Maties want to finish strongly
Five points on the road in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International represents more than just a good day out. In fact, for FNB Maties coach Chean Roux it was just what the doctor ordered after a tough week in Stellenbosch.
Roux’s Maties side beat a physical FNB TUT side 24-14 at the TUT Stadium on Monday night – a result that sees the defending champions occupy first place on the Varsity Cup log, just two points ahead of FNB UCT.
Whilst a 24-14 scoreline – with a four-tries-to-one try tally – might seem like an easy night out, the Maties, with a new-look team, were made to sweat for their fifth win of the season.
“We started well, scoring two tries, but then we took our foot off the gas and we lost some structure,” Roux told varsitycup.co.za.
“We also made some basic errors, which allowed TUT back in the game, but I was pleased that we managed to grab that fourth try – their defence was good on the night and we were rather lucky to get that bonus point in the end.
“As I have said before, I’m not one to chase bonus point wins away from home, so it’s a nice bonus, but the big thing for me was the quality of our first-phase possession. We did well up front against a big and physical TUT pack.”
Roux made 10 changes for the TUT clash – mainly after losing seven of his players to the Western Province Vodacom Cup squad, but also as part of rotation, with regular captain Wesley Wilkins one of the star men taking a breather.
“It’s no excuse,” said Roux, “but those Vodacom Cup call-ups didn’t help our preparation entirely last week.
“All the guys I selected know the structures that I coach, so I can’t hide behind the excuse (of losing all those players), but it doesn’t help when you lose the spine of your team – loose forward, flyhalf, centre – before a game.”
Roux is not sure who he will be able to select for next week’s game against FNB NMMU – WP’s 2009 Vodacom Cup campaign kicks-off this weekend – but he is hoping that he gets some clarity in due course in order to announce his team before the weekend.
Monday’s NMMU clash is one of two remaining home games for the Maties in the run-in to the play-offs; a scenario that would please most coaches.
“NMMU and Tukkies are two tough fixtures, but we’re looking forward to playing those (two) games at home. And if all goes according to plan, we should secure a home semifinal,” said Roux.
“We love playing at home and our record reflects that,” he added.
“Playing at home in the play-offs would be a great boost for us, but, at the same time, we don’t want to lose any momentum before the semifinals, which makes these last two games very important for us.”
Tukkies, who at one stage topped the Varsity Cup log, are suddenly on a two-game losing streak; having lost at home to UCT and then taking a fearful hammering from Shimlas this past Monday.
Said Roux: “At one stage Tukkies looked to be everyone’s favourites… now they’re battling to make the semifinals.
“It’s a good lesson, however, for all the other teams. You can’t rest on your laurels in this competition and that’s why we want to finish our league season on a high at home and then focus our attention on the play-offs.”
Monday’s Maties-NMMU Varsity Cup fixture at the Danie Craven Stadium will kick-off at 4.45pm. The match will be televised live on SuperSport.
