The UP-Tuks rugby head coach, Nollis Marais, does not believe in quick fixes that is why he would be happy if his team get to contest the Varsity Cup semi-finals.
“Everyone knows once you get to play in the semi-finals anything can happen,” explains Marais.
He admits to there being some really talented players in his squad, but unfortunately talent alone is no guarantee to winning games. When it really matters, it is the experience that clinches games, and that is the one thing UP-Tuks seriously lack for this Varsity Cup campaign. According to Marais the average age of the players in the team is just over 21.
“When I got UP-Tuks to win in 2012 it did not just happen. Becoming champions was a two-year process in the making. In 2011 we lost out in the final, but the experience we gained stood us to good stead over the next two years as we were victorious in 2013 also. Tuks rugby is currently in a rebuilding phase. It is all about getting the players to believe in their abilities.”
Marais does not believe in complicating coaching rugby.
“For me, the three most essential components to get a team to win are firstly to have the best players. Ensuring that they are fit but most important is establishing true camaraderie amongst the players.
"In the days when I was still playing, you would find doctors, attorneys, carpenters and teachers all playing for the same team. However, the moment we stepped onto the field to play we were all equal. The only thing that mattered was having your teammates back for the duration of the game. Nothing else mattered. We were truly like a band of brothers, and that is what I want to establish in this team.”
Marais tips Maties and Wits as the two teams to beat.
“They are indeed two of the most experienced teams in the competition. But it is important to remember that there is very seldom such a thing as an easy game in Varsity Cup Rugby. On Monday our first game is against CUT. They are going to be a whole new team this time around. The University of the Western Cape is another team who is on the up, and I don’t think there is such a thing as an awful Shimlas team.
“The problem with coaching a young, inexperienced team is that the players tend to get nervous when they are under pressure which leads to costly mistakes. The same can happen when the players get overconfident and start to do things without thinking.
“I am a firm believer in getting players to play to their strengths, but I think for now as coaches we might have to lay down a definite game plan for each game to give the players some guidance. For this, we have identified a leadership group with whom we will sit down to discuss our strategy.”
The kick-off for Monday’s game at UP-Tuks against CUT is 18:30. The UP-Tuks Young Guns will be playing CUT at 16:00.
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