Fenton Wells back for Maties clash

The UCT Ikey Tigers are out to bank a big turn up in their WP Super League title chances when they take on last year’s league champions and old rivals Maties this Saturday on the Green Mile.

“It’s effectively an eight- to 10-point swing,” explained Foote to varsitycup.co.za.

“If we win, we, obviously, get the log points, but, crucially, we will deny the Maties four or five points in the process.” UCT’s impressive 2011 season continued last weekend when the (new) Varsity Cup champions beat SK Walmers by 29-23 at the Track – their first victory there in eight years.
 

“We have belief in oursevles,” said Foote. “We’re certainly not arrogant, but it’s good to have that belief when it comes to big games like this. “We’re expecting the usual Maties precision come Saturday. They’re always well organised, but also always on the ready to pounce on any mistakes you make.”

Foote singled out the Stellenbosch loose forwards as their dangermen, as well as Maties No.9 Johan Herbst who has been in fine form since returning from Kimberley.

The Ikeys coach was very happy to have his regular skipper Nick Fenton-Wells back in tow ahead of the weekend. “Nick’s been released from the WP team due to the return of Pieter Louw (from injury),” said Foote.

“It’s been great having him back. It’s huge from a leadership point of view, although Don Armand did superbly last weekend, and also gives additional confidence to those around him.”

Foote, of course, is also hoping that home-ground advantage will aid the Men in Blue & White as they chase an historic season double over the Men in Maroon. “We’re hoping for a good crowd,” urged the Ikeys coach. “It’s a 4pm kick-off, so it’s the perfect time of the day to come and watch some rugby at the Green Mile.”

Come support the boys in blue and white on this great rugby day! The club welcomes everyone for this great occasion and beers and snacks can be had on the stands.
 

The FNB UCT team: 15 Therlow Pietersen, 14 Ricky Rijs, 13 Tiger Bax, 12 André Coetzer, 11 Richard Stewart, 10 Nick Holton, 9 Nick Farrar, 8 Greg Mallett, 7 Nick Fenton-Wells (captain), 6 Don Armand, 5 Brad Bosman, 4 Pallo Manuel, 3 Pete Olivier, 2 Neil Rautenbach, 1 Wes Chetty.
Replacements: 16 Tim Louw, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Shane Meier, 19 James Kilroe, 20 Zandy Macdonald, 21 Steve Wallace, 22 Mark Winter.

Saturday’s UCT fixtures:
UCT Cubs v UWC (at UWC), 2.15pm
UCT Tigers v Masi Under-20 (at Noordhoek), 2.15pm
UCT Babrows v NNK U20 B – Groote Schuur B, 1.25pm
UCT Under-20 A1 v Maties U20 A – Groote Schuur B, 2.45pm
UCT MC Marais v Hamilton’s 4 – Groote Schuur C, 1.35pm
UCT Ish Dramat v Maties 3 – Groote Schuur A, 1.35pm
UCT Eagles XV v Maties 2 – Groote Schuur A, 2.45pm
FNB UCT v FNB Maties – Groote Schuur A, 4pm

The WP Super League log:
(As at Sunday, July 31 – played, won, points)
1. SK Walmers 15, 9, 44
2. Maties 11, 8, 43
3. Hamilton’s 12, 8, 42
4. Durb-Bell 11, 6, 34
5. UCT 10, 7, 33
6. Vics 10, 5, 29
7. False Bay 10, 5, 25
8. Villager’s 11, 5, 21
9. Belhar 12, 2, 12
10. Helderberg 12, 0, 5