Meet the Ish Dramat XV – the Mighty 3rds

We chatted to 3rd team coach Francois Siebrits about his team, their league and coaching them and how a spilled Brandy and Coke almost ended his coaching career (or worse). 

The team are currently third, trailing log leaders Durbel and second placed Vics. They have won 6 from 9 matches. 

uctrfc.co.za: You guys had a bit of a shaky start initially, but it seems the team has settled now and are playing great rugby. Where are you looking to finish this season?
FS: Off course I would like to take the league. Realistically I think that we should be in the top three.

What are your derby games in the league?
Our big games are definitely Maties, Vics and Durbell.

You famously beat Maties at Intervarsity flying the Blue and White flag – well done! Do you have any stalwarts in the team?
Our captain Will Nichol always leads from the front, Greame Lucas (Bull) donates a lung every game, Blane Moolman, Johan Nieder-Heitmann will tackle anything. DJ Fourie, Stefan Swanich just about always scores – like the hattrick he pulled off against Villagers the other day, Matt Russell also adds some flair. It is difficult to single our players as each players bring his own to the team.

What is the age of your players on average? 
We are still a fairly young team. Most of our players are in their senior years of study.

How long have you been involved in the club as a coach?
I started last year with Andrew Dell at the 4ths. I have been coaching at school level for a few years and felt it was time to move up.

Are there any special varsity memories that spring to mind?
When we played against NNK at their fields. We played on their B field and their supporters had pulled their vehicles next to the field. The brandy and coke was flowing freely. Me being Afrikaans, Andrew asked if I would mind running touch judge as he thought I would be better at handling crowd. The supporters where so close to the touch line that I ran a brandy out of a supporters hand while backtracking and keeping my eye on the ball. I could see that this oke was thinking of revenge, had it been in a more social setting I’m sure he would have taken it. (laughs)

Wise move of Andrew’s! What would you say makes the 3rds special?
The 3rds are that team between commitment and total social. We do practise regularly and we are serious about winning. But the pressure is lighter and the fun aspect is very present.

What is your team’s trademark as far as rugby goes?
We have very big and mobile forwards giving excellent ball to fast skillful backs. We always score tries.

Sounds like a Springbok side in blue and white! Best of luck for the rest of the season! 

Don’t forget to read a brilliant report on how “The Sprinkler dampened Villager’s night”