Tuks game shows NWU should not be underestimated
The North-West University (NWU) rugby team proved that they are not to be underestimated this season, despite losing 42-40 to Tuks on Monday 3 February and having lost experience in key positions at the conclusion of 2019.
This season has seen a change both on the field and among the staff, as former head coach Jonathan Mokuena decided to leave NWU after a successful four-year stint.
Former Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius has replaced Mokuena, with Daneel Joubert taking up the team manager role. Eighteen of NWU’s squad members have not played at senior level, leaving a window of opportunity for positions to be filled.
Despite the fresh start, NWU are boosted by the likes of Wandi Mazibuko, Akhona Nela, Evardi Boshoff, Edmund Rheeder and Danny du Plooy.
Seven debutants were included in the starting line-up, and the game proved to be a confidence booster for hooker Gustav du Rand and scrum half Riaan Genis who both got their names on the score sheet.
Four players came off the bench in the second half to earn their first cap. One of them was Jeandré Leonard, who said, “It feels great to make my first debut. Even though it was off the bench I could still feel the team spirit, and all we can do is improve from here. There are a lot of positives that we can take from this game.”
Captain Edmund Rheeder and vice-captain Evardi Boshoff were leaders from the front for the NWU side, scoring the opening two tries of the game by thinking quickly on their feet.
After leading 26-22 at half time, the second half saw young blood being welcomed onto the field, all eager to make their mark. Despite a magnificent brace from Eugene Hare and an impressive day off the boot from flyhalf Maarten Holtzhausen, victory was snatched from them in the dying seconds of the game, as Tuks slotted a penalty to seal a 42-40 win.
“It was a privilege to lead the NWU in the first game as captain. It was a tough game, a few calls went against us and we made some silly mistakes but there are things we can work on as well as things we did well. I’m looking forward to the season that lies ahead.
“It was also a huge privilege for all of the ‘youngsters’ that made a debut today. I’m very proud of them. They all worked really hard and each of them deserves their spot on the team” Rheeder said, reflecting on a tough encounter.
“It’s always good to have a couple of guys with a bit of experience. Especially with the young group coming in. We are trying to create a new culture so it’s always nice that we can be there for them to guide them.
“It’s exciting to see the new prospects in the university because for the next couple of years, it’s the 19 and 20 year old’s that are taking over. It’s really nice to have that injection of youth into the team because its been experienced players for the last couple of years. It’s exciting and it’s still the beginning of the competition, we are very excited to see what they can do,” Akhona Nela, who has been part of the squad setup since 2014, said.
Debutants against Tuks: Gustav du Rand, Ruben du Plessis, Malembe Mpofu, Morné Piater, Riaan Genis, Maarten Holtzhausen and Heinrich Botha made their senior debuts while Fanie Mare, Ruan Swiegers, Wihan Nel and Jeandre Leonard came off the bench.