PREVIEW: VARSITY CUP SEMIFINAL: UJ VS NWU-PUKKE

This match sees a UJ side who could never get into the final, face a Pukke team who have lost two consecutive finals.

UJ have reached the semifinal stage on three occasions (2011, 2012, 2013) while Pukke have managed to play six semifinal matches (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015).

The Johannesburg side made a strong start to this year’s competition, winning their opening three matches before losing their first match in Round Four. That proved to be their only blemish though as they won their remaining three matches to ensure second place on the log.

Pukke’s form was inconsistent throughout the competition but a strong finish of two consecutive victories, including a 37-21 victory in the final round against Shimlas – in what was a quarterfinal – saw them claim third place on the log.

The sides met in Potchefstroom in Round Two of the competition and it was the Johannesburg side who held on for a narrow 36-31 victory on that occasion.

This time though, UJ will have the crowd behind them every step of the way. The Johannesburg faithful will be out in their numbers to cheer on their boys, as the competition heads back to the campuses following four rounds being played at neutral venues.

UJ have never reached the final of the competition and that will certainly be at the front of their minds as they chase history. Pukke, on the other hand, will look to win at all costs as they chase a spot in their third consecutive final.

Prediction: UJ have dominated most teams up front, which has set the platform to release some exciting players in their backline. Captain Jakobus Porter has put his hand up in each match and led with passion which motivates the rest of his players. Pukke’s strength is in their backline. Fullback Rhyno Smith and centre Sylvian Mahuza have been electric with ball-in-hand and can turn any situation into points. Pukke have proven they are a team for big moments with their final round victory, however, UJ also has momentum on their side. Throw in a partisan home crowd and the odds are in the home side’s favour. UJ to win by five points.

Teams:

UJ: 15 Ronald Brown, 14 Peter-John Walters, 13 Bradley Moolman, 12 Robert de Bruyn, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Divan Nel, 9 Devon Mare, 8 Jakobus Porter (captain), 7 Johan Oosthuizen, 6 Wian Conradie, 5 David Antonites, 4 FP Pelser, 3 Nico Du Plessis, 2 Johannes Snyman, 1 Siyakubonga Nzuzo.
Replacements: 16 Emmanuel Morowane, 17 Kyle Kruger, 18 Jeremy Jordan, 19 Kyle van Dalen, 20 Hilton Mudariki, 21 Caswell Khoza, 22 Dominic Kroezen, 23 Waldo Weideman.

NWU-Pukke: 15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Lucian Cupido, 13 Sylvian Mahuza, 12 Hendrik Marais, 11 Dean Stokes, 10 Bernhard Janse van Rensburg, 9 Malherbe Swart, 8 Jeandre Rudolph (captain), 7 Marno Redelinghuys, 6 Jaco Jordaan, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Loftus Morrison, 3 Bartholomeus le Roux, 2 Wilmar Arnoldi, 1 Mashudu Mafela.
Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Johan Smith, 18 Ruan Venter, 19 Christiaan Liebenberg, 20 Chriswill September, 21 Akhona Nela, 22 Elden Schoeman, 23 Mogau Mabokela.

Date: Monday, April 4
Venue: UJ Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 16.45 (14.45 GMT)
Referee: Archie Sehlako
Assistant referees: Stephan Geldenhuys, Jaco Pretorius
TMO: Willie Vos