A CUT above the rest
Middelburg seems to be the major supplier of scrumhalves in the Varsity Cup. Not only did Dillon Smit produce a couple of spectacular individual performances, but Marius (Mars) Grobler also delivered the goods.
The 21 year-old former HTS Middelburg pupil was in action for the Central University of Technology, in the Ixias first season of Varsity Cup after being promoted from the Varsity Shield in 2014.
It was rather a case of first season blues for CUT and they lost all seven of their matches. “We had a tough Varsity Cup but next year there will definitely be big improvements.”
However, a broken wrist in his second game against the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University meant that he missed most of the games. If everything goes according to plan, he should be back on the field in four weeks.
Grobler feels that the competition creates a solid platform for young players, giving them exposure on the big stage, as well as experience. “The Varsity Cup also forces players to study harder – if you do not get enough credits, you do not play!”
A Shimla/Ixias derby is a rivalry that should be treasured. “They (Shimlas) were our toughest game. Not only because they are the champions, but also because Kovsies and CUT are rivals. And that always makes good rugby.”
After he matriculated, the versatile back (he can also play wing), played for the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) with All Black stars such as Kieran Read and Luke Whitelock.
“It is important for me to complete my studies this year. Although I am still sizing up my options, I am burning to get back on the field!”
