Dunlop head and shoulders above
FNB UP-Tuks flyhalf Wesley Dunlop is the 2012 Varsity Cup Player that Rocks - he scored 83 points and played a major part in UP-Tuks incredible victory in the Final.
Dunlop was the unanimous choice as Player of the Tournament according to the voting system; readers' votes - on the official Varsity Cup website and via the Rapport SMS line - making up 30% of the final tally, along with the eight Varsity Cup coaches' votes (30%), the Varsity Cup Exco's votes (30%) and the tournament's referees having a 10% say in proceedings.
Dunlop scored 83 points this past season, coming off the back of his 103 points last year, as he edged out teammate Jono Ross and FNB NMMU captain Jaco Swanepoel - both of whom are No 8s - to the prestigious Player of the Season Award for 2012.
However, there was some consolation for NMMU's Swanepoel, as he joined Dunlop on the winners' podium on Monday night - after the 2012 Final between FNB UP-Tuks and FNB Maties in Pretoria.
Swanepoel, who scored seven tries for the Madibaz this season - also captaining them to a best-ever fifth-place finish, walked off with the 2012 Forward that Rocks Award, whilst Dunlop's Tuks teammate, elusive fullback Clayton Blommetjies, was the deserved winner of the Back that Rocks Award.
Varsity Cup Managing Director Duitser Bosman was left almost breathless after a very busy day of Finals Day rugby in Pretoria on Monday, but he had just about enough energy to wish the various Player that Rocks winners well.
"Congratulations Wesley, Jaco and Clayton and thanks to everyone for voting in what has been an exciting and transparent process throughout," said Bosman.
"We've had a busy final week of voting, both on our website and through the Rapport SMS line, so these are the deserved in their respective Player that Rocks categories."
Dunlop, Swanepoel and Blommetjies will all receive a Hertz-sponsored car - for one year - along with cash prizes sponsored by FNB; R17 500 for the overall Player that Rocks and R6 000 (each) for the Forward and Back of the Tournament
