Van As: 'We need that bit of luck'

FNB UJ are one of the form teams heading into the 2010 National Club Championships, but coach Hugo van As is hoping that a few 'external factors' will help his team's bid for glory at the tournament in Stellenbosch.

UJ recently beat fellow Varsity Cup side, FNB Pukke, in the final of their local club league (the Pirates Grand Challenge) - proving just what they are capable of - and all of which augurs well ahead of their first-round Club Champs clash with another Varsity Cup side, FNB Tuks.

"To be honest, we don't know a helluva lot about Tuks," Van As told varsitycup.co.za.

"They've changed their coaching team since the Varsity Cup... and that means a change in their playing structures. They also have a few new faces in their squad and they're also in good form at the moment."

Tuks recently beat Police 49-23 in the Carlton Cup Final - to book their place at the National Club Champs - but Van As admitted: "To be honest, we're more worried about our own game than Tuks'.

"We picked up one or two injuries in the final, but we've basically got the same team that did so well for us during the league.

"On the whole, our squad is quite healthy, but the Club Champs is a tough tournament... I mean, you play four matches in a week - so you need more than just a good group; you also need that bit of luck.

"Take our first game (against Tuks)," explained the UJ boss. "We're playing at 11.45am - that's a lot different to playing at 1.30pm or 5.15pm... all those external factors - the rest you get, the time you play, your injuries - it all makes a big difference at a tournament like this."

On the whole, however, Van As is looking forward to UJ's trip to Stellenbosch - the home of the Maties.

"We couldn't possibly have done more," he said.

"We're in good spirits, especially after our final win over Pukke, but we're aware just how big a challenge we're facing. Your Club Champs campaign could end with a first-round loss and then it's back to reality.

"But hopefully we can get past Tuks and then face an easier clash in the next round."

* UJ will be captained at the Club Champs by outside centre Clinton de Klerk (pictured, above) - as they were during the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.