EXCLUSIVE: UCT pack out to challenge perceptions
The UCT Tigers have taken heart from their forward performance against Tuks and will target the Wits lineout in a campaign-shaping fixture on the Green Mile.
The 2024 Varsity Cup finalists have endured a difficult start to the 2025 season.
The Ikeys’ opening fixture against the NWU Eagles was postponed due to protest action at the University of Cape Town and moved to a private venue.
Despite the disruption, Robbie Fleck’s charges went on to claim a 32-23 win.
A week later, however, the Ikeys went down 19-23 to CUT in Bloemfontein.
As a result, the next fixture against an unbeaten Tuks side in Cape Town was identified as a must-win. After a fierce physical contest, the hosts emerged with a 36-29 victory.
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Former Scotland and Golden Lions loose forward Josh Strauss, who has worked closely with the Ikeys for the past three seasons, said that there were feelings of elation as well as relief in the wake of the win on the Green Mile.
“The message from Fleckie coming into that game was around consistency,” Strauss told Rugby365com.
“We didn’t start well against the Eagles and CUT, and we didn’t convert enough of our chances.
“In that CUT match, we had 23 entries into their 22m area, and blew three good chances to score tries.
“We knew that Tuks would present a different sort of challenge with their physicality and their expertise around the maul.
“It was a tough ask for us, and credit to forwards coach Joel Carew and the players in terms of how we came through that challenge.”
Tuks have been one of the form teams on show this season. After spending 2024 in the Varsity Shield, they have marked their return to Cup with convincing wins over Wits and UJ.
According to Strauss, the Pretoria-based side has lost none of its trademark physicality.
“We remembered what happened when we met them a few seasons back, with how they mauled us.
“There was a bit of concern around that threat going into this year’s fixture, and we put a lot of work into preparing for that challenge.
“I’m involved with the forwards, and we’ve spoken about how we want to change the perception around UCT’s pack this season.
“We’re known for a particular brand of rugby, and that won’t change, but we want to take our forward play to the next level.”
UCT have moved up to fourth position in the standings and will have the opportunity to climb the log further when they face last-placed Wits in Cape Town next week.
While Wits pushed the Eagles close, the 34-39 defeat on Monday marked their third loss of the campaign.
Strauss confirmed that the Ikeys – who have set their sights on a top-two finish – will take nothing for granted in the next match.
“The Wits match will require another shift in mindset. They’re a bit like CUT, in that they’re unpredictable and are very good at using the scraps to create an opportunity.
“They’ve lost a few players at the lineout, and that may be an area we can look at.”
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UCT will face traditional rivals Maties in round five, and finish their league campaign with matches against Shimlas and UJ.
“We won’t take anything for granted next week, or in the matches that follow,” Strauss said.
“Ideally, we’d like to host a playoff on the Green Mile, because we train in those conditions every day. Most visiting teams struggle to adapt to that wind, but we feel that we can use it to our advantage.
Last year, UCT played the last match of the league phase against NWU in Potchefstroom. They travelled back to Potch for the semi-finals, and then on to Bloemfontein for the final – which they lost to the Shimlas.
“That schedule was really tough on the boys,” Strauss said.
“It’s something we spoke about in the lead-up to this campaign. Obviously, we want to avoid a similar situation this year.
“We have a bit of momentum now after the win against Tuks, but we have to work to do against Wits if we’re going to stay in the frame for a home semi.”
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