FNB Varsity Shield 2025 has been challenging, gruelling and a learning curve for the UFH Blues, who remain winless after five rounds. There was a sense of optimism and excitement at the start of the tournament with the Blues looking to emulate the form that won them the title in 2022.
However, it hasn’t gone according to the script, and head coach Chase Morison says the campaign has been ‘disappointing’ so far.
“It hasn’t been a very successful season, 0 from 5 is not acceptable to the community, and to the institution.
“But the reality is that we’ve had to learn from the losses. As a group and management, we understand this is not good enough and the only focus point now is the last two games.”
The Blues have shown some promising signs in their last two home games against FNB SPU, and FNB Varsity College.
However, a trend that’s let them down is their inability to see through games and remain consistent for the full 80 minutes.
“We always start games well but somehow can’t finish, and that’s happened in the past as well.
“We need to ask ourselves whether it’s out conditioning or is it simply a discipline issue where we can’t replicate performances from the first half to the second half.
“It’s been very frustrating to play good rugby in the first half and then just fall off in the second.
The boys from Alice have one final home game in round six against provincial rivals, FNB WSU at the Davidson Stadium.
As things stand, they have two points while WSU has five. Both teams are fighting to stay alive, and Morison believes the boys need no further motivation.
“With relegation looming, the entire motivation has been to play for the guys who are still new in the team.
“It’s a big game, so we have put emphasis on teamwork, and how that will look like come Friday. It’s do or die now,” he ended.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
By: Avuyile Sawula
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