Laubscher living in the moment
FNB NMMU flyhalf Willem Laubscher admits that the first two weeks of the 2010 Varsity Cup have been 'a struggle' for the Madibas, but he is still loving every minute of playing in such a great competition.
Laubscher grew up on a farm in the Hex River Valley just outside of Cape Town and, after doing a 'post-Matric' at St. Stithians in Johannesburg, followed by a stint studying at NWU-Pukke, he now finds himself playing his rugby in Port Elizabeth.
The 24-year-old, who idolises World Cup-winning English No.10 Jonny Wilkinson, loves giving the players around him space to show off their skills.
"I think my game is all about distribution - what I really like to do is put other players in space," he told varsitycup.co.za.
"I am probably more of a kicking and passing flyhalf than a running one," he continued. "But I think in my position you have to do a bit of everything."
The former Paarl Gymnasium pupil says he "loves the responsibility" of his playmaking role, but admits "it's difficult to do anything when we haven't got any possession!".
NMMU have had a difficult start to this year's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, having conceded 60 points in their two matches in this year's campaign thus far.
Laubscher is the first to admit that his young side are struggling to adapt to the required levels of competition in South Africa's premier student rugby tournament, but - as one of just four players with previous Varsity Cup experience - he is expecting things to get better.
"It has been a big, big struggle this season," he said, "especially seeing as though we have had a lot of young guys having come in from around the country.
"This tournament is all about the depth of your squad, and I think maybe some of the guys are a bit too comfortable in their positions," added. "I think we will see a shake-up for the game on Monday."
Things do not get any easier for the men from Port Elizabeth in Round Three, as they welcome John Dobson's dangerous Ikey Tigers side to the Xerox NMMU Stadium.
But, as a player with a naturally cheery disposition, Laubscher - a self-confessed farm-boy - is just happy to have the opportunity of playing in a tournament that has quickly established itself as the breeding ground for South African rugby talent.
"It means a lot to me (to be involved in the Varsity Cup); I think it would mean a lot to any player [if you asked them]," he said.
"I would love to go on and play at a higher level, but you can never guarantee that. For the moment I am just enjoying playing rugby while it lasts."
By Tim Human