FNB UFS Shimlas are ready and up for the challenge when they head to the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch to take on FNB Maties in the first semi-final of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup on Monday 15 April. Kick-off is at 16:45 (SA Time).
The 2015 champions regained their confidence to a large degree on Monday night (7 April) with a 24-12 win against FNB Wits in Johannesburg in wet and tricky conditions. The first prize would have been to host a home semi-final for a third year in a row, but it was ultimately their 38-29 defeat to Maties in Bloemfontein a fortnight ago that denied them of this.
Coach André Tredoux feels the way his charges bounced back as they chased the bonus point win has given them a boost and equipped them to face the five-time champions on Monday.
“Having the wettest Monday of the year didn't help us in terms of trying to play our brand of rugby. In terms of defence, our boys stuck in really well, especially after being under pressure early on. Our defence was outstanding at the start of the game and that laid the platform.
“I thought our ball control in the wet and slippery conditions was rather good against a Wits team that was up for the game and did put us under pressure.”
Tredoux adds that playing away from Maties is always a challenge, but this will motivate his team even more.
“To be honest, it's something we spoke about, sometimes it's easier for us to play away from home because the boys don't have to be in class or write tests on the day of a game. Our record is similar to the pool stages in previous years where we lost only two games.
“We're looking forward to playing at the Danie Craven Stadium, which is the cathedral of student rugby in South Africa, and I'm sure the boys are going to be up for the challenge.”