Why Varsity Cup is the key pathway to Springbok Women
INTERVIEW: The fourth edition of the Women’s Varsity Cup got off to a flying start last Friday as the six teams in action delivered some cracking performances.
Defending champions Maties were stunned 19-5 by the University of Fort Hare (UFH), while UKZN defeated UWC 14-10 at home.
One of the tournament favourites, UP-Tuks, edged UJ 19-7 in rain-soaked conditions in Johannesburg to kick off their campaign on a high, much to the delight of head coach, Lizanne Jacobs.
“I think we handled the ball fantastically, it was wet and slippery, and we had to change our game plan,” Jacobs told Rugby365.
“UJ are a good side, and we have struggled against them in the past, so I’m proud of the girls; they did well.”
Jacobs has been at the Tuks helm for the past three seasons, and they’ve fallen short of claiming top honours on numerous occasions.
While the pursuit of a maiden title continues, the coach has been impressed with the tournament’s progression and contribution to the women’s game.
“When it [the Varsity Cup Women’s tournament] started, we weren’t sure what we were getting,” she said.
“But a couple of years on, I think it’s a massive tournament contributing towards the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa.
“This is where we start preparing and developing the players towards the Springboks. The standards are high in these Varsity games, and that equips the players for national duty.”
While Jacobs is pleased with the strides made by the tournament, she believes there’s more that still needs to be done.
“There are small things that need to be improved.
“If we could combine the women’s tournament with the men’s campaign or have more curtain raisers before the men’s game.
“I think that would help get more eyeballs on the women’s game. We often play in empty stadiums, and that doesn’t help the cause.”
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The Tuks coach has also been keeping an eye on the ongoing Women’s Super League 1.
She’s been impressed by the log leaders, the Bulls Daisies, but feels the tournament is missing an ingredient with the lack of competitiveness.
“You can’t deny that the competition has shown immense growth.
“What would help is to have the other unions step up and professionalise the game like the Bulls Daisies have done but it’s not as easy as it sounds.
“As things stand, they [Bulls Daisies] are dominating, but I would like to see them being pushed hard and see the tournament become a bit more competitive and tough.”
Tuks will look to make it two wins in a row when they return to action on Friday against Maties in Pretoria.
