Grobbelaar Shimlas' shining light
One of these standout players was eighthman Arné Grobbelaar, who can be seen as ‘Mr Consistency’ for the ‘Kovsies’.
The 25-year-old Grobbelaar – who was educated at Ermelo High – managed to stand out in a team that did not always have it their own way in the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
It was especially on the cover defence where Grobbelaar set an example to his team-mates with a never-say-die approach.
On two specific occasions he was the sole reason for teams not scoring against Shimlas…
Against the University of Johannesburg, their left-wing Baphiwe Mfundisie had an open tryline, but a last-ditch ankle-tap by the Shimlas No.8 brought him to ground. On another occasion against Tuks, he stopped flanker Daniel Crous less than a metre from the line.
Another aspect of Grobbelaar’s play was his great positional play – another trait of any good No.8. Against Tuks, he carried the ball 12 times. Yet, he also turned up everywhere in support and with the ball in hand he seemed to be a difficult bloke to bring to ground – he was seldom unsuccessful in getting over the advantage line.
Grobbelaar should be a strong challenger for inclusion in the national university squad that will be selected to play against the national team of the USA in June.
“Arné was one of our stalwarts and he displayed a fantastic work-ethic at training, as well as during matches. This helped to spark his team-mates,” Shimlas coach Jaco Swanepoel told varsitycup.co.za.
“He is a real team player who doesn’t play for himself, but rather for the other 14 players on the park.”
Swanepoel added that it was especially Grobbelaar’s positional play that showed a big improvement this year.
“His cover defence was fantastic and he stopped a few tries for us this year,” said the Shimlas coach, adding to what was written above.
“Furthermore, his physical condition was of a high standard and he was extremely fit this season.”
Grobbelaar played Vodacom Cup rugby for the Free State Cheetahs last year and should he continue the form he displayed in the Varsity Cup, provincial rugby could beckon – maybe even at Currie Cup level later this year…
By Ruan Bruwer
