Tuks and Bears to decide who wants

South African title the most

Tony Munro - 4/2/2012

The opposing coaches in today's Rhino Cup final between defending premiers, University of Pretoria-Tuks and Brakpan Bears, are like-minded about three things - the winner will be hard to pick, it will be a tough match and the most committed team will be premier.

Fanie Bredenhann's Tuks are possibly favourites, due to home ground advantage and their 34-22 win in the pool stage where Bears' coach, Vernon Gravett says, "It was a tough one. We lead most of the game. It was only in the final minute where two quick tries by UP-Tuks gave them the win."

Both agree today's be will be similar. "This final is going to be a tough cookie," says Bredenhann. "This type of game makes it very difficult to predict the outcome." Gravett concurs: "The final is going to be one of the toughest games this year. It will once again be a huge battle between the two clubs. It all depends on the day, if the players are committed and well prepared for the game it can go in any direction."

There will be almost an entire team (12) of players with Rhinos' experience on show at Tuks Groenkloof Campus in Pretoria today. As Bredenhann pointed out, "Both squads have some of the best talent on show in the competition. Most of the players have also played together in national teams therefore they know each other well. The respect for each other is noted."

Five of the UOP-Tuks pack have played for South Africa - lock Jonathon Soares, second-rowers, Gerhard de Wit and Siviwe Mpondo, prop Christo Louw and hooker, Deon Kraemer, providing a strong base for Rhinos halves, Pieter van Nest and Gerhard de Wit to send the backs into openings. So it's not surprising what Bredenhann views as their strength: "For UP-Tuks, rugby league is all about good defence. The rest will come as the ball goes."

While Gravett reckons his entire team is at the top of their game saying, "All of my players played the best league they have ever played in the past six years that we have started the club," when pressed he was happy to say who has been the pick: "If I have to single out player it will be Andre Loader (halfback) and Rudolf Prinsloo (left centre). They are two of the most dedicated individuals we have on the field. They train and work hard. Always lead from the front with hard hitting tackles and good line breaks."

So to what do the two clubs owe their success to? Gravett: "We are a family and we work hard together and the commitment and dedication that each player shows, that is our success. We are a bunch of friends that WANT to play Rugby League. No one gets compensation to play the game, so we play League because it is in each and every person's heart." Bredenhann: "UP-Tuks RLC (previously Pretoria Bulls) had commitment from all participants, bottom to top, in striving to become one of the best Rugby League clubs in South Africa. Having access to some of the best sport-facilities in the country also added to a "smooth" transition from being a 'private funded club' to be part of an university sporting-set-up."