Shimlas boss: Tap option will keep coaches on their toes

OPTION: Shimlas coach André Tredoux says that the tap and go conversion option introduced by Varsity Cup this season will force teams to rethink their game management strategies.

The 2026 Varsity Cup kicked off on Monday, with Shimlas beating Maties 50-39 in the opening match staged in Bloemfontein.

Later in the evening, Tuks claimed a 38-22 win over reigning champions UCT in Pretoria, the NWU Eagles thumped CUT 59-42, while UJ outlasted newcomers Emeris 61-41 in Johannesburg.

Some of those results will raise a few eyebrows.

Shimlas and Tuks got their revenge after losing to Maties and UCT, respectively, in the 2025 semifinals.

The result in Johannesburg may well prove decisive at the end of the league stage, as the likes of UJ and Emeris battle to avoid relegation.

Results aside, there’s been a lot of talk about the “tap try” law innovation and how it will influence the tactics of the respective teams.

Scoring teams now have the option of tapping a conversion and earning a further five points for a “tap try” – as opposed to the two awarded for a successful kick at poles.

It’s now possible to come away with 10 points for a try and a successful tap conversion.

If the initial try originated in the attacking team’s half – otherwise known as a Point of Origin try in the Varsity Cup, worth seven points – the team will earn a total of 12 points from that one play.

This past Monday, Maties completed two successful tap conversions in a losing effort.

Shimlas were in control for much of the contest and went on to win by 11 points.

And yet, the new law forced the coaches to approach the game – particularly in the latter stages – in a different manner.

“It’s an exciting innovation that has forced everyone to think a bit differently, whether they are attacking or defending that play,” Tredoux told Rugby365.

“Back in 2024, we ran everything. I think we kicked two penalties over the course of the whole season.

“If you look at this campaign, we’ve already kicked two penalties in our very first match.

“We were leading 44-29 at one stage in the second half, and we decided to kick two penalties. That’s what the threat of a Point of Origin try and the possible reward for the tap conversion forces you to do.

“We knew that an 11-point lead wouldn’t be enough at that stage, as teams can now score 12 in the final play of the game. You’re constantly thinking about the permutations.”

The story continues below…

#VarsityCup WRAP: Tuks upset Ikeys, Shimlas too good for Maties 👇#Ikeys #Maties #UPTuks #Shimlas https://t.co/nZTvKAxEJj

— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) February 17, 2026

Permutations aside, the innovation has forced teams to adapt their tactics.

“It means more attacking rugby, but doesn’t necessarily suit every team,” Tredoux explained.

“Shimlas enjoy attacking rugby, but we want to play in open space. The tap forces teams to compete in a small area [the attacking team restarts on the 22m line] after a try is scored.

“It does provide some opportunities to be creative with the tap, but defences also have the chance to defend a smaller area of the field. So it keeps you on your toes.”

Furthermore, the players’ fitness levels may be tested like never before.

“Another thing to consider is the break for rest after a try is scored – whether you’re the attacking or defending side.

“In the past, you had a minute to catch your breath after a try, but now you have to focus on going again on attack or manning up in defence.

“It’s a big ask in terms of the players’ fitness.”

Having come through the challenge with a bonus-point win, Shimlas have begun their 2026 campaign on the best possible note.

The Bloemfontein-based side won the tournament in 2024, but were beaten by Maties in the 2025 semifinals.

“We lost 17 of the 23 players after the 2024 Final, so it was always going to be a challenge for a less experienced side across the 2025 season,” Tredoux said.

“I think we learned a lot over the course of that campaign, and a lot of the individuals are a bit wiser in terms of their decision-making in 2026.”

It won’t get any easier for Shimlas, when they host Tuks next Monday.

The Pretoria outfit made a statement in the recent win over the Ikeys, and will be desperate to add another big scalp to their tally when they head down to Bloem.

“They’re a physical side that go hard and straight, and we will have to do our homework if we want to succeed against them next week.”