'Game-by-game' says De Klerk

Clinton de Klerk, FNB UJ's new FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International captain, believes the highly-competitive nature of the tournament makes a game-by-game approach 'non-negotiable'.

"It goes without saying that we would very much like to make the play-offs, but the focus now is squarely on our first game against TUT on Monday.

"We have to start right as one slip can eventually be one slip too much," said De Klerk on varsitycup.co.za.

He gave the assurance that UJ will not underestimate the FNB TUT Vikings. "What happened last year (when TUT lost all their matches) is ancient history," stressed the UJ skipper.

"It is a new year with new challenges. When you underestimate any team in the Varsity Cup you do so at your own peril. We will not make that mistake."

Clinton agrees with head coach Hugo van As that all the structures and systems introduced last year will start taking effect in this year's Varsity Cup series.

"I'm very satisfied with our pre-season preparations. The warm-up matches against Shimlas and the Pumas were both very physical, but even so we have had no serious injuries. I contribute that to our excellent conditioning," he added.

What excites him most is the drastic improvement in the execution of their gameplan.

Clinton (pictured, above, with Breyton Paulse) feels privileged to be part of the 2010 Varsity Cup.

"It is a fantastic competition," he enthused.

"All the teams try to play traditional student rugby and the vibe on and off the make for exceptional spectator value. It is my second year of Varsity Cup participation and I can not wait for February 1. Let the games begin!"

As for his new role, Clinton - who again will play outside centre for UJ - believes a captain should set such an example on and off the field that every player would want to look up to him.

By Morris Gilbert