Interview with NMMU vs UCT man of the match JP Robert

Jean-Paul Robert, another youngster from the UCT talent pool has made his mark, grabbing his first Ikey Tigers start with both hands. The Tigers scrum-half helped his team claim the win as well as the Monte Taljaard Trophy and also left PE with a Man of the Match award!

Congrats, we are sure the varsity rugby experts would agree that you did well indeed, especially in the pumping PE wind!

JP: Thanks, it’s always special getting your first start and to have come away with a great result and extra award made it that much more memorable. The boys’ were very pleased to come away with the win and to do it for Monts made it even sweeter.

uctrfc.co.za: Yes, it was quite and emotional occasion, with Monte’s parents there. How were those conditions on Monday? It must have been quite an advantage with the Ikey Tiger’s training and playing on the windy Green Mile.

JP: The conditions definitely weren’t ideal, but having spent plenty of time back home training in UCT’s natural wind tunnel we were able to adapt to the conditions a lot better than NMMU did and that proved to be a big difference

uctrfc.co.za: Well put, what was your best moment of the match vs NMMU?

JP: I’d have to say that my best moment was without a doubt my break that led to Dane Johnson’s 1st try.

uctrfc.co.za: Nice one, you guys made it look easy. This is not your first season as far as matches in the Blue and White go, what is your Varsity rugby history.

JP: I spent most of my 1st year(2007) watching from the sideline with an injury, but later played for the u20 A2’s and finished with a few games in the u20 A1’s. In 2008 I played for the A1’s and managed to come away with the Most Valuable u20 player award.

uctrfc.co.za: Always great to see an Ikey come through the ranks! This year you guys only have three home games – before a possible (fingers crossed) home semi-final. You must relish those opportunities.

JP: Playing in front of a home crowd is always enjoyable and very special, as you always seem to draw that much more from yourself to get the job done. Obviously only having a few home games on the Green Mile means we must make the most of them. But hopefully we can reward the supporters and give them some extra games, but the focus is first and formost on making the semi’s, a home semi will be an added bonus.

uctrfc.co.za: Monday vs Shimlas is quite a biggie, a lot depends on those points and Shimlas have just come of a good win and are back in contention. Will your preparation be extra intense?

JP: A win and four points is definitely a must and Shimlas will be riding high after their dominating performance against Tuks so we are expecting an extremely tough and physical game. Every week has to be intense if we want to be successful this year, but we have a good routine going and I’m sure Dobbo has it all worked out for us already.

uctrfc.co.za: We don’t just play rugga at varsity, what do you you study at UCT?

JP: When I’m not playing rugga I’m busy negotiating my way through a B Comm degree, I’m currently in my 3d year majoring in Accounting. My goal is to become a CA in the future.

uctrfc.co.za: Good luck! Work hard and play? We know after the game is before the game, but do you get time to jol a bit every now and then? What’s the team’s favourite spot?

JP: Ha you’ll have to ask Danger or D-Guy…At the moment we’re keeping the focus on the rugby as we can’t afford to let it slip now, but a few beers and fines after the game never hurts anyone! Hatfield has been a good spot for the boys, big Marty Muller has come back ‘2 from 2’! But otherwise a smut at WADDA and the infamous ROOF is always a home favourite…

uctrfc.co.za: Hatfield, the home away from home. Any message to the Blue and White faithful?

JP: Just to keep behind the boys, your support is always well appreciated. See you next week on the mile!!!

uctrfc.co.za verdict: A true Tiger