Nepgen returns for Varsity Cup Final
Lock Jaco Nepgen has been named in the FNB Maties starting line-up for Monday evening’s Varsity Cup Final clash against the FNB Pukke at Stellenbosch’s Danie Craven Stadium.
Nepgen replaces Marinus Pretorius in the Maties second row in the only change to the side that thrashed FNB Tuks 38-14 in this past week’s 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International semifinal clash at the same venue.
Twenty-three-year-old Nepgen adds even more strength and skill to this already impressive Maties line-up, whilst Pretorius drops down to the bench where he replaces Eric Laubscher in the No.19 shirt.
Star flanker Wesley Wilkins will lead the Maties into battle, after missing last year’s final because of an ankle injury, whilst Donald Stevens – the leading points-scorer in the 2009 Varsity Cup – will once again wear the No.9 shirt for the Men in Maroon.
Of course, Maties coach Chean Roux guided his team to Varsity Cup glory in 2008, but the former WP No.8 admitted that victory was the only thing on his mind at this stage – and not any talk of repeat performances.
“I’ve still got a few grey hairs from that win last year,” joked Roux in conversation with varsitycup.co.za, “but that was then… it’s another year now and another Varsity Cup tournament.
“All the talk over us being the defending champions is just that – talk,” he added.
“Our only aim on Monday is to win the final. If, in so doing, we defend our title successfully, then that will be great, but our motivation is to go out there and win; not simply defend our title.”
FNB Maties: 15 Adnaan Osman, 14 Morné Jooste, 13 Jéan Stemmet, 12 Dabeon Draghoender, 11 Wilhelm Loock, 10 Johan Sadie, 9 Donald Stevens, 8 Cameron Peverett, 7 Jonathan Adendorf, 6 Wesley Wilkins (captain), 5 Jaco Nepgen, Hugo Kloppers, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Mathew Dobson, 1 Johan Roets.
Replacements: 16 JP Koster, 17 Andrew Crausaz, 18 Jean Rossouw, 19 Marinus Pretorius, 20 Morné Hanekom, 21 Johan Herbst, 22 Lwellyn Winkler.
Head coach: Chean Roux
Assistant coach: Warren Adams
Kick-off: Monday, March 30, 6.45pm – Danie Craven Stadium (Stellenbosch)
