Fresh from a convincing win in front of a 6 500-strong crowd against Ikeys on Monday, UJ is expecting another orange wave of support for their second home fixture in the FNB Varsity Cup next week.

The Joburg-based team is anticipating a near-capacity crowd when they tackle visitors NMMU in the 10 000-seater stadium in Westdene at 5pm on Monday.

UJ rugby manager Michael Dick says supporters can again look forward to a fun, family-oriented entertainment programme to complement the festival brand of rugby.

“When our team runs out onto the field, it is something spectacular,” he says, referring to the introduction of a tunnel run complete with smoke, pyrotechnics, confetti and flamethrowers.

Dick says the UJ cheerleaders and Hoopie the mascot are out in full force at every game to get the crowds going, with special appearances by the Miss Varsity Cup finalists.

Aside from the on-field action, hip-hop artist D Smith performs the official “UJ Bring it Back Home” song, while a number of competitions and sponsored giveaways add to the carnival atmosphere.

As part of the ‘Rugby that Rocks’ campaign, SuperSport selects a ‘Babe that Rocks’ and the local Spur at Cresta a ‘Family that Rocks’.

The most creatively dressed supporters are in line for prizes in the “Fans that Rock” competition, while one spectator will win a watch worth R5 000 in the Rotary “Box that Rocks” lucky draw at the final game.

In their third home game, UJ will take on TUT on March 5 and three-time former champions Maties on March 19.

Spectators are advised to purchase their tickets in advance from the sport shop at Kingsway Campus or at the gate on match day.

Free park-and-ride facilities are available in Kingsway Avenue.