Jacques takes a look at this weeks round of Varsity Cup action and the surprise package which is the team for PE.
by Jacques
We are in week four of the Varsity Cup and the competition is getting more exciting each week.
Varsity Cup is also promising to be as unpredictable as ever if you saw the Maties vs. Madiba’s game last week.
Looking at that game and the game last night (Saturday) of the newly promoted Kings, the Eastern Cape is busy evolving. A lot has been said by Morne and other bloggers on the undeveloped talent in the Eastern Cape and the region is showing the rest of the country they have arrived and they want to stay here.
I was stunned by the commitment of both (Senior and Varsity) teams this past week from the region and I will be the first to say in both my predictions I gave these matches to their opponents by plenty. How much do commitment and passion count for in a rugby match?
Rugby demands certain qualities of a man, commitment, courage, loyalty and the ability to earn your teammates’ trust. This is simple qualities that any team should have in there structures to be successful. These are the qualities I do see in Varsity teams and also over the weekend in the Kings Super Rugby outfit. I truly believe if you lose that you lose the whole concept of the game of rugby and that is where we will just become another code of zombies playing for money.
What is my definition on commitment and passion of a rugby player or team?
Actually it is simple; it inspires your own team, and surprises the opposition. Whenever players do more than they are expected to do, it changes the balance of forces in a game. If several players exceed their expected quota of effort and commitment, the effect on the team’s performance can be exponential.
I am sure that we will see enough of these qualities in the match of the week which has already been branded “The Clash of the Titans”. We will see Maties travel to Pretoria, to take on the champions in their own back yard. Although Tuks came unstuck in their opening match against Pukke they are again building up to be the team to beat this year. Maties have shown their good and bad side already this year and although they are on top for the log after three weeks, they are not an unbeatable team this year.
In the other games we have Ikey Tigers taking on Pukke in Potchefstroom. UCT is still searching for their first win of the year. Another lost for UCT will most certainly be a big blow for them.
Full Schedule:
- FNB Wits v FNB UJ, Wits Rugby Stadium – 4.45pm (Live on Supersport One)
- FNB UP-Tuks v FNB Maties, Tuks Rugby Stadium – 7pm (Live on Supersport One)
- FNB NWU-Pukke v FNB UCT, Fanie du Toit Sports Ground – 7pm
- FNB NMMU v FNB Shimlas, NMMU Stadium – 7pm
You can follow game updates on twitter and Ruggaworld during the matches.
**additional information from www.varsitycup.co.za and Sports Media365.
You can register on www.superbru.com in Ruggaworld pool to make your predictions in this year’s Varsity Cup.
Here are the details to join our Varsity Cup SuperBru pool:
http://www.superbru.com/varsitycup/pool.asp?p=11052217
Pool name: RW Varsity Cup 2013
Pool code: meowsway









February 25th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
FNB NWU-Pukke Young Guns are leading FNB Wits Young Guns 34-0 at half-time in their clash in Potch.
February 25th, 2013 at 5:45 pm
FNB WITS 16 vs FNB UJ 34 Half Time
February 25th, 2013 at 5:48 pm
UJ Score 3 for Kobus De Kock
February 25th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
In the Young Guys competition: FNB NMMU Young Guns 13 – 8 FNB Maties Young Guns after 35 minutes.
February 25th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
UJ 42-Wits 16
February 25th, 2013 at 5:51 pm
Try UJ AJ le Roux
February 25th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
CORRECTION: FNB Maties Young Guns 13 – 8 FNB NMMU Young Guns.
February 25th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
UJ 47 Wits 16 after 49 min
February 25th, 2013 at 5:55 pm
Steinhoff Medies beat Steinhoff Mopanie 28-24 in a thriller in Pretoria.
