Student rugby feast hits BCM
All four EC Varsity Shield teams will be in action
East London rugby fans are set for a treat as a massive Varsity Shield double-header will take centre stage at the BCM Stadium on Thursday.
With the blow of the Border Bulldogs not fielding a team this year, it has left a gaping hole in the local rugby fraternity which will be filled by some top-class university rugby.
Local favourites, the Walter Sisulu University All Blacks, will face a massive test as they come up against former Varsity Cup outfit, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Madibaz in the day’s headlining game.
Both sides got their campaigns off to the perfect start on Monday evening with bonuspoint wins in their respective matches and will head into the game with confidence.
The Madibaz picked up a 38-21 home win over CPUT, while the All Blacks beat fierce local rivals Fort Hare Blues 36-22 in Alice.
Both sides will now be gunning to keep the momentum going in the encounter.
“The boys are very excited for the coming game. It is a second Eastern Cape derby in a row for the team and they are really looking forward to facing NMU,” said All Blacks coach Sipho Metula.
“To play against NMU is great for the guys. They are a big team who played in the Varsity Cup for many years, so it will be a very good experience playing against them.
“It is going to be a very tough match but I believe that we have the players to get a positive result.
"We will make sure that on the day we produce the good brand of running rugby that we are known for.”
The return of the All Blacks to the BCM Stadium will be welcomed as they have a strong following in the city and have enjoyed much success at the ground.
They also have the added bonus of playing in a match televised live on SuperSport which will add some excitement for the players.
“We are all happy to be playing at the BCM Stadium again. We get a lot of local support there and it makes for a great atmosphere. It has also been a happy hunting ground for us so
‘Local support makes for a great atmosphere.’
everyone
Metula.
“The guys are excited to be playing on TV again. Half of our team for Thursday are new players, so this will be their first appearance on TV and they are hungry for the opportunity.”
The other match taking place is also an Eastern Cape derby as the Blues take on Rhodes University.
Both sides lost their opening match of the season, Rhodes going down heavily against the University of KwaZulu-Natal Impi, so will be aiming to bounce back.
The Blues will head into the match as favourites as Rhodes have endured a torrid time in the Varsity Shield since being included two years ago and are still hunting their first win on the field of play.
The action kicks off at 4.45pm with the Blues against Rhodes. The All Blacks and Madibaz take centre stage from 7pm. is keen,” admitted