SACS vs Wynberg: Varsity Cup stars speak
Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:16:00 +0200
The next step up from being involved in FNB Classic Clashes would be playing FNB Varsity Cup rugby. For that reason, we tracked down some of UCT's Varsity Cup stars - from SACS and Wynberg Boys' High - to find out their views ahead of next Saturday's Classic Clash between these two proud schools...
Five out of the six UCT (or, rather, Ikey Tigers) players we tracked down played in either the 2008 Varsity Cup only or both the 2008 and 2009 tournaments.
These players are fortunate to have some great memories from their school days and - already - also some new ones from this exciting universities competition.
It is, of course, great to see Old Boys so proud of their schools and it's even better to note that all six players interviewed - some of whom are now playing at international or provincial level - will all be at the SACS fields come Saturday, June 20 in order to cheer on their old schools!
- THE SACS VIEW:
Jody Burch - Class of 2000
1. How did the FNB Classic Clashes prepare you for the FNB Varsity Cup?
"The Classic Clashes really were an awesome experience. It gets you used to playing in a big situation and playing on TV for the first time and that type of exposure really gets you going for the big matches you play once you leave school."
2. Do you have a favourite memory from a SACS-Wynberg clash that you were involved in?
"I remember playing in my first game live on TV at Wynberg. Although we lost the game, I made a great try-saving tackle which really stands out as a great memory."
3. What is your prediction for this 2009 FNB Classic Clash between SACS and Wynberg?
"I think it will be a close result as Wynberg have a strong team and SACS has had many close results this season. I back SACS to win it by between three and seven points."
4. Will you be there watching the game?
"I'll definitely be there cheering the guys on. As a SACS Old Boy, I try to get to as many games as possible and I will certainly be there for the Wynberg game."
5. Do you have a message of good luck for your old school?
"I think if all the individual players from No.1 to No.15 go out and do their job and what the coach has told them to do, then the team will come out on top. Best of luck to the boys."
* Loose forward Jody Burch has played for UCT since 2007 and has just broken into the WP senior side.
Kyle Brown - Class of 2004
1. How did the FNB Classic Clashes prepare you for the FNB Varsity Cup?
"It's your first real exposure to big rugby. It's the first time I got to play in front of a decent crowd and got a taste of playing under extra pressure. The Classic Clashes all felt like finals and they really were a great experience."
2. Do you have a favourite memory from a SACS-Wynberg clash that you were involved in?
"I don't have too many happy memories from my Matric year, but when we played Wynberg in Under-16 we played some of our best rugby and had a helluva lot of fun."
3. What is your prediction for this 2009 FNB Classic Clash between SACS and Wynberg?
"I have to back SACS. Even though the season has been up and down so far, anything can happen in these big derbies. It'll be close but I think SACS will take it."
4. Will you be there watching the game?
"I'll definitely be there and shouting my head off for SACS!"
5. Do you have a message of good luck for your old school?
"You only get to play in these occasions twice a year, so go out and make the most of it. It's just your team and the Wynberg guys out on the field and whichever team wants it most will win it. Just go out and enjoy yourselves."
* SA Sevens star Kyle Brown (pictured above) played in the 2008 Varsity Cup for UCT.
Dane Galley - Class of 2004
1. How did the FNB Classic Clashes prepare you for the FNB Varsity Cup?
"Ja they were good. The support was always great and the intensity of the game was always high and made the step up to Varsity Cup level easier."
2. Do you have a favourite memory from a SACS-Wynberg clash that you were involved in?
"No... but I do have a worst memory! We had beaten Bishops and Rondebosch in my Matric year and were on course for the 'Triple Crown'. But Wynberg beat us in the last minute to deny it. Wynberg always seem to play above their means against us!"
3. What is your prediction for this 2009 FNB Classic Clash between SACS and Wynberg?
"I think it'll be a close one. I think SACS will win it 12-8, which is a big call because Wynberg are having a great season thus far."