February 25th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Greef over by Wits as they get a tighthead
February 25th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
UJ 47 Wits 24
February 25th, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Brilliant try for UJ Kobus de Kock scores his 4th try playing 7′s like rugby against Wits
February 25th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
55 for UJ 24 for Wits
February 25th, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Still 20 min to go and UJ leads by 55 to 24 against Wits
February 25th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Wits on attack again
February 25th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Steinhoff Villagers lead Steinhoff Northernz 24-5 in Potch, with three tries to one so far.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
End to end stuff in JHB
February 25th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Clash of the Titans at seven Tuks hosting log leaders Maties in PTA
February 25th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
FNB NWU-Pukke Young Guns are leading FNB Wits Young Guns 47-8 in Potchefstroom.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Botha Score again for UJ
February 25th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
Wits 24 UJ 63 67min gone, 9 tries for UJ
February 25th, 2013 at 6:16 pm
In the Varsity Cup Young Guns tournament FNB Maties lead FNB NMMU 21-8 after 50 minutes.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
Steinhoff Villagers (Pukke) scored three tries on their way to a 24-5 victory over Steinhoff Northernz (NMMU) in Potchefstroom.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
FNB Maties Young Guns lead the FNB NMMU Young Guns 26-16 after 62 minutes.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Final Score UJ 63 Wits 24
February 25th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
FNB NWU-Pukke Young Guns have recorded a resounding 60-8 victory over the FNB Wits Young Guns in Potch.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Maties have made 10 changes from last week to give all playesr change
February 25th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Moment’s silence for UKZN hooker, Richard Mhlongo, who lost his mother in a road accident a few days
February 25th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
National anthems done and now for kick off between TUT vs UWC. Should be an interesting one
February 25th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Tuks score Jaun Schoeman
February 25th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
NMMU to feed a defensive lineout 5m out.
February 25th, 2013 at 7:09 pm
Tuks lead 8-0 6 min gone
February 25th, 2013 at 7:10 pm
Tuks taking control up front
February 25th, 2013 at 7:12 pm
FNB NMMU 5 vs FNB UFS 0 after 9 min. Try scored by Roy Godfrey for MADIBAZ
February 25th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Last, but not least, the game in Potchefstroom is also already underway – it’s FNB NWU-Pukke against FNB UCT
February 25th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Fort Hare take an early lead against UKZN in Alice through a try from No.15 Khanyiso Komani 5 – 0 after 5 minutes
February 25th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Ten minutes gone in Port Elizabeth: FNB NMMU 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UFS-Shimlas 0
February 25th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
There’s a score in Potch after 10 minutes: FNB NWU-Pukke 0, FNB UCT 5 (1 try – to James Kilroe).
February 25th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Naties Loose ball on try line Tuks clear the ball after steal
February 25th, 2013 at 7:21 pm
Alot of handling errors from both Maties and tuks, tuks use their ball better and with speed
February 25th, 2013 at 7:21 pm
NWU-Pukke hit back in Potch – try by Jaco Grobler. FNB NWU-Pukke 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UCT 8 (1 try, 1 con).
February 25th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Water Break in PTA
February 25th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
What a hectic pace of Rugby. Going hammer and tongs here at TUT in Tswane. TUT 8 UWC 0 after 20 min
February 25th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Penalty Maties going for line
February 25th, 2013 at 7:26 pm
First strategy break in Port Elizabeth – 20 mins gone: FNB NMMU 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UFS-Shimlas 0
February 25th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
Try and money for good charity Maties put first points on board
February 25th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
8 all in PTA
February 25th, 2013 at 7:28 pm
FNB Maties scrumhalf James Alexander with a powerful drive for the try which levels things up in Pretoria at 8-8.
February 25th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Penalty try for Tuks hars call
February 25th, 2013 at 7:31 pm
FNB Maties wing Dean Hammond receives a yellow card for a high tackle and FNB UP-Tuks have a penalty try to take a 16-8 lead
February 25th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Second try to UCT (to Leyds) in Potchefstroom but the conversion is missed. FNB NWU-Pukke 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UCT 13
February 25th, 2013 at 7:35 pm
Second try to UCT (to Leyds) in Potchefstroom but the conversion is missed. FNB NWU-Pukke 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UCT 13 (2 tries, 1 con).
