Verster's experience the clincher
The experience of loose forward Emile Verster made him a logical choice as the FNB TUT Vikings’ new captain for the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup competition presented by Steinhoff International.
“We are fielding a young team with little relevant experience. For them to stand their ground when the going gets tough, you need a cool head like Emile’s,” FNB TUT Vikings assistant coach Jimmy Watt told varsitycup.co.za.
“He is used to high pressure situations, having represented both the Bulls and Valke at Currie Cup level.”
The FNB TUT Vikings will also look to centre Henk de Ridder to steady things in the backline. Henk played for the Valke last year.
The TUT’s biggest test could be in the front row. Both starting props, Juan Pike and Braam van der Merwe are making their Varsity Cup debuts and it would come as a surprise if they are not targeted by UJ on Monday.
“I am not really worried about them being bullied,” said Watt.
“They have been part of the Blue Bulls’ structures for the last two seasons and represented their union at U19-level last year. They may only be 20, but are not novices in the true sense of the word.”
Pike and Van der Merwe are two of five players in the TUT Vikings’ 23 who represented the Blue Bulls’ Under-19 team in 2009.
By Morris Gilbert
