Impressed Le Roux picks Maties for VC glory
He was once a World Cup-winning Springbok renowned for his astute decision-making on the field. But it’s not an ability Hennie le Roux has lost since retiring from the game, in fact, his rugby-brain is still vividly showcased by the strident views he gives as a Varsity Cup commentator on SuperSport.
Le Roux’s role as a technical advisor to FNB NMMU was hamstrung this season by other commitments – but having commentated on a few matches in the Varsity Cup, the former Bok inside back is perfectly qualified to provide some necessary neutral insights into what has been a remarkable two months of student rugby.
“The most vivid aspect for me,” Le Roux told varsitycup.co.za, “has been the growth of this tournament.
“So many more people have become involved in the tournament, whether it be coaching staff, administrators or players,” he added.
The former NMMU and UJ stalwart has been particularly impressed by the intensity of the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, which “necessitated teams sharpening up their skills and mental fitness”.
Taking into account how things rapidly progressed; in terms of what is at stake and the narrowing differences between the eight universities, he feels that the Varsity Cup has a bright future, saying: “I think one should see this tournament as a process, where step-by-step it will just become better for the game.
“In three to five years, SA Rugby will see the return on this investment. There is definitely a bright future ahead for student rugby and, in particular, the Varsity Cup.”
From a long-term perspective, Le Roux’s insights are music to the ears but with final-fever progressively raising the proverbial mercury in the thermometer, one could be forgiven for considering FNB Maties and Pukke’s showdown a tad more important – at least for one more week.
Unlike some of the knowledgeable individuals interviewed on varsitycup.co.za thus far, Le Roux is much more assertive on whom he thinks will walk away with the honours next Monday.
“After their semifinal result, you probably will have to go with Maties,” he said. “I would have to say they are favourites for the clash.”
He cautioned, however: “I wouldn’t discount Pukke, who are playing some really good 15-man rugby at the moment, but a lot will hinge on how they approach the game. If they keep it tight they will do well, but they cannot allow Maties to start throwing the ball around.
“Both teams have some very good players and I think the match has the potential to be a classic final,” Le Roux concluded.
By Heinz Schenk
