Visagie to lead UJ into battle
Hooker Neil Visagie will captain the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in their 2009 Varsity Cup opener against TUT at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds (kick-off 4.45pm).
Visagie will lead a powerful pack in one of two clashes in Potchefstroom on Monday, the other, of course, sees Pukke host Tukkies at 6.45pm.
Andre Smith and Earl Lewis have been named at flyhalf and fullback, respectively, after both impressing in a warm-up match against Russia last week – a game UJ won 36-15 at Milopark.
UJ, who are under the tutelage of former Transvaal centre Hugo van As, finished fifth in last year’s FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International and will be looking to push for a semifinal place in 2009.
“There’s a lot at stake in the Varsity Cup with guys getting contacts after performing in the tournament,” said UJ team manger Muhammed Moosa.
“There’s also a lot of money involved in the competition, so we want to make sure that our team has the best possible chance of succeeding in the tournament.”
UJ: 15 Earl Lewis, 14 Edrich van Tonder, 13 Clinton de Klerk, 12 JJ Pienaar, 11 Yannick Wambo, 10 André Smit, 9 Jaco Snyman, 8 Torrie Meyer, 7 Hennie Killian, 6 Frikkie Maartens, 5 Andries Nel, 4 Rob Andrew, 3 Clint van Niekerk, 2 Neil Visagie (captain), 1 Wayne Swart.
Replacements: 16 Edgar Mareltulle, 17 Ryno Bosman, 18 Martyn Lombard, 19 Sisa Mafu, 20 Bakkies van Zyl, 21 Arno Coetzee, 22 Deon Assegaai.
Coach: Hugo van As
Assistant coaches: E van As, M Masina
Kick-off: Monday, February 2, 4.45pm, Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds
