The NWU Eagles are sticking to their guns ahead of Monday night’s Varsity Cup final against Tuks, despite the challenge of playing in Pretoria.
The Eagles booked their place in the decider with a semi-final win over Maties in Potchefstroom and now face a Tuks side that topped the standings and will enjoy home-ground advantage.
But NWU coach Burger van der Westhuizen says the approach remains unchanged.
“Our preparations are no different. It’s been the last four weeks that we’ve done exactly the same, and nothing is changing that,” he told the Varsity Cup website.
NWU will take confidence from their previous meeting with Tuks this season, where they secured a 30-22 victory, but Van der Westhuizen is not reading too much into venue or occasion.
“Playing the final away in Pretoria doesn’t change the approach that we’ve had,” he said. “We just need to go there and play the best brand of rugby that we can.”
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While their away form has been inconsistent this season, the Eagles believe those experiences have hardened them for the final challenge.
“We had four away games. We weren’t successful, but hopefully we’ve learned things on the road,” he said, adding that playing in Pretoria is “a privilege” and that Tuks “earned the right to play on their home ground”.
For Van der Westhuizen and his squad, the motivation is clear.
“It will mean a lot for us to lift the trophy. That’s what you’re working for,” he said. “It will mean a lot to the town, to the North-West University, friends and family. It’s just amazing.”
Photo: Hannes Naude/Asem Engage
