Semifinals: The coaches speak
With the four 2010 Varsity Cup semifinalists confirmed, we caught up with the teams' respective coaches to get their views ahead of next week's play-off matches in Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
The Maties, of course, are everyone's favourites to once again hold aloft the Varsity Cup trophy at the end of this month, whilst UCT have joined their Western Cape rivals in claiming a third successive home semifinal in this competition.
For now, however, let's see what the men that matter the most - the coaches! - have to say ahead of next Monday's semifinals:
(1) Maties: First on log, v Pukke in semifinals (Stellenbosch)
Head coach CHEAN ROUX on...
Topping the log for the second year in a row: "We wanted a home semifinal - ending first, as nice as it is, wasn't actually a big issue for us. What we have achieved up until now, however, matters for nothing come the knockout stages and my players understand that."
Their semifinal opponents: "One could say that we have a mental edge over Pukke, especially after last night's win in Potchefstroom, but the big thing for me is that we won't be travelling for a semifinal. Playing at home in a knockout game is very important - it's more important than who your opponents are."
(2) UCT: Second on log, v Shimlas in semifinals (Cape Town)
Head coach JOHN DOBSON on...
Securing a third successive home semifinal: "Of course we are pleased and it certainly debunks the popular myth that we are a flash in the pan... I am not sure our home is a great advantage, given the conditions, but then again it is not a nice place for people to visit. I think we have shown that we are consistently a top Varsity Cup side (with our third home semifinal), but we really want to be in a final. It means the world to us!"
Their semifinal opponents: "I said before the tournament that this is a strong (best yet) Shimlas side and they have emphatically proved that. I think they have 15 points from their last three games, so have some serious momentum, and unquestionably deserve to be in the semifinals. We know it is going to be a very, very hard game of rugby; they never lie down and play a nice brand of rugby."
(3) Shimlas: Third on log, v UCT in semifinals (Cape Town)
Head coach JACO SWANEPOEL on...
Qualifying for a first-ever semifinal: "We're very excited and proud - after all, this is a prestigious competition. At the same time, it's also a great opportunity for the players and the union and, of course, a nice opportunity for us to put out something positive (out there) for the university."
Their semifinal opponents: "It will be a tough one for us - no doubt about it. UCT have enjoyed good consistency in selection this year and since the start of the Varsity Cup. They have played in two semifinals before, and they're at home, so there is a lot against us. But, at the same time, you have to 'rock up' to have a chance and that's what we will do!"
(4) Pukke: Fourth on log, v Maties in semifinals (Stellenbosch)
Head coach RUDY JOUBERT on...
Finishing fourth on the log: "We're not very happy with our fourth-place finish - we wanted to end in the top half of the draw. We had our chances during the league phase, especially against UCT [away] and UJ [home] and even though the scoreline doesn't look that way, we had our chances (against the Maties) last night."
Their semifinal opponents: "If you want to win this competition, you need to beat the best teams in order to do so! It's a great challenge (to play the Maties in Stellenbosch) and one we're looking forward to."