February 25th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
FNB UKZN kick a penalty and are within three points of FNB Fort Hare. 5-2 to Fort Hare
February 25th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Almost half-an-hour gone now in PE: FNB NMMU 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UFS-Shimlas 0
February 25th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
FNB NMMU 8 vs FNB UFS 5 after 31 min. Try scored by Divandre Strydom for SHIMLAS
February 25th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
UFS-Shimlas on the board, shortly after the 30-min mark in PE: FNB NMMU (1 try, 1 con), FNB UFS-Shimlasa 5 (1 try).
February 25th, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Tuks making all the play
February 25th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Maties Scores
February 25th, 2013 at 7:44 pm
16 all in PTA
February 25th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
FNB Maties centre Mark Hodgkiss runs a great angle to cut the FNB UP-Tuks defensive line and level the scores at 16-16.
February 25th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Half time in PTA Maties vs Tuks 16 all
February 25th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
FNB NWU 13 vs FNB UCT 13 after 33 min
February 25th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
#Varsity Cup Live: FNB NMMU 8 vs FNB UFS SHIMLAS 5. Half-time
February 25th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
FNB UP 16 vs FNB US 16 Half-time
February 25th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
Halftime here in Tswane TUT 8 vs UWC 0 Bit of an edge in this game is an understatement
February 25th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
Two minutes before half-time in Potch and NWU-Pukke hooker JC Oberholzer is over for his second try: FNB NWU-Pukke 18 FNB UCT 13
February 25th, 2013 at 7:51 pm
The score at HALF-TIME at TUT is FNB TUT 8 – 0 FNB UWC. One try from Oswald Gibson and a conversion from Morne Hugo seperates the teams.
February 25th, 2013 at 7:52 pm
FNB NWU 18 vs FNB UCT 13 after 39 min
February 25th, 2013 at 7:52 pm
Scotts goes well off with Monday Rugby
February 25th, 2013 at 7:53 pm
FNB NWU 21 vs FNB UCT 13 Half-time
February 25th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
HALF-TIME in Alice and FNB UKZN have scored their first try and lead FNB Fort Hare 10-5
February 25th, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Shimlas throw away another scoring opportunity. Madibaz to feed the scrum on their own 5m line
February 25th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
It’s half-time in Potchefstroom: FNB NWU-Pukke 21 (3 tries, 2 cons), FNB UCT 13 (2 tries, 1 con
February 25th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Game on again in Port Elizabeth – as UFS-Shimlas come out strongly: FNB NMMU 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UFS-Shimlas 5 (1 try).
February 25th, 2013 at 8:01 pm
FNB UKZN 10 vs FNB Fort Hare 5 Half-time
February 25th, 2013 at 8:01 pm
And it’s also game-on in Potch – FNB NWU-Pukke leading the FNB Ikey Tigers by 21-13 in an absorbing clash, five tries between them
February 25th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Ping Pong in PTA
February 25th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
7 min of Ping Pong in PTA
February 25th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
TUT score again through the flyer Fanie Raseroka and the conversion is good. FNB TUT 16 – 0 FNB UWC
February 25th, 2013 at 8:06 pm
FNB NMMU 8 vs FNB UFS 10 after 51 min. Try scored by Divandre Strydom for SHIMLAS
February 25th, 2013 at 8:06 pm
Great Defence by Maties
February 25th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
FNB NMMU 8 vs FNB UFS 10 after 52 min. Try not converted by Nico Scheepers for SHIMLAS
February 25th, 2013 at 8:08 pm
Tuks building
February 25th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
51 minutes gone in Port Elizabeth: FNB NMMU 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UFS-Shimlas 10 (2 tries).
February 25th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
FNB NWU 21 vs FNB UCT 21 after 50 min.
February 25th, 2013 at 8:12 pm
Tuks mess up good opertunity
February 25th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Tense stuff in Pretoria as FNB UP-Tuks and FNB Maties throw everything at each other. Still 16-16.
