Hoffmann will play 'anywhere'

As the positional debate continues to follow FNB Maties halfback Conrad Hoffmann during his fledgling rugby career, the Varsity Cup star does not actually mind where he starts for the defending champions.

After starting Stellenbosch's first two matches in the No.9 jersey (against NMMU and TUT), Hoffmann was in sparkling form at flyhalf last week as he guided the back-to-back champs to their third successive bonus point victory of the 2010 season - this time against UJ.

Whilst Maties coach Chean Roux was understandably pleased with Hoffmann's performance in the No.10 shirt, which saw him claim a second Man of the Match Award in a row, the Western Province and Stormers' brainstrust - who believe his future lies at flyhalf - would have been even more elated.

However, the man, himself, is pretty non-plussed about the entire positional debate, and when quizzed about his favourite playing position he told varsitycup.co.za: "I'm comfortable in both positions.

"It's tough switching between scrumhalf and flyhalf during a game, but I enjoy the challenge and I will play anywhere where asked."

At 22 years of age, Hoffmann - who is studying finance through Unisa - is hardly a veteran, but in terms of his experience and vast rugby CV, he is one of the more senior members of this Maties squad.

"I'm hardly old, but some of the guys in the squad make me feel (old)," he quipped. "It's great though," he added, "the younger guys have plenty of energy... they're full of life and love training - it keeps us all on our toes."

The Maties would have to be odds-on favourites at this stage of the season - with a full-house of 15 log points - to secure a third Varsity Cup title in a row, but they could without the likes of Hoffmann, and other players, when the Vodacom Cup kicks-off this coming weekend.

"It's quite tough with the two tournaments; playing on a Monday and again on a Saturday," said the Maties ace.

"I am pretty sure that the Maties will be quite hard hit by Vodacom Cup call-ups, but the great thing about this club is the immense depth - something which is very important in a top-level competition like the Varsity Cup."

* The Maties will host the previously unbeaten FNB Shimlas - they lost that record against the Pukke in Potch last week - at the Danie Craven Stadium and Hoffmann is looking forward to, once again, running out in front of a passionate home crowd on Monday, February 22 (kick-off 7.30pm).

"No other team can draw a crowd like the Maties, it's incredible," he said.

"I've obviously played in front of some bigger crowds before, but the student influence in the crowd makes for an unbelievable atmosphere at the Danie Craven Stadium."

* More stories on Conrad Hoffmann: Maties skare inspireer Hoffmann & Hoffmann, Maties singing in the rain.