The Maties women’s rugby team has advanced to the Varsity Cup final following their 48-5 victory against the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on 19 April, at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
“[This is] what we’ve been working for […] Countless hours, injuries, blood, sweat and tears – the works. It’s the outcome of a long process,” said Maties captain, Liza Slabbert. “The ladies are super excited and I can’t wait.”
The reigning champions will take on the University of Fort Hare on Friday, 26 April, at Tuks Stadium in Pretoria.
Maties lock, Tiffany Roberts, celebrates a try with a teammate. The Maties women’s rugby team advanced to their second Varsity Cup final in two consecutive years, following their 48-5 victory against the University of the Western Cape (UWC) at the Danie Craven Stadium on 19 April. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
An early lead
The Maties side showcased a dominant performance in the first half, securing an early lead. Maties fly-half, Elmé Kruger, opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and went on to convert her own try.
UWC responded minutes later with a left-corner try by the team’s captain, Voice Ndou. The unconverted try would be the first and last scored by the UWC team for the remainder of the game.
A yellow card in the 10th minute left the Maties team one player down, however the team maintained their offensive play.
Maties entered half-time in the lead with a score of 26-5, and scored four more tries in the second half.
Kruger, who scored a total of three tries, received the FNB “Player that Rocks” award.
A final score of 48-5 secured the Maties’ spot in the Varsity Cup final.
Maties fly-half, Elmé Kruger, scored the final try of the game, achieving a hat-trick against the University of the Western Cape and securing herself the FNB ‘Player That Rocks’ award at the Danie Craven Stadium on 19 April. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede
A chance at a second Varsity Cup title
This will be the team’s second appearance at a Varsity Cup final in two consecutive years, according to Slabbert.
“Culture is really important to us and who we are as a group. We have a good mental coach […] who does great work with [the team], so I have to give credit where it’s due,” said Johann Zeier, the Maties head coach, on what has aided in the consistent success of the team.
This year marked UWC’s debut at the Varsity Cup women’s tournament. “We’re in our building phase,” said UWC head coach Aneesah Adams. “We are going to come back next year, stronger than we did this year.”
Maties full-back, Lisa Malherbe, receives the ball as Maties approach the try line. The team scored a total of eight tries in their game against the University of the Western Cape at the Danie Craven Stadium on 19 April. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede