'Pukke moving on up' says V/d Wal
There is no doubt that FNB NWU Pukke's 19-9 win over UJ on Monday was a big moment in this year's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International. But by taking some extra knowledge into account, it is not that surprising.
Just last week, varsitycup.co.za alluded to the two teams' participation in the same local club competition.
Now, not only has this win given the Men from Potchefstroom valuable experience and knowledge of UJ's stronghold, but results have also gone their way in recent years - leading to a progressive psychological stranglehold over their UJ counterparts. (Also, remember that Pukke demolished UJ 67-14 in their corresponding Varsity Cup fixture in George last year.)
But, despite all of this, Puk captain and stalwart Willem van der Wal has sensibly downplayed the importance of such notions.
"It is undeniable that it helps to know your opponents," he told varsitycup.co.za, "but every game is a fresh start to the rivalry. Anything can happen on the day between Pukke and UJ."
Monday's match was a typical UJ-Pukke affair where both teams never gave an inch and where the team that played the big points well, won the contest. In fact, that was the reason why Van der Wal was so pleased with his side's victory.
That aside, the No.8 also felt that UJ "provided stern resistance and resilience" that required his team to "constantly be on alert".
"These guys are really tough to beat," added Van der Wal. "They certainly lift their game when we play them and I think we can be pleased after walking away with a win."
According to the former Leopards player, the victory could also have been attributed to the team's more expansive approach.
Van der Wal noted that they had previously adopted a more "structured approach" and that coach Rudy Joubert, known for his liking of free-thinking and bold rugby, encouraged the shift.
Well, it certainly showed on the night, as Pukke's three tries to UJ's three penalties ultimately handed the visitors their third - and no doubt most important - victory of the season.
"Our team is used to having professional coaches with Matthew Proudfoot being here previously, but Rudy has fitted in really well and has just continued building on the structures that have been in place," he said.
Despite the euphoria of making a big stride towards play-off qualification, Van der Wal insists that the team cannot afford a slip-up at this late juncture of the 2009 Varsity Cup.
"TUT are going to be tough opponents," said the Puk captain.
"They have lost some matches in the last 10 minutes this season and with nothing to lose now (in terms of the semifinals), they will be a dangerous proposition for us."
Monday's game is an important away fixture for the Men from the North West, who are fourth on the Varsity Cup standings with two rounds of league action remaining. Play, at the TUT Stadium, will get underway at 6.45pm.
By Heinz Schenk