'Same' story for ever-changing Tuks
It has been FNB Tuks’ Varsity Cup story of 2010: an ever-growing injury list and yet more changes to their starting line-up.
And head coach Freddie Grobler did not break with this ‘tradition’ on Thursday by announcing a side with six changes for FNB Tuks’ concluding match in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
Tuks play the FNB Ikey Tigers in Cape Town on Monday, March 15 – the result which could decide the battle for second place on the log and, thereby, who (between UCT and Pukke) hosts the other home semifinal. (The Maties have already booked their third successive home semi.)
This time there are six changes to the Tukkies starting XV – of which four were necessitated by injury.
In the match against FNB Shimlas last week – which Tuks lost 23-27 – Francois van Wyk (lock) broke his arm, Robbie Coetzee (hooker) sustained concussion, Tendayi Chikukwa (flank) injured his knee and winger Tom Seabela cut his lip.
They have, this week, been replaced by Franco Mostert, Chris Crous, Oswin Mentoor and Clayton Blommetjies, respectively.
The other changes are at flyhalf, where SA Under-20 ace – and goalkicking star – Justin van Staden takes over from Stanley Twiname and at tighthead prop where Hein Viljoen replaces Peet Vorster.
The FNB Tuks team: 15 Shaun Davids (captain), 14 Dirk Dippenaar, 13 Ernie Kruger, 12 Gertjie Smith, 11 Clayton Blommetjies, 10 Justin van Staden, 9 Ettiene Greeff, 8 Dan Nichols, 7 Oswin Mentoor, 6 Marius Weber, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Tiaan Nel, 3 Hein Viljoen, 2 Chris Crous, 1 Corné Fourie.
Replacements: 16 Sylvester Booysen, 17 Musa Tukela, 18 Joe Walters, 19 Ntokoza Mashele, 20 Louis van Biljon, 21 Terrence Jacobs, 22 Stanley Twiname, 23 Peet Vorster.
Head coach: Freddie Grobler
Date: Monday, March 15
Venue: Groote Schuur Rugby Fields
Kick-off: 6.30pm
Referee: Tiaan Jonker
By Morris Gilbert
