Comets out to finish group phase with a bang in EL

The Comets secured their semi-final spot a few weeks ago, however they will be eager to finish with five wins from their seven matches.

After six matches in the competition, it's incredible to comprehend that this is the first season of Varsity Shield rugby for the Durban-based side. The team led by coach Jeremy McLaren and captain Abande Mthembu have taken the competition by storm and showed they are right at home in the tournament.

Despite a disappointing loss in Gqeberha last week against the FNB Madibaz, coach McLaren knows his side learnt many lessons from that result going into Thursday's clash.

"We are still making some crucial errors but there were a lot of positives too after being 18-nil down," McLaren said. "From 25-5 we fought really well to finish 25-19 in the end, but we've had some hard conversations.

"We've learnt from that game and will take those lessons into the semi-final against them."

Heading into this week's clash in East London, the Comets and coach McLaren have had a few areas where they have had to improve.

"I think our breakdown work needs to be a bit better and the group has responded really well to what we've had to say this week.

"We train so well, and our challenge is to try and get converted into our game play."

Looking forward to Thursday's clash, McLaren feels that there is a lot of motivation for the team even though their final log position won't change no matter the result.

"I think winning helps give you momentum and with four wins and two losses, we would love to make that five wins for the tournament.

"Also, it's going to be hostile in East London this week and we need to learn how to travel and if we go there and work hard for the win it will teach us a lot about ourselves.

"We going to look at this game as a quarter-final in the sense that it's like the World Cup from now on with the quarters, semi-finals and final coming up," he added.

McLaren pulls no punches when talking about their opponents this Thursday and understands that his side are in for a massive battle.

"I've said it from the beginning, Walter Sisulu are a well-coached side, and you can see that by their system.

"They had a good away win against CPUT and they defended well in that game to keep CPUT out.

"I'm not sure how they are going to approach this one because they might rest some guys for their semi-final the following week.

"We know that they are a very difficult team, especially at home, but we have to learn how to win away from home so it will be a great test for us," McLaren commented.

The match on Thursday at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium kicks off at 7pm.

FNB Varsity College v FNB WSU

1 Daniel Van Huizen, 2 Jacques Marais, 3 Siyabonga Dube, 4 Robert Everson, 5 Werner Coetzee, 6 Juan Steyl, 7 Enzo Van Niekerk, 8 Mandisi Nkutha, 9 Abande Mthembu, 10 Frederick Marx, 11 Nkazimulo Mzolo, 12 Macmillian Mudara, 13 Mbasa Nkonki, 14 Sivuyisiwe Mpendu, 15 Tshegofatso Ramaloko

Replacements

16 Johan Viljoen, 17 Nathi Ntuli, 18 Sonwabo Maseko, 19 Sinelifa Ncwana, 20 Michael Horak, 21 Joshua Aissing, 22 Luke Horak, 23 Benjamin Field.