Ikeys beat physical UWC

The FNB Ikey Tigers played FNB UWC on Saturday, so it was a game with added tension with a Varsity Cup side going up against a Varsity Shield team. UCT won 41:19 and bagged a bonus point, but the result does not tell of the the extremely physical battle on the Green Mile. 

When asked about the coaches' feedback on the Ikeys performance against the Western Cape neighbours, the Ikey Tigers coach said "We did very well. It was a massively physical game and the guys stood up to it. There were a couple of Vodacom Cup guys and a Super Rugby player playing for UWC so they came prepared." 

He added "They were one of the most physical sides we have played against at the end of the game, the UCT team that was left on the park had three scrum halves in the backline covering positions and the pack had 6 front rowers playing". 

The two teams had squared up in the Varsity Cup pre-season playing a multi chukka friendly where UCT was visibly dominant. UWC had a disappointing campaign, but the Ikeys mentor felt "This UWC team is on the up in terms of the pre-season game, they are way better now." 

When asked if there was any merit in the comparison of the Varsity Cup winning coach vs the Tri Nations winning coach Musikanth laughed and quibbed "It is always exciting to coach against ex national coaches or provincial guys although I didn't see Pieter de Villiers at the game".

It was a great game of rugby and a bit of a novel occasion with the visitors only having been promoted to Super A standard this season which means there is very little history between the two sides. 

This is due to change and the Ikeys vs UWC game certainly has the potential to develop into more of an Intervarsity occasion in the future and especially so, if the 'Bushies' get promoted to the Varsity Cup which could happen in 2016.

For UCT who are second in the log trailing Maties following their one point Intervarsity defeat, all eyes are on Durbell now, who they will play on Friday night on the Green Mile. 

When asked about the preparation for the game, Musikanth explained "Durbell will be the toughest challenge to date they have league aspirations as well as a Community Cup place to play for, so will come out firing particularly after losing narrowly to a good False Bay side last week."