Chean relying on squad strength

FNB Maties coach Chean Roux is hoping that the strength of his team’s squad will win the day (or should that be the week?) at the upcoming National Club Championships in Stellenbosch.

The three times Varsity Cup champions have won 12 Club Champs titles – two under Roux’s tutelage – and the Maties coach would love nothing more than walking off with the trophy in front of his side’s home fans.

It’s been yet another big year for the Men in Maroon – first they made it three-from-three in the Varsity Cup (beating UCT in the final back in March) and then they reclaimed the WP Super League title from Hamilton’s.

Victory at the SAA National Club Championships would simply be the icing on top for Roux and co.

“As I always say, momentum in a tournament like this is crucial and we had some nice momentum towards the end of the league,” Roux told varsitycup.co.za.

“We all know how tough the Varsity Cup is, but we also had some tough weeks in the Super League – playing three games in a week soon after the Varsity Cup.

“(And) that’s what makes the Club Champs so tough too… it’s the playing schedule – four games in six days is a tough ask for any side, you certainly cannot afford to slip up at any stage.”

When asked about the make-up of the Stellenbosch squad – when compared to the side that beat the Ikey Tigers 17-14 in the Varsity Cup Final – Roux revealed: “There’s not too many new faces.

“The older guys are back, which is obviously a big bonus, but we’re missing (prop) Buhle Mxunyelwa – who is on standby for WP – and I’m very disappointed that (centre) Morgan Newman is injured.

“I guess you could say that our squad strength is the key,” he added, “but you still need that bit of luck come game day.”

Tighthead prop Lourens Adriaanse will again captain the FNB Maties, as he has all season long – having taken the reins during the Varsity Cup when designated skipper Cameron Peverett was unavailable because of injury.

“He’s been playing some awesome rugby,” said Roux of his star No.3, who was voted as the Forward of the Tournament during the 2010 Varsity Cup.

“He’s also an intelligent guy – he’s studying to become an accountant, you know – and he makes the referees think when he speaks to them.”

Of course, home ground advantage will also play a key role during the next week – “playing at home is always an advantage, although all the sides will be gunning for us”, said Roux – but the long-time Maties coach is taking nothing for granted.

“The minute you think you’re on top some time can just play that one percent better than you and you’re out,” warned Roux.

“As I said, this is a tough competition, but hopefully that momentum we picked up towards the end of the league – coupled with the depth we have in our squad – will see us through.”

Maties will host Kimberley Police in their first-round clash at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday (kick-off is at 3.15pm) and his charges are very focused on starting the 2010 Club Champs with a ‘W’ next to their name.

He concluded: “Some people are already talking about the possibility of us playing against Hamilton’s in the semifinals – I can tell you, we’re not!

“I was the coach when we lost in a first-round match at the Club Champs a few years ago – it’s a cliché and I apologise for using one, but we are simply taking the week on a game-by-game basis; starting with Kimberley Police who – apparently – are bringing a very strong squad to the tournament.”

The full programme for the opening day of the 2010 Club Champs:
(Saturday, September 18)

B field:
Springs (Valke) v Mossel Bay Barbarians (South Western Districts) – 10am
College Rovers (KwaZulu-Natal) v Bethlehem Oud-Skoliere (Griffons) – 11.45am

F field:
SAPS East London (Border) v Progress (Eastern Province) – 10am
UJ (Golden Lions) v Tuks (Blue Bulls) – 11.45am

Danie Craven Stadium:
Roses United (Boland) v Shimlas (Free State) – 11.45am
Pukke (Leopards) v Middelburg (Mpumalanga) – 1.30pm
Maties (Western Province) v Kimberley Police (Griqualand West) – 3.15pm
Hamilton’s (defending champions, WP) v Noordelike (Limpopo Blue Bulls) – 5.15pm

By James Kingston