Q&A with Andries Mahoney
We tracked down in-form Pukke scrumhalf Andries Mahoney to find out more about the man who scored a hat-trick of tries against Tukkies in Varsity Cup action last Monday.
The little No.9 (81kg and 1,70m) had to play second fiddle to Jean Tiedt for quite so time at Pukke, but has now establish himself as his team’s number one halfback – and it certainly showed against Tuks.
varsitycup.co.za caught up with the 25-year-old and wanted to know the following:
(1) Varsity Cup (VC): What has been the biggest highlight of your rugby career so far?
Andries Mahoney (AM): “I would have to say winning the Man of the Match Award against Maties in the 2008 Varsity Cup. And I also played for the Leopards when we once beat the Blue Bulls in a compulsory friendly match.”
(2) VC: Who was your rugby hero when you were young?
AM: “When I was younger it was Joost van der Westhuizen, but nowadays it is Fourie du Preez.”
(3) VC: Why did you specifically decide to go to Pukke?
AM: “They were the closest to home (Klerksdorp) and they were the only people who were interested in me after high school.”
(4) VC: What course did you study or are you studying?
AM: “I initially studied B.Com Sport and Recreation, but will now be doing a short course in project management at the NWU.”
(5) VC: Which Varsity Cup side do you most enjoy playing against and why?
AM: “The Maties – they are always a good team and the quality of rugby is very good. It’s always a tough and hard game.”
(6) VC: What would you describe as your strong points as a rugby player?
AM: “I would have to say that my strong points are my reading of the game and sniping breaks around the fringes.”
(7) VC: What’s your favourite rugby stadium in South Africa?
AM: “Loftus Versfeld.”
(8) VC: Do you struggle with butterflies (in your stomach) before matches. If so, how do you manage the pre-match nerves?
AM: “I do get nervous before a game but I try not to tense myself up too much. I would normally read a book and listen to some music to keep me calm.”
(9) VC: Do you have a personal goal for the 2010 Varsity Cup and the rest of the season?
AM: “To play every game to the best of my ability and just go out and enjoy every match… I would also love to make the SA Students team!”
(10) VC: Do you have any superstitions regarding rugby?
AM: “It’s not a superstition, but I always try to be the last one in the changeroom to put on my jersey. I have no idea why I do this, but I’ve done it since my high school days.”
By Ruan Bruwer
