The famous quote about it not being about how you fall but how you get back up again will be a big motivation for UP-Tuks on Monday night when they face off against Wits in their second FNB Varsity Cup-encounter.
Last year’s defending champions got a rude awakening the past Monday when the lost at home against the Shimlas.
“No team ever plays to lose, but if it was meant for us to lose a game in the Varsity Cup, then I am glad that it has happened so early on. It would be a major catastrophe if lost our last pool game and in doing so missed out to qualify for the playoffs. So I honestly can say losing to the Shimlas is a timely wakeup call to all of us. It certainly serves as extra motivation,” said Anton Leonard who is UP-Tuks’s forwards coach.
Leonard agrees with Denzil Hill (UP-Tuks captain) assessment that the team has only got themselves to blame.
“The easy excuse would be to blame the rainy conditions, but unfortunately there is no getting away from the fact that on the day we were just not good enough. And there is no excuse for it as we got an experienced team.”
Leonard said they had done their homework for the encounter against Wits.
“Wits has got some big players, so I expect it is going to be a tough, physical match but we are up for it. It is a must-win game for us. Another loss will make things difficult to reach the playoffs.”
It is the first time that Leonard is involved in the Varsity Cup rugby.
“It is an exciting concept. What I like about it is that it is competition which allows for players and coaches to be innovative. The Varsity Cup-rules also forces you as a coach to be able to think out of the box. Especially with this new powerplay concept where a team has got to take two players off the field.”
Leonard makes no secret that he loves to coach.
“One of the most important things I try and teach young players is that there are no shortcuts to success. Having been a player myself, I have learned the hard way that hard work will always beat talent unless talent works harder.
“Something else what every young player should realise is that they are going to have to deal with disappointments. There is no getting past it.”
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