STANDINGS
WITS 33 TUKS 21
In Johannesburg, FNB Wits accomplished the unexpected by defeating the defending champions, FNB UP-Tuks, with a score of 33-21 and relegating them to the FNB Varsity Shield for the first time in the competition’s history. The halftime score was 19-7.
FNB Wits started the match on a high note, with Setshaba Mokoena scoring the opening try. They continued to exert their dominance and Wian De Lange scored a try out wide after sustained pressure. Lindo Ncusane added a third try for the home team by breaking off the back of the scrum. FNB UP-Tuks were struggling to keep up, but Bayanda Ngubane managed to get them on the scoreboard with a try. FNB Wits responded quickly with a try from Henk Gouws, extending their lead.
Despite Tuks fighting back with a try from Divan Venter and a second one in the last ten minutes of the match, it seemed as though they would still face relegation.
A crucial handling error resulted in a turnover, and Banele Mthenjane sealed the win for FNB Wits with a try late in the game.
FNB WITS 33 (19) – Tries: Setshaba Mokoena, Wian de Lange, Lindo Ncusane, Henk Gouws, Banele Mthenjane. Conversions: Gershwin Mouton (3).
FNB UP-TUKS 21 (7) – Tries: Bayanda Ngubane, Divan Venter (2).
Player That Rocks: Mokhethi Kabelo (Wits)
NWU EAGLES 42 UCT IKEYS 26
In a thrilling encounter at Cape Town, FNB NWU Eagles triumphed over FNB UCT Ikeys with a score of 42-26, securing a home semi-final spot.
The first half of the game saw a lack of action until the 28th minute when FNB NWU Eagles’ scrumhalf Sylvester Hassien scored a try, breaking the deadlock. FNB UCT Ikeys tried to come back, but FNB NWU Eagles’ Kyle Lamb and Duran Koevort’s tries gave the visitors a 14-10 lead going into halftime.
In the second half, FNB NWU Eagles started to dominate the game, scoring two quick tries through Vernon Paulo and Naiden Jaarts. They continued to assert their dominance with two more tries, putting them in a comfortable lead. FNB UCT Ikeys managed to score two tries through Tom Nel and Jac van der Walt, but it was too little, too late to make a significant difference in the game.
The FNB NWU Eagles’ victory was a testament to their tenacity and teamwork on the field. Their ability to dominate the second half of the game and secure a home semi-final spot was impressive. The team’s performance showed their determination to make it to the finals and win the coveted trophy. As the competition moves into the next stage, it will be exciting to see how the FNB NWU Eagles will fare against their rivals in the upcoming games.
FNB NWU Shimlas 42 (10) – Tries: Sylvester Hassien, Vernon Paulo (2), Naiden Jaarts, Ruben du Plessis. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (4). Penalties: Robinson (3).
FNB UCT Ikeys 26 (14) – Tries: Kyle Lamb, Duran Koevort, Tom Nel, Jac van der Walt. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (1).
FNB Player That Rocks: Chris Vermaak (NWU)
UFS SHIMLAS 68 CUT 36
In a stunning display of rugby, FNB UFS Shimlas kept their hopes of reaching the playoffs in the Varsity Cup alive with a dominant 68-36 win over FNB CUT Ixias at Shimla Park. The match was a high-scoring affair with a total of 14 tries being scored, making for an exciting game for fans and players alike.
FNB UFS Shimlas turned in their most clinical display to date in 2023, outplaying their city rivals in every aspect of the game. The eight-man Kwezi Dlamini, lock Dylan Sjöblom, hooker William Moffat, scrumhalf Chadd Adams, and flanker Lourens Oosthuizen all crossed the try line in the first half, giving Shimlas a comfortable 38-22 lead at halftime.
Although FNB CUT Ixias fought back with tries by flank Janco Cloete and captain Jandré de Beer, it was not enough to overcome the Shimlas’ dominance on the field. Ten minutes into the second half, Cloete scored again to complete his brace, but FNB UFS Shimlas responded with tries by fullback AV Maceve, Oosthuizen, hooker Liyema Mgwigwi, and Jooste Nel.
As the game drew to a close, FNB CUT Ixias managed to score a try by replacement prop Mamello Moshoaliba, but it served as nothing more than a consolation as FNB UFS Shimlas secured a decisive victory.
The Shimlas’ impressive performance showcased their skill and determination to succeed in the Varsity Cup. Their ability to dominate the game from start to finish was a testament to their hard work and training. As the competition progresses, it will be exciting to see if FNB UFS Shimlas can continue their winning form and make it to the playoffs. The Varsity Cup is a tough competition, and every win counts towards securing a spot in the finals.
FNB UFS Shimlas 68 (38) – Tries: Kwezi Dlamini, William Moffat, Dylan Sjöblom, Chadd Adams, Lourens Oosthuizen (2), AV Maceve, Liyema Mgwigwi, Jooste Nel. Conversions: Litha Nkula (3), Ethan Wentzel (2). Penalties: Nkula (1).
FNB CUT 36 (22) – Tries: Janco Cloete (2), Jandre de Beer (2), Mamello Moshoaliba. Conversions: Tylor Sefoor (3). Penalties: Sefoor (1).
FNB Player That Rocks: Lourens Oosthuizen.
UJ 49 MATIES 42
FNB UJ and FNB Maties went head-to-head in a thrilling encounter at Johannesburg, which saw the home team emerge victorious with a hard-fought 49-42 win. The halftime score was 17-10 in favour of UJ.
In the opening 20 minutes, UJ showed their attacking intent by scoring two tries, one of which was successfully converted. However, Maties fought back with determination and managed to get on the scoreboard themselves after a series of phases deep inside the UJ ’22. UJ crossed the try line for a third time to take a seven-point lead going into halftime.
The Orange Army continued their momentum in the second half and started where they left things off in the first 40 minutes, scoring a point-of-origin try which was successfully converted to extend their lead even further. UJ added two more tries to their tally to make the scoreboard read 40-17 in their favour.
Although the Maroon Machine managed to score a handful of late tries, UJ held on to secure a well-deserved victory in the end. It was a game that saw both teams showcase their attacking abilities and put on an exciting display of rugby for the fans. The win keeps UJ in contention for a playoff spot in the Varsity Cup competition.
FNB UJ 47 (17) – Tries: Radebe Nkondlokamthimkhulu, Siphesihle Nkabini, Prince Nkabinde (2), Hlone Mputhi, Mpho Vincent Kubheka. Conversions: Rowan Malgas (5).
FNB Maties 38 (10) – Tries: Marais de Wet (2), Willem van den Heever, Marcqiewn Titus, Mckyle Volmoer, Jacques Rousseau. Conversions: Christiaan van Heerden-Smith (3).
Player That Rocks: Rowan Malgas (UJ)
