Tuks choose for must-win match

FNB Tuks head Freddie Grobler has announced his team for Monday’s all-important FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International fixture against the unbeaten Maties in Stellenbosch.

Kruger van Heerden (right-wing), Johan Jackson (outside centre) and Franco Booysen (inside centre) are the new faces in the backline from last Monday’s loss to UJ, whilst the Tukkies mentor has also tweaked his forward pack for this must-win fixture.

The selection, however, of the potent Jackson at outside centre indicates that Tukkies will launch an all-out attack on the Maties.

Jackson, a star man for the Men from Pretoria this season, has played mostly at fullback, but his attacking prowess could be better utilised at centre against the defending champions.

Meanwhile, in changes up front, Jacques Botha replaces Peet Vorster at tighthead prop and Grobler has selected an all-new loose trio to take on the rampant Men in Maroon.

Daniel Nicholls, Tendayi Chikukwa and Devin Oosthuizen will line up at No.8, No.7 and No.6, respectively, with Oosthuizen – who was at No.6 against UJ last week – the only survivor from his side’s narrow 3-9 loss.

Nicholls replaces Willie Nel at No.8, whilst Tendayi Chikukwa is in for Gert Lubbe on the side of the scrum.

Tukkies have to beat Maties (kick-off 6.45pm) on Monday evening in order to advance to the semifinals of the 2009 Varsity Cup. A draw, with four tries, would also do – but then Tuks must hope that UJ do not beat NMMU by more than 28 points.

“It’s common knowledge that we’re not even being given the slightest of chances to beat Maties, but that makes the challenge and eventual reward so much bigger,” Tukkies coach Grobler told varsitycup.co.za.

“This might well be the right game and right opponents to play to our true potential for a change.”

FNB Tuks: 15 Shaun Davids, 14 Kruger van Heerden, 13 Johan Jackson, 12 Franco Booysen, 11 Luvuyo Mhlobiso, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Christian van den Berg, 8 Daniel Nicholls, 7 Tendayi Chikukwa, 6 Devin Oosthuizen, 5 Peet Botma, 4 Johan de Bruin (captain), 3 Jacques Botha, 2 Henry Bantjes, 1 Ettienne Breytenbach.
Replacements: 16 Corné Fourie, 17 Rossouw de Klerk, 18 Duncan Naude, 19 Danie Crous, 20 Ignick Windvogel, 21 Jaco Oosthuizen, 22 Sampie Mastriet.

Head coach: Freddie Grobler
Assistant coach: Cecil Botha

Kick-off: Monday, March 16, 6.45pm, Danie Craven Stadium