An extraordinary commitment to ball retention combined with loads of patience proved decisive in the FNB Madibaz’s dramatic victory over the FNB UWC in the FNB Varsity Shield rugby competition.
Spurred on by a boisterous home crowd that packed out Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha, the Mandela University side did not relent as they edged their way across the field in the dying moments to set up the winning try.
Victory was eventually secured three minutes after the hooter as Sean van Zijl powered over to seal a memorable 27-24 triumph over the tournament log leaders.
Skipper Leon van der Merwe said the victory reflected the team’s growing confidence to compete at the highest level, especially having started the season with 10 debutants.
More importantly, he felt, was their ability to keep their composure during the high-pressure moments.
“It was fantastic to see the team staying calm under immense pressure,” said van der Merwe
“We knew that if we kept building phases, we could put their defence under pressure.”
The FNB Madibaz executed to perfection, working their way upfield from their own goal line through a series of penalties before van Zijl’s second try clinched the match for them.
“Once we got into their 22, we remained patient and eventually forced our way over. We stuck to our processes, built the phases and controlled possession exceptionally well,” he said.
“We knew we were underdogs but believed that we had a real chance if we capitalised on our opportunities.
“That belief only strengthened as we remained within one score of them throughout the game.”
While his young squad had to learn some tough lessons early on, van der Merwe noted that they had done a fine job in adapting to the demands of FNB Varsity Shield rugby.
“Many of our younger players transitioned from school rugby, and the leap to university rugby is significant,” he said.
“Since that opening loss to Varsity College, the team has matured and adjusted to the fast pace of varsity competition.”
Their victory over FNB UWC reinforced that the systems implemented by the coaching staff were working a charm.
“Varsity Shield is becoming more competitive each year as teams improve through enhanced coaching and player development,” van der Merwe explained.
“With greater investment in varsity rugby and increasingly strong opposition there are no easy matches. Every game demands our full focus.
“They thrive on loose play and bring relentless energy,” the Madibaz captain said.
“For us, efficient execution of our set pieces and maintaining possession through multiple phases will be key. If we allow easy turnovers, they will capitalise on them.”
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
By: Jesica Slabbert
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