Muller & co. back in UCT's stripes

The FNB Ikey Tigers will be able to call upon a host of Western Province's Vodacom Cup stars for Saturday's WP Super League clash against Hamilton's - and one of those men is none other than Stormers lock Martin Muller.

Having made his Super 14 debut against the Chiefs just over a year ago - almost to the day - Muller's return to the UCT line-up will give the Varsity Cup finalists yet another string to their bow against the National Club champions.

The 1,98m tall second row forward is one of six players 'dropping down' to the UCT side after WP were knocked out of the Vodacom Cup and he cannot wait to wear the Blue & White hoops of a different sort this weekend.

"There's a few of us back in the UCT mix from the Vodacom Cup," said Muller on in-site.co.za.

"It's a pity that the Vodacom Cup cut short my Varsity Cup commitments, so it's always good to be back with all my mates at UCT. The door is open for the National Club Championships (qualification), but it's also a good opportunity for me to prove myself to the Stormers coaches in what is a huge club fixture."

After his brief taste of Super Rugby action last year, Muller is patiently waiting for his second crack in Stormers colours. However, the 22-year-old is well aware of what he needs to do in order to force his way back into the big time.

"Look, obviously it would be awesome to be part of the Stormers squad at the moment - especially with the way they've been playing," he said.

"But I know where I stand in the pecking order and I know what I need to do to get back in. The coaches are very open and I know who's ahead of me and even though I'm not about to get out the voodoo dolls or wish the guys above me any harm, rugby is a funny game.

"At the same time, despite not being in the Stormers team at present, I've been pretty happy with my performances this season," added Muller.

"I enjoyed the Varsity Cup with UCT, and then the Vodacom Cup with Western Province, and now it's back to UCT for some league action - all of which is great, as it's a great bunch of guys to play with."

Head coach John Dobson will announce the Ikey Tigers starting XV later in the week.

* Above picture courtesy of Peter van As.