Maties face Tuks in 2022 Varsity Cup opener tonight
FNB UP-Tuks and FNB Maties will look to their flyhalves to make the difference in a replay of the 2021 semi-final at Tuks Stadium on Monday night.
Both teams have lost many players since the 2021 season. Flyhalf David Coetzer and fullback Zander du Plessis – who broke the point-scoring record last year – have moved on in the wake of FNB UP-Tuks’ title triumph.
While FNB Maties have also lost a clutch of senior players, they boast a seasoned leader in Adriaan van der Bank. The 25-year-old flyhalf has taken the captaincy reins in his final season with the university and has been tasked with igniting a young yet talented team.
Van der Bank was on the losing side when the two teams last met in the 2021 semi-final. On that occasion, FNB UP-Tuks claimed an emphatic 44-35 victory. There’s little doubt that Van der Bank will be looking to set the record straight with a strong performance in the 2022 season opener.
Maties will be highly motivated, focussed and determined to make a statement in the first match of the new when they face Tuks at the University of Pretoria (UP) later tonight in the Varsity Cup 2022 opener.
Jandré Burger, a first-year Education student at the UP, has some big shoes to fill at flyhalf. UP-Tuks also boast a new centre pairing, with No 13 Lincoln Daniels joining the squad from the NWU Eagles – and assuming the captaincy – after the 2021 season.
Maties’ coach Norman Jordaan said about last year’s bio bubble games that playing three matches in the space of a week was incredibly tough.
“That demanding schedule levelled the playing field for all the teams. Some teams targeted certain games, but we went hard in every single match. Perhaps we left ourselves vulnerable at times, and the opposition capitalised. That may have been the case in the game we lost to CUT.
“The guys are excited about the fact that 2022 sees a return to a more regular schedule and the return of the fans to the stadiums. We want to win the Cup, but we also want to enjoy our rugby and entertain the crowds with an expansive brand of play,” he said.
“We’ve lost quite a few players since 2021 and are light on experience in positions like scrumhalf and lock. I don’t think the situation is unique to Maties, though, as every team has lost players since last year. How we respond to the challenge will be key. We have some great youngsters coming through the ranks, and an inspirational captain in Adriaan van der Bank,” Jordaan stated.
Van der Bank represented Boland at the u.18 Craven Week and Western Province at u.19 level. He’s been one of Maties’ standout players in recent years.
The 25-year-old flyhalf will lead the team in what will be his final campaign for the university.
“He’ll definitely be one to watch,” confirmed coach Jordaan. “We’ve lost a lot of senior players since last year, but ‘Bankies’ is an inspirational figure within the setup, and we’re confident about what he can do as the leader of a younger yet talented group of players.”
Van der Bank said it is a massive honour to lead a side with such a rich history.
“I’m grateful that the coaches and the team have put their faith in me. I realise that the opportunity comes with a lot of responsibility, and I want to repay everyone for backing me.
“I strive to lead by example. A good leader should know went to act, when to put in a word, and when it’s best to keep quiet.
“Last year’s competition was my toughest year yet as a rugby player. The bubble tests you mentally and physically. All of us are extremely excited to be playing our home matches at Danie Craven Stadium again. We’re hoping that the fans will be there in force to support us,” Van der Bank said.
Last year Maties played 10 games, won 7 and lost: 3. They were Varsity Cup champions in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018 and 2019.
Varsity Cup has confirmed that mandatory Covid-19 vaccination is required for anyone wishing to attend any Varsity Cup, Varsity Shield or Young Guns match.
“It will be mandatory for everyone, from players to management staff and spectators, to be vaccinated in order to attend any Varsity Cup match,” said Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi, Varsity Cup Tournament Director. “This policy is in line with SA Rugby’s current guidelines for all official rugby tournaments in South Africa.”
All spectators will be required to present their vaccination certificate upon entry.
FNB UP-TUKS vs FNB MATIES (Monday, 19:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport channel 211)
FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Kabelo Mokoena, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Lincoln Daniels (c), 12 Keane Galant, 11 Tharquinn Manuel, 10 Jandré Burger, 9 Clyde Lewis, 8 Eduan Lubbe, 7 Orateng Koikanyang, 6 Divan Venter, 5 Mihlali Stamper, 4 Dawid Meiring, 3 Daniël Wessels, 2 Werner Fourie, 1 Andre van der Merwe.
Subs: 16 Allister Williams, 17 Edwin Till, 18 Ethan Burger, 19 Dian Schoonees, 20 Hilton Gie, 21 Ambesa Zenzile, 22 Zandré Kruger, 23 Campwill Willemse.
FNB Maties – 15 Navaldo Fleurs, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Anton du Toit, 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Mike Mavovana, 10 Adriaan van der Bank (c), 9 Eduan Smit, 8 Louw Nel, 7 Marco van Rhyn, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Matt Gray, 4 Ruan Beukes, 3 Matimu Manganyi, 2 Chris Rossouw, 1 Rhynardt Rijnsburger.
Subs: 16 Sean Swart, 17 Wian van Zyl, 18 Vernon Matongo, 19 Jesse Johnson, 20 Siya Matanda, 21 Mckyle Volmoer, 22 Jurie Mathee, 23 Waqar Solaan.
