Final hurdle ahead of Comets on road to Varsity Cup

The Comets could make history and become the first university from KwaZulu-Natal to qualify for the FNB Varsity Cup if they beat the team from East London on Thursday afternoon.

With the possibility of promotion on the line this week, coach Jeremy McLaren believes that the team doesn't need anything else to motivate them.

"The chance of playing in the Cup next season is more than enough motivation for us this week," McLaren said. "To be the first KZN team to qualify for the Cup is so important for us."

Despite the drive from the home team, the visiting side have a lot to play for as well and will be looking for an important win to keep them away from the bottom of the table.

"There are three teams on seven points at the bottom of the log so there is a lot to play for this Thursday for Walter Sisulu.

"They will want to avoid that relegation scrap and so we will not be taking them lightly at all even if they are one of the bottom teams on the log.

"They are a physical side so we are still going to have to play some good rugby and the fact that both teams have something to play for makes it more exciting," McLaren added.

Heading into Thursday's clash the Comets have been slightly rejuvenated by the return of some tight forwards. It's been a tough campaign from a front row perspective for VC and coach McLaren feels that they are getting key personnel back at the right time.

"I feel like the boys are in a good space from a recovery perspective and we are nearly back to full strength with a few of our props coming back as well.

"It's impressive how well the team has done and that's a credit to our strength and conditioning team."

McLaren brought the Varsity College side into the Varsity Shield in 2024 and sits on the verge of taking them into the premier university rugby competition in the country. The coach has reflected on the journey.

"Sometimes I sit and think about how we started and what we have gone through. It's definitely a story to tell and it's been a blessing to be able to lead this group of players and coaches.

"It's been an incredible journey so far and I am incredibly proud of the team and the young men that they are," he mentioned.

The Comets have made just one change to their starting XV for Thursday's clash with Reece Curtin coming into the second row as replacement for Garren Muller.

Mbuso Kweyama returns to the squad and will start on the bench as a prop replacement while Laythan Nel gets his first shot off the bench this season as a lock replacement and Jono Horak also returns to the matchday 23.

FNB Varsity College Comets Starting XV

1. Kabelo Matabola, 2. Jacques Marais, 3. Donell Francis, 4. Robert Everson, 5. Reece Curtin, 6. Lifa Ncwana, 7. Enzo van Niekerk, 8. Juan Steyl, 9. AB Mthembu (c), 10. Drico Marx, 11. Edward Sigauke, 12. Mambo Mkhize, 13. MJ Schoeman, 14. Allston Cedras, 15. Chandler Green

Impact players

16. Thabo Njapha, 17. Daniel van Huizen, 18. Mbuso Kweyama, 19. Laython Nel, 20. Jono Horak, 21. Khumo Nkutha, 22. Chris Els, 23. Cade Latham