TUT aiming for that elusive win

It is one thing to compete well, but another to master the art of winning. So says FNB TUT Vikings assistant coach Jimmy Watt, whose side has not won a match in the Varsity Cup since March 3, 2008.

"We have competed well in our last two matches and could have beaten both Tuks [30-42] and the Ikey Tigers [19-25] if we had more luck.

"In is also true, however, that you make your own luck and the lack of it is what has put us short of a win every time. We gained a lot of self-confidence from our last two performances, but need to take it further now. And a win will do us the world of good," said Watt.

Not that it will be easy pickings in Bloemfontein on Monday, as the FNB Shimlas "are a far better team than their current position on the log reflects".

Said Watt: "We know they will be desperate to win, but that can also make us rise to the occasion."

Watt, meanwhile, confirmed that the Vikings' regular flyhalf, Jacques Venter, would not be available for selection against the Men from Bloemfontein (kick-off 6.30pm at Shimla Park).

"His shoulder injury is not as serious as we initially feared, but it would still have been a huge risk to play him against the Shimlas," the TUT boss told varsitycup.co.za.

Jaco Oosthuizen looks set to take over from Venter, with Simpiwe Nthunkulu slotting in at outside centre in the former's place.

By Morris Gilbert