The 2019 Currie Cup in it’s shortened format has showcased some thrilling matches this season. A number of former NWU Varsity Cup stars has also played their hand in the exciting nature of this season.

Three Griquas players, Gideon van der Merwe (flanker), Wilmar Arnoldi (hooker) and Chriswill September (scrumhalf) has all has good tournaments with Van der Merwe impressing with his ball carrying and try scoring abilities. Van der Merwe, a former Potch Gimmie, has also been effective on defence and ball steals as his relentless pressure has given the opposition a number of headaches. Arnoldi has also been on the try scoring sheets as an impact player off the bench. September has yet to make his mark given limited opportunities, but should fit in well as time goes on.

Another former NWU star who has grown in leaps and bounds is Cheetahs lock, Walt Steenkamp, who has been a regular starter and key figure in the Cheetahs’ surge to the semi-finals. Bloemfontein’s faithful will hope that the former Varsity Cup Player that Rocks can deliver in the semi-final against the Sharks.

A Shark and former NWU-star, Rhyno Smith, could also make an impact off the bench this weekend for the Sharks against the Cheetahs. Smith has been in and out of starting lineup, but has taken his opportunities on the field and continues to impress despite limited game time. His chip kick to set up Jeremy Ward’s try against the Lions was a piece of magic.

Last but not least, the Pumas’ Jeandré Rudolph and Henko Marais, also came into their own this past season, although the Pumas ended bottom of the log. Rudolph seems to have regained the form he showed at Varsity Cup level, with Marais also delivering some trademark bone crunching hits this season.

These above mentioned performances really showcase the talent that the NWU has created this past few years and it must be a proud moment for the Rugby Institute to see their former players making the grade at a higher level.