Maties' attitude determines destiny
In a premier University tournament such as the Varsity Cup, mental preparation is as important – if not more important – than physical conditioning, something that Maties coach Hawies Fourie feels has been the key to his side's success thus far.
"We had a good look at all the other sides and I feel that UJ, Shimlas and Pukke are the strongest opposition but we have what it takes to beat them on the night. We respect them and they all have quality players who will ask us different questions when we play against them.
"But if we pitch up with the right attitude then we will be able to beat those teams.
"We are improving every week. We have a really big pack of forwards that we look to dominate the set-pieces with. The forwards are really doing well this year and we try to play a more complete games of forwards and backs, in what we want to achieve.
"I must compliment the forwards for the way they are playing. It is easy to play a complete game when you have quality possession," Fourie told rugby365.com.
Next up for the Stellenbosch students is a home fixture against defending champions Shimlas, who find themselves in second place level on points with Maties and separated by just 21 points. It will be an interesting tussle, not only because of what is at stake, but also due to Fourie having coached in the Free State before moving to Stellenbosch.
"We are prepared to play last year's champions. They have done really well this season, having played some stiff opposition and winning two matches away from home. We are looking forward to the contest. We know quite a number of their players and coaching staff really well, so it will be an interesting battle.
"The players will still need to do the job on the field. Hendro [Scholtz] and his team knows me as well, so they will know what to expect but it will come down to how we execute things on the field," he added.
Fourie understands the mental demands this competition has on his players and feels their support at the Danie Craven, which saw 17 000 spectators show up for their match against UP-Tuks on February 22, gives them a massive edge over their visitors.
"Home ground advantage is bigger than I thought. In Stellenbosch, we have the biggest support of any of the other Universities which makes it tough for the opposition. We have had something like 17 000 fans in the Tuks match, which creates a great vibe and that also contributes to why we play a little better at home.
"Travelling is quite difficult and the players end up having to make contingency plans with classes, tests and all those things. So it's really mentally tough on the players to play away," he stated.
By Tauriq Ebrahim
