Varsity Cup chat - Part I
With the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International upon us, do you predict a major fightback such as the one in the opening game last season when Tukkies and Maties played to a draw? Do you back the Ikeys for another giant-killing season, as they did in 2008, or do you favour the traditional powerhouses in Varsity rugby?
It is time for you to test your knowledge and get your mates involved in a fun competition where you will be able to win some fantastic prizes.
The first shots in a fantastic rugby season will be fired on Monday night when the top eight varsities get the season underway.
There are a few questions to be answered on the opening Monday Night's rugby.
Will the southern universities again rule the competition and play in an all-southern final, just like last season, or will their northern counterparts stand up to be counted?
The day kicks off when the Shimlas, traditionally one of the of the big feeder universities, play the Nelson Mandela Metro University in Cape Town.
The Shimlas have a traditional young team leaded with ex Grey College stars in their midst. They might lack the big names of some other universities but have a brilliant coach and can never be under rated.
Names such as the 19-year-old former Dale flyhalf Lionel Cronjé could be household names by the end of the competition, which introduced the Ebersohn twins last year.
The NMMU can never be underestimated. They have strengthened their side with quality players from all over the country and have a wise coach in Kolie Brandt.
Last year's finalists, the eventual champions, Maties and Ikeys, meet in the main match of the opening Monday night.
Maties won the final in the dying seconds and this time they travel to the heart of Ikey land with their fanatical support.
The big question is whether the Cape Town student can produce another season of brilliant attacking rugby and surprise every opponent in the process.
They have appointed Jake White, Bob Skinstad and Tom Noakes to assist John Dobson and Robbie Fleck, while the Maties have strengthened their player pool.
Former Pukke centre and new Stormers recruit Paul Bosch is in the Maroon jersey on Monday night and the Stellenbosch students have a long rugby history they will have to defend.
In Potchefstroom the UJ, with a number of new recruits in their midst, face the Tshwane University of Technology in a major showdown. Neither of the teams lived up to expectations last season and both have worked hard to up their ante.
New UJ fullback Earl Lewis could be one of the stars of the tournament, while lock forward Rob Andrew could use this competition to elevate himself into the big time. But UJ could pay a heavy price by under-estimating TUT, who beat the mighty Pukke in a major upset in Potchefstroom last season.
The main dish of the night is the one between hosts, the Pukke, with Rudy Joubert as their new coach, against traditional rivals, Tukkies.
Pukke have opted for a mixture of experienced forwards and youthful backs and no fewer than 10 of Hannes Esterhuizen's Under-21 of last year have been included in the firsts.
Tukkies will bring an exciting brand to the party with their strength obviously in their midfield, where former Valke centres, Franco Booysen and Johan Jackson, partner each other.
Both have played for Joubert last season he will know their strengths and weaknesses.
So who do you pick, will you play it safe and pick the traditional powerhouses, or will you live on the edge?