FNB UWC is starting the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition with a positive frame of mind. They are focused on putting the disappointment of being relegated from the FNB Varsity Cup competition last season behind them and aiming for a swift return.
Experienced UWC coach Paul Treu acknowledges some of his players did feel the psychological effects of this setback, but things are certainly looking up.
His playing philosophy is based on the brand of rugby that has proven to be successful over many years at the institution. These qualities include being skillful, working hard, playing with a high tempo, and being solid in set pieces along with defence.
Despite the loss of six postgraduate players, Treu (pcitured) says there is excitement and positive energy in the camp, with the addition of a crop of new players from the Young Guns team.
“Shaquille Adams and Bryan Breda are two players from the Young Guns contingent that show heaps of promise. These youngsters can rely on the experience of Bevan Simons, Carel van der Merwe and Tasriq Mynhardt.
Mynhardt is a versatile player that can play on the wing, or fullback positions, while Van der Merwe is a forward with loads of potential.”
The playing schedule is one of the key challenges highlighted by Treu. He feels this will be an unknown factor because the team is not familiar with most of the opposition, or the playing conditions.
“However with the right attitude and focus, the team will overcome these obstacles and achieve our aim of playing in the Varsity Cup next season.”
FNB UWC travel to Grahamstown in their opening fixture on Thursday, 16 February where they will take on FNB Rhodes (kick-off 19h00).
Backs: Bryan Breda, Zhaun-Jacques Brynard, Conwill Conradie, Shariq Davids, Tiaan Henecke, Tasriq Mynhardt, Hlomla Ncana, Angelo Rudolph, Wian van der Sant, Jean van Schalkwyk, Elkan Willemse
Preview by by Ian Morris/Varsity Cup Media
Experienced UWC coach Paul Treu acknowledges some of his players did feel the psychological effects of this setback, but things are certainly looking up.
His playing philosophy is based on the brand of rugby that has proven to be successful over many years at the institution. These qualities include being skillful, working hard, playing with a high tempo, and being solid in set pieces along with defence.
Despite the loss of six postgraduate players, Treu (pcitured) says there is excitement and positive energy in the camp, with the addition of a crop of new players from the Young Guns team.
“Shaquille Adams and Bryan Breda are two players from the Young Guns contingent that show heaps of promise. These youngsters can rely on the experience of Bevan Simons, Carel van der Merwe and Tasriq Mynhardt.
Mynhardt is a versatile player that can play on the wing, or fullback positions, while Van der Merwe is a forward with loads of potential.”
The playing schedule is one of the key challenges highlighted by Treu. He feels this will be an unknown factor because the team is not familiar with most of the opposition, or the playing conditions.
“However with the right attitude and focus, the team will overcome these obstacles and achieve our aim of playing in the Varsity Cup next season.”
FNB UWC travel to Grahamstown in their opening fixture on Thursday, 16 February where they will take on FNB Rhodes (kick-off 19h00).
UWC'S FNB VARSITY SHIELD 2023 SQUAD
Forwards: Shaquille Adams, Franco Ceasar, Louan de Lange, Taliesen Dick, Brian Dosemba, Almore Kuilders, Zinzan Magerman, Keanuh Michaels, Romauld Nsombamanya, Hlonela Qelile, Ruben Swanepoel, Mauritz Swart, Ay’dn Tieties, Mihlali Tyanase, Carel van der Merwe, Riaan van der MerweBacks: Bryan Breda, Zhaun-Jacques Brynard, Conwill Conradie, Shariq Davids, Tiaan Henecke, Tasriq Mynhardt, Hlomla Ncana, Angelo Rudolph, Wian van der Sant, Jean van Schalkwyk, Elkan Willemse
Preview by by Ian Morris/Varsity Cup Media
