NMMU Barbarians riding high
The NMMU Barbarians are riding high in the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships, following their success – thus far – in the highly-competitive 2009 series.
‘Baa-baas’ team manager Lubabalo Ncxengenga could not contain his excitement following the 31-29 victory gained over the Majubas – from Maties – in Stellenbosch earlier in the week, which has already secured them a spot in the semifinals.
However, Ncxengena said the team would now be squarely focused on the clash against the Free State University’s Huis Armentum team at the Xerox NMMU Stadium this coming Monday.
“We have already exceeded our own expectations by winning our two opening matches in this series, but we realise that the Armentum side is probably the strongest in the competition.
“The confidence gained from our earlier victories is reflected in the highly professional approach by coaches and players in dealing with each match. The intensity and commitment showed at training sessions has clearly filtered through to our matches,” Ncxengena told varsitycup.co.za.
“We have trained hard this week and realise that we have a mountain to climb if we are to finished off with an unbeaten record going into the semifinals. However, that is our aim and victory will certainly prove a major boost for NMMU rugby.”
Monday’s match – which kicks-off at 4.45pm – will serve as the curtain-raiser to the Varsity Cup clash between NMMU and UJ; a crucial encounter for the visitors, who must win if they are to qualify for the 2009 semifinals.
The Barbarians: 15 Freddie Vosloo, 14 Cornelius de Villiers, 13 Lutho Zatu, 12 Lindsay Weyers, 11 George Jacobs, 10 Wynand Neveling, 9 Werner Botha, 8 Dewet Lange, 7 Jarryd Firkin, 6 Bonga Jantjies, 5 Luke Martins, 4 Chris Dicks, 3 Wade Lotter, 2 Werner Kapp, 1 Eugene Nolan.
Replacements: 16 William Fewell, 17 Anton Crous, 18 Chris Kelly, 19 Jeffrey Wood, 20 Phiwekule Lalendle, 21 Kwado Apphiadanquah, 22 Phumelelo Mlungwana.
Team manager: Lubabalo Ncxengenga
By Stan Terblanche
