Maties flank Beyers de Villiers is expecting an early physical onslaught from Tuks in Pretoria on Monday night.
The 23-year-old captained Maties against Pukke in Stellenbosch last week in Wilhelm van der Sluys’s absence, scoring two tries as his side drew 26-26. Having also drawn their first match of the tournament with UCT in Cape Town (32-32), the Stellebosch students are currently fifth on the log.
De Villiers was born in Pretoria but raised in Paarl. He attended Paarl Boys' High and spent two years playing for the 1st XV, during which they beat rivals Paarl Gym for the first time in five years.
He has also represented Western Province at U18, U19 and U21 levels.
‘I have supported Province since I was eight years old, and always wanted to play for Maties,' De Villiers told SARugbymag.co.za. 'It is such a great honour to have achieved that, and now I'd like to play for Province at Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup levels.'
While Maties have started 2015 with two draws and have 10 players who are experiencing their first Varsity Cup season, De Villiers believes they can go far in the competition, having recovered from two opening defeats in 2014 to reach the semi-finals.
‘We are a very talented and balanced side, and are building some momentum,' he said. 'We hope to get that first win of the season against Tuks. We're expecting them to come at us hard in the first 20 minutes, but are determined to match them.’
De Villiers's role model is Richie McCaw – 'he captains the best team in the world but is so humble and modest' – but it's his father Tinus who's had the biggest impact on his career.
'He inspired me to work harder on my game, but also to behave well and respect others.'
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
