FNB UFS will be targeting a second successive big scalp on Monday when they tackle the five-time champions, the FNB UP-Tuks, in Bloemfontein during round two of the FNB Varsity Cup.
The Shimlas kicked off their campaign in emphatic fashion with a solid 50-39 victory over FNB Maties, but that performance will need to be backed up against the side that stunned the FNB UCT Ikeys in the capital city.
While it is still very early days in the competition, with plenty of rugby left to be played, impressive FNB Shimlas No. 8, Liam Shamburg, said the win against the giants from the Winelands was definitely a step in the right direction.
“That win meant a lot to us as a group, it showed real character and proved that if we stick to our structures and trust each other, we can compete with anyone,” said the former Pretoria Boys High School pupil.
“Personally, my goal this season is to stay consistent, keep improving week to week, and contribute to the team in any way I can - whether that’s through work rate, leadership or performance.”
Shamburg, who played Craven Week rugby for the Blue Bulls, which paved the way for his journey to the Shimlas, added that the Stripe Generation are a quality unit. For the Bloemfontein outfit, it is about playing to their strengths as they hunt for back-to-back wins.
“Tuks are always a quality side, they’re well coached and bring a lot of intensity, so we know it’s going to be a tough battle,” Monday’s Player That Rocked added.
“For us, it’s about controlling what we can: our preparation, our physicality, and our execution.
“Playing at home is always special, and we want to use that energy to deliver a performance we can be proud of while continuing to build momentum as the Varsity Cup progresses.”
Monday night’s highly anticipated round-two clash between the FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB UP-Tuks at Shimla Park will kick off at 19:00 (SA Time).