FNB Varsity Cup 2023 kicks off
At 19:00 on Monday 20 February all roads will be leading to the Danie Craven stadium for the first match of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup season.
FND Maties will take on FNB Ikeys in an opening scorcher which should set the pace for the coming season.
Gift Dlamini, Maties captain, had this to say about the coming season:
What does it mean to be captain of your team this year?
It means a lot. I’ve been in the system for five years and to be able to lead the guys is a true honour and it feels great to carry their hopes and dreams.
What are your expectations for this year’s tournament?
I don’t think we’ll dwell too much on last year’s final. We are expecting to go all the way and play some great rugby.
Who will score the most tries for your team?
I’ll have to go between JurieMatthee and WaqarSolaan.
Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards?
Juan Beukes and Waqar Solaan.
Which player in the team should we be following on social media?
WaqarSolaan.
What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign?
It is about raising awareness and being involved in the fight against GBV and child trafficking, making sure that the community is aware and that we are part of it.
New rules
While the FNB Varsity Cup abides by the rules and regulations of the sport as determined by SA Rugby and World Rugby, the prestigious competition continues to lead the way in terms of rugby law innovation to improve the game. Here’s a few rules you need to know about the unique rules that will be used during the 2023 season.
Point of origin
OINT OF ORIGIN TRY (POR):
In this season of Varsity Cup, a team can gain additional bonus points upon scoring a try from their own half.
- Team gained possession inside their own half that scores a try without conceding possession of the ball: Try worth 7 points– (5pts plus 2 bonus points)
RED CARD RULE:
The Red Card Rule will work as follows:
If a red card is given to a player of a team: –
- That team will play for 15 minutes with one less player, the player given the red card will go off the field.
- After 15 minutes another player may go back on to the pitch, but not the player who was awarded the red card.
The main intention of this rule change is to the contest stays alive amidst an early game red card.
WHITE CARD:
The White Card will be used in the televised semi-finals and final of Varsity Cup only.
- The Team Coach or Captain can, during a stoppage in play, request the referee to review a decision they believe to be incorrect OR request him to review a possible infringement that went undetected and required an appropriate sanction.
- POINTS VALUE:
- Try: 5 points
- Drop goal: 3 points
- Penalty goal: 3 points
- Conversion: 2 points
- Point of origin tries: 7 points
- LOG POINTS CALCULATION:
- 4 points for A WIN
- 2 points for A DRAW
- 0 points for A LOSS
- One bonus point for losing within seven or fewer points.
- One bonus point for four tries or more.
- The maximum points a team can receive in a match are therefore five.
Players to watch in the 2023 Varsity Cup
The 2023 FNB Varsity Cup gets underway on Monday 20 February.
Here is a pick of players to watch in this year’s competition.
FNB Maties: Waqar Solaan
The all-most 24-year-old is a skilful and fleet-footed inside centre who creates space for his teammates on the outside while also being solid on defence and dominating in contact.
Solaan went to school in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and thereafter played for Eastern Province at the U18 Craven Week. He subsequently signed for Western Province and represented the province at U19 and U21 levels.
School: Greys Boys High School
Position: Centre
Born: 22 February 1999
Weight: 94kg
Height: 1.74m
FNB UP-Tuks: Kyle Cyster
After scoring a hat-trick for Madibaz against CUT last year and helping them to their first Varsity Cup victory in three years, Cyster has made the move north to join the reigning champions for the 2023 tournament.
The utility back represented Eastern Province at U20 and U21 levels and has credited his parents for his stellar performances on the field. This is remarkable for a youngster who only started playing rugby in Grade 8.
School: Hottentots-Holland High
Position: Fullback/wing
Born: 1 August 1999
Weight: 71kg
Height: 1.73m
FNB UCT Ikeys: Bryan le Roux
The youngster’s CV makes for impressive reading – U16 Grant Khomo Week, U18 Craven Week, SA Schools and Western Province U20 and U21.
Le Roux has however been hampered by injuries, something UCT coach Tom Dawson-Squibb hopes is now behind the 21-year-old prop.
“I’m hoping and praying that he gets to show the country what he can do this year. He’s a special guy with, I believe, a special story ahead of him.”
School: RBHS
Position: Prop
See you at the Danie Craven on Monday at 19:00 – come early for the best seats and entertainment.