Chad-Lee Valentine might not be the tallest of players, but what he lacks in size, he makes up with guts and tenacity.
When he dons the Tuks number-9 jersey, he is the proverbial general whose aim is to get his team close to the try line so they can score. There is nothing he likes more than to run with the ball, trying to outsmart opponents.
Judging by the results in the Varsity Shield Tournament, “General Valentine” is doing not too badly. Tuks is topping the log with 15 points (3 bonus points) after three games. Tuks claimed their third successive win following a 41-17 away victory over Walter Sisulu University, in Round 3 of the 2024 FNB. In their first game, they have beaten the University of Fort Hare 36-0.
ALSO READ: Allistair Williams wants to restore Tuks’s rugby pride in the Varsity Shield
Tuks’s big man, Ethan Burger (1.92 metres and 120 kilograms), is the top try-scorer. The co-captain scored two tries against CPUT and one against Fort Hare. Allister Williams (co-captain) and Keane Gallant both scored two tries. In two games, Tuks dotted down 13 times and only conceded once.
For the record, Valentine is 1.71 metres tall and weighs 72kg. To put it in perspective, the Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is 1.73 metres tall and weighs 88 kilograms, while Grant Williams is 1.74 metres tall and weighs 80 kilograms.
None of the current Tuks students would know who Tommy Gentles is, but he is the smallest player who played for the Boks. He was 1.61 metres tall and weighed a mere 61 kilograms. Between 1955 and 1958, he played six tests for the Boks as a scrumhalf.
Considering that Valentine, at times, must face up to players who weigh nearly twice as much as he does it can’t be helped to wonder how he feels about bringing the big men down. According to Valentine, he abides by the simple principle that no one can run “without legs”.
“It means when I tackle, I go low for the legs. For me, it is pure instinct.”
Valentine then takes a breather and slightly hesitates before he continues talking his tackling skills.
“I don’t know how to put it, but it boils down . . . ‘to showing b..ls’.”
ALSO READ: Kyle Cyster is proving size does not matter in Varsity Cup rugby
Valentine’s grandad, Arthur, kindled his passion for playing rugby.
“My grandad was a big sportsfan. He would get up at whatever time to watch rugby or cricket on television. Often, he would invite me to watch with him. When I did, he would explain the finer details of rugby or cricket. I have learned so much from him. It certainly has helped me to become a better rugby player.”
On Friday, Tuks will face off against Varsity Collage. Kick-off is at 17:00 at Tuks Stadium.
.
