'VC will get bigger and better' says Fleck
FNB UCT assistant coach Robbie Fleck has praised the Varsity Cup organisers for yet another successful hosting of the tournament, whilst he also believes the event can only continue to get “bigger and better” in the future.
Speaking to varsitycup.co.za after Monday night’s FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International Final between Maties and Pukke – with the Maties successfully defending their title with an 11-6 win – Fleck thought the 2009 tournament had superseded the 2008 event.
“The Varsity Cup is a serious, serious tournament,” said Fleck.
“Congratulations must go to Duitser Bosman and his team, as well as the various sponsors, for yet another fantastic tournament.
“The scary thing is that I have no doubt this tournament will get even bigger and better as the years go by. Us, as coaches, enjoy being involved, the players enjoy being involved, the students seem to love it and even the regular (normal) rugby supporters out there have taken to the Varsity Cup.”
The success of this year’s Varsity Cup aside, Fleck admitted that he did not quite agree with one change – the scrapping of the ‘festival-type’ tournament that took place in George last year.
“I think the George tournament (last year) was a huge success,” he told varsitycup.co.za.
“There was great rugby played, but, more importantly, it allowed the players and coaches an opportunity to mingle, whilst it also allowed the koshuis teams their chance in the sun. It doesn’t matter where this long weekend of rugby takes place – be it George, Potchefstroom or Stellenbosch; it would be nice to have it back.
“Make no mistake, the 2009 Varsity Cup was an improvement in every facet, they stepped up in every way possible – both on and off the field – but I would like to see that long weekend festival of rugby returning in 2010.”
Looking back at the 2009 Varsity Cup from a UCT point of view, Fleck added: “We trained and worked even more effectively than we did last year – but we knew we had to, given the quality of the tournament.
“At the same time we wanted to prove that last year’s performance wasn’t a flash in the pan from us, and I think we did,” he continued.
“We finished second on the log, but could easily have challenged for first place. We should’ve beaten Maties in our opening game, whilst we got things wrong tactically in our away game against Pukke.
“But all in all, it was another satisfying campaign for UCT, especially when you take into account the various hurdles in our way.”
Seventy-four players from the 2008 Varsity Cup earned professional contracts in 2009 and it would not be surprising if that number were to swell in 2010.
This year, for instance, Ikey Tigers fullback Therlow Pietersen – who was coached by Fleck at UCT – walked off with Back of the Tournament Award, whilst Pukke No.8 and captain Willem van der Wal was voted as the Forward of the Tournament.
Maties scrumhalf Donald Stevens – the leading points-scorer this season – received the Player of the Tournament Award, whilst the likes of BG Uys (Pukke), Johan Jackson (Tukkies), Tiger Bax (Ikeys) and Arné Grobbelaar (Shimlas) are other names worth remembering beyond the 2009 Varsity Cup.
“The Varsity Cup is also the ideal platform for players to launch their careers,” agreed Fleck.
“There is a lot of talent out there and a tournament like the Varsity Cup helps to ensure that all those talented guys that don’t get picked up at school or youth level don’t go walkabout for good.”
