen (captain), 14 Vuyani Maqina, 13 Nico Lee, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Maphutha Dolo, 10 Niel Marais, 9 Renier Botha, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Gerhard Olivier, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Johan van der Hoogt, 4 Henco Venter, 3 Conraad Van Vuuren, 2 Elandre Hugget, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements - 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Theunis Nieuwoudt, 18 Boela Venter, 19 De Wet Kruger, 20 Nhlanhla Hlongwane, 21 JP Coetzee, 22 Refuoe Rampete, 23 Dolph Botha.
Pukke - 15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Dalen Goliath, 13 Rowayne Beukman, 12 Johan Deysel, 11 Dillon Smit, 10 Johnny Welthagen, 9 Malherbe Swart, 8 Jeandre Rudolph (captain), 7 Marno Redelinghuys, 6 Armandt Liebenberg, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Loftus Morrison, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 2 Wian Fourie, 1 Johan Smith.
Replacements - 16 Wilmar Arnoldi, 17 Mogau Mabokela, 18 Daniel Jordaan, 19 Moletsi Bouwer, 20 Johannes Briers, 21 Marnus Tack, 22 Kurshwill Williams, 23 Cayle Denner.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
