A tough test is waiting for FNB UCT Ikeys when they take on defending champions FNB NWU Eagles in the second semi-final of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup on Monday at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom. Kick-off is at 19:00.
The Ikeys Tigers will go into the match still smarting from their 18-30 defeat to their opponents a week ago.
Coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says this time around it will be a different story.
"I think we lost the game due to the Eagles being strong at scrum time and taking their opportunities better than we did. They are a good side, very cohesive.
"When I chat to all players post-game, as we do as a matter of course, I get the sense that they learnt a lot from this experience.
"Going up there was a blessing for us as a dress rehearsal. I think we will come out swinging for the fences.”
Dawson-Squibb admits it will be tough playing at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground in front of the Eagles’ supporters.
"I can't predict the result of course, what is certain is it will be tough. They are a proud group, confident in themselves and Burger [van der Westhuizen] coaches them well.
"I think neither team will make massive changes, but we certainly took some learnings around what to expect so will adjust accordingly.”
According to Dawson-Squibb, they need to execute well on the day.
"Look, we aren't the favourites, so we don't have to go in with the pressure on us. What we need to do is execute what we do more effectively.
"There is always a temptation to get clever, but simplicity is genius, we just want to execute well.
"Accept that it is coming. As someone said to me in the team, ‘I'd rather play in front of that than two men and a dog on a cold Wednesday night’. So we will soak it all up and play with the benefit of freedom that we as the away side get up there, what a treat."
by Ayanda Frances Felem
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