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Wits are not making up numbers

Wits were relegated from the Cup competition in 2014 and spent the following two years rebuilding their squad in order to reclaim their Cup status. And they did just that in the 2016 Shield competition that saw them claim six victories from eight matches and top the standings.

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Wits are not making up numbersThat handed them promotion back into the premier division, something that head coach Hugo van As is excited about.

"We are very excited [to be back in the Cup division] and are looking forward to the journey. We are silently confident that we will be more than just making up the numbers.

"We said that, from day one, if we look at the history of the Cup, the team that gained promotion was pretty much there to make up the numbers and concede big scores. So one of our goals is not to be that [a whipping team], we want to be very competitive in our approach and the way we play," Van As told rugby365.com.

Part of that plan to be competitive is clearly evident in their recruitment of some of the most exciting Under-19 players in the country.

"We always felt that a few of the 2016 SA Schools players can add value to our environment. Our approach has been to invest in the younger generation players since I started here 18 months ago.

Wits are not making up numbers"So we will continue that [philosophy] to have the chance to work with the player for three to four years and add value to their studies as well. In our recruitment with the Lions, that [bringing in the young players] was part of the plan but we then need to be careful how we go about it to make sure they are ready for the next level," he added.

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While Van As steered clear from mentioning specific names, the Wits website reports that exciting fullback Gianni Lombard and the highly talented centre Wandisile Simelane are just two of the 2016 SA Schools players who have been drafted into the Wits setup.

Other names that appear on the website include SA Schools hooker PJ Botha, lock PJ Steenkamp as well as SA Schools 'A' flyhalf Tyrone Green and Shaun Williams. Whether all, or a couple, will turn out in the Wits jersey is anyone's guess but Van As' commitment to investing in the next generation, makes one think they will.

"The approach we will have is that we will play with what we have at our disposal. The points system may have changed for us we will look to play an attractive brand of rugby.

Wits are not making up numbers"Obviously, we can't be ridiculous with a highly expansive pattern but we will ensure that we are creating the right opportunities and making the most of our field position. If required, we can also adapt to play a little more conservative," he added.

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Despite this major emphasis in investing in the young players, Van As knows he will need to rely on his experienced players to guide the fresh faces on the field.

"To be competitive and have a good campaign, you need senior players. We are confident that our pack will be able to add a lot of value to our goals. We are fortunate in the sense that on a good day – if everyone is available – our pack will be playing together for a third season.

"Obviously, certain decision-making positions [in the backline] needs to have a senior player. We believe that adding a few younger guys around those positions will help them to perform in this environment," he stated.

By Tauriq Ebrahim

@Tauriq365

@rugby365com

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