4. Will you be there watching the game?
"Yes of course I'll be there!"
5. Do you have a message of good luck for your old school?
"Good luck to the SACS boys. Back yourselves and play with lots of heart and passion and you will come through on the day."
* Loose forward Dane Galley played in the 2008 and 2009 Varsity Cups for UCT.
- THE WYNBERG VIEW:
Craig Kleu - Class of 2001
1. How did the FNB Classic Clashes prepare you for the FNB Varsity Cup?
"Big games like these help you to understand and prepare for big rugby games after school. It gives you a taste of playing in front of a big crowd and lets you know what making a mistake in front of 5,000 people feels like!"
2. Do you have a favourite memory from a SACS-Wynberg clash that you were involved in?
"Wynberg vs SACS? Oh you mean the annual slaughtering! In my Matric year I remember smashing SACS by over 60 points in the first game, only for SACS to come back and beat us by two points in the return leg! That's true to Southern Suburbs style rugby and its still a sore point. But I have a lot of friends who played for SACS in those games and we still have a laugh about it."
3. What is your prediction for this 2009 FNB Classic Clash between SACS and Wynberg?
"I'm not one of those guys who will predict a thrashing. Realistically, I think we'll beat them by two or three tries; 30-12 to Wynberg."
4. Will you be there watching the game?
"I certainly will be there. I will be in my Old Boys tie to watch us complete the Triple Crown [beating SACS, Bishops and Rondebosch in one season]!"
5. Do you have a message of good luck for your old school?
"You guys have done well up till now. A SACS 'pak' will be very much appreciated by the Old Boys, just as we've appreciated what you've done so far. Good Luck for the game!"
* Loose forward Craig Kleu - a UCT stalwart - played in the 2008 Varsity Cup for the Ikeys.
Ash Wells - Class of 2003
1. How did the FNB Classic Clashes prepare you for the FNB Varsity Cup?
"The Classic Clashes are a great experience. It gets you mentally fired up and prepared for big occasions like you face in the Varsity Cup."
2. Do you have a favourite memory from a SACS-Wynberg clash that you were involved in?
"Yes I remember smashing SACS by 40 points - home and away - in my Matric year."
3. What is your prediction for this 2009 FNB Classic Clash between SACS and Wynberg?
"Wynberg will thrash them by 40 points!"
4. Will you be there watching the game?
"Yes I wouldn't miss it for the world."
5. Do you have a message of good luck for your old school?
"Best of luck to Wynberg. You guys have had a good season thus far. Derby days like this will always be competitive, but the whole school and the Old Boys are behind you all the way!"
* Loosehead prop Ash Wells played in the 2008 and 2009 Varsity Cups for the Ikey Tigers.
Marcello Sampson - Class of 2004
1. How did the FNB Classic Clashes prepare you for the FNB Varsity Cup?
"It is quite different, but the big rivalry does prepare you well for rugby after school. It is the first time you get to play in front of big crowds and definitely prepared me for the Varsity Cup by making me a better player under pressure."
2. Do you have a favourite memory from a SACS-Wynberg clash that you were involved in?
"I remember playing in the rain at home in my Matric year. We had a kick right at the end to win the game and we got it to beat SACS at the death."
3. What is your prediction for this 2009 FNB Classic Clash between SACS and Wynberg?
"The way Wynberg are playing at the moment, I think we'll win it 25-10."
4. Will you be there watching the game?
"Yes I'll definitely be there!"
5. Do you have a message of good luck for your old school?
"Good luck to Wynberg, all of us Old Boys will be there shouting for you from the stands. Keep your heads up and keep doing what you've been doing (thus far) and you will be fine."
* Winger Marcello Sampson was the joint top try-scorer in the 2008 Varsity Cup and also played in the 2009 tournament for UCT.
Why don't you post your best Classic Clashes memories on the FNB Classic Clashes forum?! It could become a great way to debate some classic schools games of old!
By Tim Human