The FNB Varsity Cup defending champions are packing their bags and heading for the coastal air of Durban. On Monday night, the Ikey Tigers will look to build on their statement 49-point demolition of FNB CUT when they face newly promoted FNB Emeris.
After stumbling out of the blocks in round one, the men from Cape Town rediscovered their mojo at the Green Mile in spectacular fashion, running in 11 tries and serving notice that reports of their demise were greatly exaggerated.
Now sitting in fourth place on the log, the Tigers know consistency is the currency that buys you silverware.
Benade delivers the fireworks
Jack Benade was electric down the right wing in round two, crossing the whitewash twice and earning the FNB Player that Rocks award for his troubles. The flyer’s sizzling performance epitomised everything dangerous about this Ikey Tigers side when they hit their straps.
But Benade is not getting carried away. He knows the tournament is a marathon, not a sprint, and believes his side has gears they have not shown yet.
“So far I’ve found the tournament pretty exciting. I feel like the tournament is filled with lots of different brands of rugby coming from all the different teams… although it’s tough on the body, it’s still such a cool tournament to experience and be a part of,” he said.
The mood in the Cape Town camp is buoyant, with belief coursing through the squad that they are only scratching the surface of what they can produce.
“The mood around the club is filled with excitement. We believe we have so much more to show and we’re only going to be getting better as the tournament goes on,” Benade added.
Trust in the system
The opening round defeat could have sent shockwaves through the defending champions’ camp, but Benade insists the setback has not altered their approach. The Ikeys remain committed to the brand of rugby that brought them the title, backing their coaches’ systems and trusting their style will carry them through.
“I don’t think our plans have changed really. Obviously we have different strategies for different games, but we trust our system put out by our coaches and we have trust in the Ikey playing style, that it can take us all the way in this tournament,” he explained.
Road warriors in the making
If the Ikeys harbour genuine title defence ambitions, they will need to sort out their away form. Varsity Cup glory is built on the road as much as at home, and Monday night in Durban offers a chance to lay down a marker.
FNB Emeris arrive as newly promoted opponents hungry to make their mark at this level. They will throw everything at the defending champions in front of their home crowd, creating exactly the kind of hostile environment where champions are forged.
Benade feels the preparation has been spot on and his side is ready to deliver.
“Our prep for round 3 has been great. The boys are feeling brave and confident in our plan. Now, we are just excited to express ourselves on the field on Monday,” he said.
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