SARugbymag.co.za talks to Tuks coach Pote Human about the upcoming Varsity Cup.
Are there any changes to your squad?
I'm new in this coaching role. A big chunk of last year's squad has left, so we're sitting with an almost new squad. But I look forward to the challenges.
How has the squad prepared for the competition?
I'm impressed with the boys' commitment; most of them still trained during the off-season, which was not expected of them. We played a pre-season game against CUT, with two more, against Impala and Roodepoort, to follow.
What have you learned from last year's campaign?
I wasn't involved then, but I did follow proceedings closely. Though Tuks were great in the final, they struggled in the opening rounds of the competition. The players lacked consistency and that's an area that needs drastic improvement.
What are your thoughts on the duel-ref system?
I have no problem with it. There's no reason for it not to be successful. Players must learn to adapt to it, but I reckon they'll be used to it, say, after the first two rounds. Then the fireworks will start.
What are your goals for the tournament?
We are defending champions, so the pressure will be on us. We won the title two years running now, but to make it a hat-trick, we must learn to absorb that pressure.
Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images
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