Lightning doesn’t strike twice? FNB UFS Shimlas are about to test that theory. Fresh off a statement 50-39 demolition of FNB Maties, the Free State outfit now have the ultimate litmus test of Monday night, five-time champions FNB UP Tuks entered Bloemfontein after their own victory in the opening round.
This is where pretenders are separated from contenders. The Shimlas announced themselves with authority in the first round and dismantled the Maroon Machine on their own. Now comes the real examination: can they take on the Stripe Generation, which itself sent a message through the stunning defending champions FNB UCT Ikeys?
It’s only round two, but this collision is already having serious consequences.
Impressive Shimlas No. 8 Liam Shamburg, Monday’s Player That Rocked from the opening round, insists Maties’ scalp had a lot more than just three points on the table.
“That win meant a lot to us as a group, it showed real character and proved that if we stick to our structures and trust each other we can compete with anyone,” said the former Pretoria boys secondary school student.
According to Tuks head coach Dewy Swartbooi, the men from the capital have no doubts about how difficult it will be to maintain their winning momentum against Shimlas.
“We expect a physical game from them at a high pace. We saw against Maties last week that they can play with pace and also be physical. They scored 2 or 3 maul tries if I’m not mistaken. We have to get the basics right,” Swartbooi said.
UP-Tuks arrive in the Free State with enormous confidence after dispatching the Ikeys, and Shamburg is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge that awaits them.
“Tuks are always of good quality, they are well coached and bring a lot of intensity, so we know it will be a tough battle,” he admitted, showing the respect of the Stripe Generation command.
But respect does not mean fear. The Shimlas believe that if they master the fundamentals and bring the required physicality, they can control their own destiny.
“For us, it’s about controlling what we can do: our preparation, our physicality and our execution,” Shamburg said, outlining the non-negotiables his side must deliver.
The home advantage is great. The Free State faithful will be out in force to roar their troops across the line against one of the Varsity Cup aristocrats.
Two teams riding high after opening wins. Two parties that have already proven that they can topple giants. Something has to be done when the kick-off takes place at Shimla Park on Monday evening at 7pm.
Novus Media
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