Stellenbosch setting the standards
It is going to take a miracle for the FNB Pukke to beat the FNB Maties in Stellenbosch next week.
Maties, yesterday, secured another meticulously planned 33-17 victory over the selfsame NWU-Pukke in the final round robin match of the season and look poised to remain the only side that has had the honour of lifting the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
The Stellenbosch squad host the team they beat last night – Pukke – and what should send shivers down the spines of most Potchefstroom students is the fact that Maties coach Chean Roux believes there is still room for improvement.
“I do not think we have fired on all cylinders once in this competition, as there has always been a pass going astray or some of our plans that have not clicked as they are supposed to,” said Roux.
“I hope it will happen soon and the play-offs is as good a time as any,” he added.
Roux’s team will, however, not be expecting their semifinal opponents to take it lying down and this is where preparation plays a vital role.
In last night’s match against Pukke, his team remained calm in defence and again made sure they capitalised from their opponents’ mistakes.
“They (Pukke) showed a lot of character, but I think our defence was very good and that was something we worked really hard at improving this week,” said Roux, no doubt referring to the three tries they conceded against UCT last Monday.
But part of a coach’s job is finding fault – even when they win.
“I am slightly disappointed that they scored a try from a rolling maul with only seven forwards on the pitch, but tactically the guys played very well,” said the coach, who is yet to taste defeat in 2010.
As for the manner in which Maties frustrated the home side by securing and utilising turnover possession, Roux said: “I think it is more a matter of defence with the guys getting in double hits and not as much how we contest at the breakdowns.
“We actually try to stay away from the breakdowns because it is such a grey area and rather focus on offensive defence.”
Hosting a semifinal – and possibly the final – at home should make the Maties favourites to retain their title for the third consecutive year, but Roux needs no reminder of how tough knockout matches are.
“I would like to believe that the Danie Craven Stadium [in Stellenbosch] is an intimidating venue – but, in saying that, when it comes to semifinals it is almost like T20 cricket where any team can win on any day…
“I believe it will go well if we stick to our structures and if the guys know what has happened up to this point means nothing,” the Stellenbosch mentor commented.
The Maties squad did not hang around the Fanie du Toit Stadium for too long on Monday night, before they were whisked away to get ready for Tuesday’s practice session. And who could blame them, as their coach will not rest until the job is done.
“Tomorrow everything starts from the beginning; no one is going to have a rest or a break as we know how tough it is going to be,” concluded Roux, the former WP and Stormers No.8.
By Michael Mentz
