Tuks look to their VC 'newbies'

FNB Tuks head coach Freddie Grobler has chosen 12 new 'caps' for his team's 2010 Varsity Cup opener against Pukke this Monday.

Of the 12 new faces in Grobler's 23-man matchday squad, eight of them have been named in the starting line-up to face last year's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International finalists.

The new faces in the starting XV are Gertjie Smith (fullback), Dirk Dippenaar (right-wing), Ernie Kruger (outside centre), Marius Weber (No.8), Marius Oosthuizen (flank), locks Francois van Wyk and Tiaan Nel and hooker Chris Crous.

According to Tuks coach Freddie Grobler, this is the best Tukkies have to offer as far as form and potential go.

"We are looking forward to the 2010 competition, as we have prepared well. However, the proof of the pudding remains in the eating," he told varsitycup.co.za.

The FNB Tuks team: 15 Gert Smith, 14 Dirk Dippenaar, 13 Ernie Kruger, 12 Franco Booysen, 11 Aaron Denenga, 10 Shaun Davids (captain), 9 Ignick Windvogel, 8 Marius Weber, 7 Marius Oosthuizen, 6 Warwick Tecklenburg, 5 Francois van Wyk, 4 Tiaan Nel, 3 Hein Viljoen, 2 Chris Crous, 1 Ettienne Breytenbach.
Replacements: 16 AJ le Roux, 17 Musa Tukela, 18 Joe Walters, 19 Oswin Mentoor, 20 Wesley Marais, 21 Donovan Marais, 22 Fanie Booysen, 23 Danie Oosthuizen.

Head coach: Freddie Grobler

Date: Monday, February 1
Venue: Tuks Athletic Stadium
Kick-off: 6.30pm
Referee: Archie Sehlako

By Morris Gilbert