FNB Emeris Comets host FNB UFS-Shimlas at Emeris Durban North on Monday, 30 March in a key FNB Varsity Cup fixture, with both sides still chasing a strong finish to the league phase.
Head coach Jeremy McLaren indicated that the primary focus this week has been on maintaining consistency following their recent performance against Tuks.
“It’s a simple one for us, it comes down to leadership,” McLaren said.
“The message was how we make sure we pitch up against Shimlas without any hangover from the Tuks game, where we were really good,” he said.
Emeris have been competitive in several matches this season, but have not consistently converted opportunities into results. “It’s fine margins. We had chances against UJ, we could have taken UCT as well. It shows how close we are,” McLaren said.
The review of the Tuks match highlighted areas of progress, particularly in general play and defence.
“That performance meant a lot because when we reviewed it, the players could actually see what they’re capable of. We controlled large parts of that game, it was just one soft moment that hurt us,” he said. “We’re starting to eliminate those soft moments and that’s allowing us to play some really good rugby.”
TREMENDOUS DEFENCE
McLaren added that defensive structures have improved in recent weeks. “Defensively, we were tremendous, even if the scoreboard doesn’t fully reflect that.”
The programme has shown progression compared to previous seasons, including after a heavy defeat to Tuks in a past final. “We’ve come a long way. I still remember that final against Tuks a couple of years ago where we were close to conceding 100 points,” he said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work and a lot of learning.”
Squad continuity has also contributed to that development, with several players from that period still involved.
“We’ve added some strength, but we’ve also retained a core of players from that final, which is important for our growth,” McLaren said.
Shimlas arrive with an established pedigree in the competition and a recent result against Ikeys that kept them in contention.
“We’ll never disrespect a team like Shimlas. They’ve been in this competition for close to 20 years, and there’s real history there. They showed their quality against Ikeys and we know they’ll throw everything at us,” McLaren said.
Emeris are expected to rely on a balanced approach.
“We’ve shown we can attack, our set piece has improved, and defensively we’ve been strong,” he said. “Now it’s about belief. If we get that right, we can finish well and potentially cause an upset.”
Tickets for the final home match of the FNB Varsity Cup are on sale via Quicket.
FNB Emeris Comets Matchday Squad v FNB UFS-Shimlas
1. Thabo Njapha, 2. Jacques Marais (c), 3. Nathi Ntuli, 4. Garren Muller 5. Sphephelo Mbonambi, 6. Thando Ntuli, 7. Meno Barnard, 8. Juan Steyl, 9. Chris Els, 10. Drico Marx, 11. Edward Sigauke, 12. Jayden Fortuin, 13. Chris Horak, 14. Denilo Jordaan, 15. Chijindu Okonta
Impact Players
16. Andrew Davis, 17. Christoff Etzebeth, 18. Soso Maseko, 19. Robert Everson, 20. Lifa Ncwana, 21. Abande Mthembu, 22. MJ Schoeman, 23 Cade Latham.