Making predictions in sports is always risky, but it is safe to say that Monday's 2023 FNB Varsity Cup encounter between Tuks and Shimlas will be a humdinger. 

It can't be helped. There are scores to be settled. Last year, the two teams clashed twice. Shimlas was victorious, winning the pool game encounter 26-15. But then, in the game that mattered, the semifinals, Tuks won 29-21. 

Tuks went on to win the tournament beating Maties 29-23 in the final. The result meant that Tuks equalled Maties's record of five Varsity Cup Tournament wins. Tuks is poised to equal another of Maties's records. That is winning the tournament for a third consecutive time. Maties were victorious from 2008-2010. 

For one of the "old men'' in the Tuks team, Jandré Burger, it is a case of taking it one game at a time. He was part of last year's victorious team.

"As a team, we are under no illusions. Having won the tournament twice in a row means we have a 'target on our back'. We are the team everyone will want to beat. So it is given that our opponents will bring their A-game when they play against us.

"On any given day, Shimlas are a hard team to beat, especially once they get their running game going. Up to now, our preparation has been going well. We will not rely on one or two players to win games. Ours is a team effort. Each of us knows what he must do. If we succeed in doing so, we can win."

Burger enjoys the challenges that come with playing flyhalf. 

"To be good boils down to tactical savviness. You got to know when to kick, when to play the ball wide, and be able to communicate. I am continuously working on all this."

Being a forever student of the game, Burger loves watching videos to see how the world's best flyhalves go about doing things. The former All Black, Dan Carter, is a firm favourite. Especially since he also kicked with his left foot. 

"Last year was a bit of a blinder. I injured my ankle quite severely playing Carlton Cup rugby for Tuks. The doctor needed to operate, so I was sidelined for three months. When I was back on the field again, I had to work quite hard on honing my skills."

If Burger can have one dream come true, it will be to play with his elder brother, Zak, who is playing scrumhalf for the Bulls. 

"When Zak and I get together, we mostly only talk rugby. My brother's heroics for the Bulls motivates me to work harder on my game. To get to play as scrumhalf and flyhalf for the same team would be unique. It would be interesting to know whether any two brothers have managed to do so at a senior provincial level."

Kick-off for Tuks versus Shimlas is at 5pm. Venue: Tuks Stadium.