Goal achieved by in-form Vishuis

Steinhoff Vishuis (Kovsies) are expecting a tough assignment come Monday, when they take on Steinhoff Villagers - from Pukke - in one of the semifinals of this year's Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships.

Vishuis qualified for a home semifinal, going through the group stages - in the Northern Section - unbeaten. What was especially impressive in their three matches, however, is that they conceded 15 points only - at an average of five per match.

That record aside, Vishuis coach Jan Earle warned: "We have to be on our toes come Monday.

"We're expecting a tough fixture, as there is always a rivalry between any Shimlas and Pukke team, so we're expect the same in the semifinals," he told varsitycup.co.za.

Last week, of course, Vishuis demolished the NMMU Madibaz 108-3 and Earle was, understandably, well satisfied with his boytjies' performance.

"I thought we used our chances well and, overall, it was a much better performance than the week before," he said.

"I also believe we were far better disciplined in our play - our lineouts worked fine, we executed our gameplan well and we gave away fewer penalties. Apart from those improvements, we pretty much achieved our goal for the match."

Earle was especially proud of his guys for playing the whole 80 minutes.

"We never lied down," said the coach. "The 100-point scoreline kept the guys motivated throughout. At half-time, Jos [captain Jos de Klerk] said to the guys we must try to go for 80 points. But they set that target further as the second half progressed."

Wisely, Earle took a few of his star players off at half-time to give everyone a run ahead the semifinals and final. Speaking about team selection, he added: "I now have a very good idea on what our best starting line-up is. The match definitely helped in that regard, to know who the best guy in each position is."

He said Vishuis would spend some time concentrating on scrums this week as he was not very impressed with that facet of their play.

By Ruan Bruwer