February 25th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
UKZN go over for their second try of the evening and take a 15-5 lead over Fort Hare in Alice
February 25th, 2013 at 8:15 pm
FNB NMMU 8 vs FNB UFS 10 after 60 min
February 25th, 2013 at 8:15 pm
FNB UP 16 vs FNB US 16 LIVE 2nd Half
February 25th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
Water Break in PTA bring out the Pink
February 25th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Second strategy break in PE: FNB NMMU 8 (1 try, 1 con), FNB UFS-Shimlas 10 (2 tries).
February 25th, 2013 at 8:22 pm
Maties and Tuks making too many mistakes on attack
February 25th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
17 min left in PTA 16 all still
February 25th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
FNB Fort Hare making it an interesting last 20 minutes as they score another try and the score is now 15-10 to FNB UKZN
February 25th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
Penalty to NMMU. Just van Staden lines up. 2 points. It level.
February 25th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
FNB NMMU 10 vs FNB UFS 10 after 66 min. Penalty converted by Justin van Staden for MADIBAZ
February 25th, 2013 at 8:27 pm
Feels like who ever score now in Maties Tuks game will take it
February 25th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
Try to Ikeys prop Sti Sithole – FNB NWU-Pukke 21 FNB UCT 26 – 20 minutes to go in Potch now
February 25th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Try to NWU-Pukke’s replacement hooker, Marius Fourie, Nortier converts in Potch – FNB NWU-Pukke 28 FNB UCT 26
February 25th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
Pollard making a huge impact for Tuks
February 25th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
8 min in Pta left
February 25th, 2013 at 8:33 pm
Nine minutes left in PE and the scores are still tied at 10-10 between hosts, FNB NMMU, and visitors, FNB UFS-Shimlas
February 25th, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Maties on attack again
February 25th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
FNB NWU 29 vs FNB UCT 26 after 63 min
February 25th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
NMMU on attack again. They win a penalty. its kickable and scores are level
February 25th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
FNB NMMU 12 vs FNB UFS 10 after 76 min. Penalty converted by Justin van Staden for MADIBAZ
February 25th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
4 min to go in PTA Maties with attacking lineout
February 25th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Another kickable penalty for Madibaz with a minute to go.
February 25th, 2013 at 8:41 pm
FNB NMMU 14 vs FNB UFS 10 after 80 min. Penalty converted by Justin van Staden for MADIBAZ
February 25th, 2013 at 8:41 pm
Maties going for 2 points
February 25th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Kick over Maties 18-16 over Tuks 1 min to go
February 25th, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Another Van Staden penalty makes it 14-10 to the FNB Madibaz over FNB UFS-Shimlas in PE (79 minutes
February 25th, 2013 at 8:44 pm
Full-time in Port Elizabeth – the home side wins: FNB NMMU 14 (1 try, 1 con, 3 pens), FNB UFS-Shimlas 10 (2 tries
February 25th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
Maties take it
February 25th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
18-16 for Maties 2de team against Tuks 1ste team
February 25th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
FNB UP 16 vs FNB US 18 Full-time
February 25th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
FNB NWU 29 vs FNB UCT 26 Full-time
February 25th, 2013 at 8:56 pm
Log
Maties 18, UJ 15, Tuks 11, Madibaz 11, Pukke 9, Shimlas 6, UCT 3, Wits 1
February 25th, 2013 at 8:58 pm
Madibaz 2 de op Log wys dat hulle veel beter is as baie gedink het
February 25th, 2013 at 9:04 pm
And the Souties from CT still without a win
February 25th, 2013 at 9:07 pm
Tx for Rugby15 and Varsity Cup for all the scores and updates
February 25th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Reply to Jacques(Bunny)Die wat nie hier is nie is elders!! @ 9:04 pm:
Geniet dit baie om te hoor…
February 25th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Reply to DavidS @ 9:39 pm: Must say through the comments we got fromthe game UCT played well to come back and stay in the game. I feelsorry for them next week against Maties in CT
February 26th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Reply to Jacques(Bunny)Die wat nie hier is nie is elders!! @ 8:56 pm:
Pukke is not a good reflection of how good a team they are