Oosthuizen handed TUT flyhalf role
The inclusion of Jaco Oosthuizen at flyhalf will probably see the FNB TUT Vikings take on a more direct approach in their FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International match against the FNB Shimlas in Bloemfontein on Monday.
Oosthuizen replaces the injured Jacques Venter in the No.10 jersey in one of two changes to the FNB TUT Vikings squad that went down 19-25 to UCT on Monday.
The other change is at outside centre where Simphiwe Mtkulu takes over from Oosthuizen.
According to FNB Vikings assistant coach Jimmy Watt, Oosthuizen is as at home at flyhalf as he is at outside centre.
“Jaco took over at flyhalf in the second half of our opening game against UJ. He also moved to this position when Jacques had to leave the field last Monday in the match against the Ikey Tigers.
“He is a more physical flyhalf who likes to take the shortest route to the opponents’ tryline and his direct style of play will put pressure on the Shimlas’ first line of defence,” added Watt.
“Taking about defence, we will also have to be at the top of our game as Shimlas can create something from virtually nothing. Our first-time tackling will have to be clinical as to not give them time and space to launch attacks.”
* There might be a third change on the cards for TUT, as lock Dewald van Deventer injured his neck during training on Thursday night. The Vikings will know later today if he will be cleared to play.
The FNB TUT Vikings team: 15 Hansie Graaff, 14 Johan Swartz, 13 Simphiwe Mtkulu, 12 Lutho Nyeka, 11 Thabo Motau, 10 Jaco Oosthuizen, 9 Manny Raposo, 8 Wikus Botes, 7 Emile Verster (captain), 6 Vincent Gwavu, 5 Dewald van Deventer, 4 Johan Steenkamp, 3 Braam van der Merwe, 2 Dean Muir, 1 Juan Pike.
Replacements: 16 Alfred Khoza, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Werner Lourens, 19 Ryno Lopes, 20 Theunis Schoeman, 21 Adilo Courtiers, 22 Ruan van Loo, 23 Marco van Deventer.
Head coach: Alex de Kock
Assistant coach: Jimmy Watt
Date: Monday, March 1
Venue: Shimla Park
Kick-off: 6.30pm
Referee: Dilbert November
By Morris Gilbert
