Roux: 'Varsity Cup remains the ultimate'
Whilst disappointed at missing out on qualifying for the 2009 National Club Championships, FNB Maties head coach Chean Roux believes Stellenbosch have already claimed the biggest club prize in South Africa this year – the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
The Maties have won two successive Varsity Cup titles (2008 and 2009), but Roux’s charges were not able to qualify for the 2009 Club Champs in Tukkies after going down to Hamilton’s two weeks ago.
Hamilton’s, who hail from Green Point, virtually booked their place at the Club Champs with back-to-back wins over Varsity Cup sides, the Maties and the Ikey Tigers – both victories being secured in the last minute.
“It is disappointing (not making the Club Champs),” said Roux to varsitycup.co.za.
“I was obviously disappointed after the loss to Hamilton’s, but – and I know this is going to sound strange – if you ask Western Province what they would rather want to win; the Super 14 or the Currie Cup, I am pretty sure they would say the Super 14.
“That’s how I feel about the Varsity Cup… Don’t get me wrong, it would’ve been fantastic to have a crack at the Club Championships, but in my mind the Varsity Cup is the biggest club title in the country.
“It’s exploded onto the local scene,” he explained, “the Club Champs has plenty of history, but the Varsity Cup is the trophy to win!”
Roux, however, issued a stern warning to Hamilton’s, who – after beating Helderberg 70-0 on Saturday – will be Western Province’s representatives at the 2009 National Club Championships at Tukkies in September.
“I actually want to give Moolies (Hamilton’s coach Anton Moolman) a ring and give him some advice,” said Roux. “You need experience when it comes to the Club Champs; you can’t just expect to rock up and win it on your first go.
“Four games in a week is a tough schedule for any side,” he added.
“That’s what makes it such a tough tournament and that’s why I think the university sides tend to do well. If I’m not mistaken, the last non-university side to win the Club Champs was Dick Muir’s Pirates team in 2001 – it proves just how hard it is for a ‘regular’ club side (to win).”
A quick peek at the WP Super League standings (see below), sees Hamilton’s well on top with nine wins in nine starts; followed by the Maties with six wins (one loss and a draw) from eight games, Victorians in third place, ‘Durbell’ in fourth and UCT in fifth position.
With Maties and the Ikeys having had a bye this past week – because of university exams – both Varsity Cup sides have a game in hand over Hamilton’s (UCT have two), as Maties look to get over their Club Champs disappointment by successfully defending their Super League title.
“We’ve not been at our best in the league,” admitted Roux.
“It’s been quite tricky assimilating the squad after the Varsity Cup; with the older guys coming back and the odd provincial call-up.
“I’m certainly not making any excuses,” he added, “but we’ve not been playing to our potential and that’s the trick to the next round of fixtures – ironing that out and getting a consistent team and level of play together.”
WP Super League log (as at June 8):
(Under played, won, points)
1. Hamilton’s 9, 9, 41
2. Stellenbosch 8, 6, 31
3. Victorians 9, 5, 27
4. ‘Durbell’ 8, 5, 24
5. UCT 7, 4, 23
6. NNK 8, 4, 20
7. SK Walmers 9, 3, 20
8. Villager 8, 2, 10
9. Helderberg 8, 2, 10
10. Kraaifontein 8, 0, 1
