There is no denying that NWU Pukke’s 7s coach, Pieter van den Berg, knows his stuff. He has a CV par excellence in this format of the game having guided the Leopards to the national sevens crown and the side were runners-up in 2014.
In the Northern Region Championships the side has reigned supreme for three years running and his NWU Pukke side finished third in last year’s Varsity 7s tournament. Not enough? How about a stint with the Zimbabweans during the Hong Kong Sevens?
Now that is some pedigree. So, when the man makes a prediction it is well worth taking notice: “I would not be surprised if it is us against Maties in the final.” Noted.
“Although sides like UJ, Tukkies and UWC are always formidable, I think Maties are the firm favourites. I do, however, think we can win it,” says Van den Berg.
Pukke will head to Cape Town this weekend for the Varsity 7s tournament, for what promises to be a festive occasion. It’s 7s, after all.
“We have a really strong group of players. If we can keep on to our possession and play to the best of our capabilities, we have a really good shot at clinching it,” Van den Berg explains.
The squad has been honing their skills and setting their strategies for three weeks now. They’ve recently been boosted by the addition of some of the NWU Pukke’s Varsity Cup players, the most notable being Marno Redelinghuys – the man who scored the winning try in the final against Maties.
“A lot of credit has to go to Jonathan Mokuena (now coaching the Leopards) for releasing the players. He is looking after the welfare of the entire club and that is only good for our rugby,” says Van den berg.
With captain Ian Heyns leading the charge and a squad brimming with enthusiasm, all indications are that the Pukke has what it takes to go all the way.
“The guys are showing ample spirit,” said van den Berg. “It is 11 games in three days, so it is one of the most taxing tournaments around, and with the sides participating the intensity is going to be high. This, and the fact that the games will be broadcasted on television all serve to motivate the guys even more. It is a big challenge and they thrive in such situations.”
Pukke Varsity 7s squad:
Riaan Brummer, Ryno Wepener, Elden Schoeman, Marno Redelinghuys, Hein Kritzinger, Wandile Mazibuko, Eugene Hare, Eloff Scheepers, Diederik Oberholzer, De Wet Terblanche, Kowie Groenewald, Timmy Prince, Ian Heyns, Gideon van der Merwe and Eddie Engelbrecht.
By Bertie Jacobs
