Dramatic results in FNB Varsity Shield 2026 opening round

The FNB Varsity Shield 2026 began in dramatic fashion with the FNB UKZN Impi crushing Sol Plaatje University in Durban while FNB CPUT stunned last year's runner's up Madibaz 30-20 in a thrilling encounter in Bellville. FNB UWC got off to a flying start defeating FNB UFH 38-12 in the opening match on Friday. Meanwhile, a hard-fought clash at Sisa Dukashe Stadium ended in a 27-27 draw after FNB Wits came back from 24-5 down at the break.

FNB UFH 12-38 FNB UWC

The Varsity Shield clash between FNB UFH and FNB UWC produced a high-octane contest, with both teams playing at full intensity from the opening whistle but it was the visitors who walked away with all the points on Friday after the match, held at an undisclosed venue.

UFH showed early aggression in the collisions but UWC were sharp and clinical. In the fourth minute, the visitors struck first from a well-controlled scrum inside the 22, Leighton Damon dotted down, with Aaron Swartz adding the extras for a 7-0 lead.

After the strategy break, the tempo lifted. UWC’s flowing backline movement paid off again in the 30th minute when Juma Amisi finished off a slick move out wide to stretch the lead to 14-0. Moments later, UFH were reduced to 14 men with a yellow card and UWC capitalised immediately. A loose ball was pounced on by Nhlamulo Shilubane, who raced over to make it 21-0 at half-time.

UFH came out firing in the second half, applying sustained pressure inside the UWC 22. From a loose ball, Ukho Nomsatha broke through the defence to score, with Abongile Yeye converting to cut the deficit to 21-7.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly halted as Marciano Forbes sliced through the UFH defence for UWC’s bonus-point try, with Swartz once again on target. Forbes was unstoppable on the day, grabbing another as UWC’s patience and precision carved open the hosts, pushing the score to 28-7.

UWC continued to dominate, adding further points through powerful build-up play, including a maul-driven score, extending their advantage to 38-12. Despite yellow cards to Juma Amisi and later Syster Keith, plus a red card to Skyle February,

UFH could not fully exploit their numerical advantage. Chris Gqobhoka did manage to cross for UFH’s second try but it proved too little, too late.

It was an entertaining encounter with both teams showing flashes of quality. However, UWC’s clinical finishing and control proved decisive as they powered to a convincing 38-12 victory.

FNB CPUT 30-20 FNB Madibaz

FNB CPUT produced a spirited comeback to defeat FNB Madibaz on Friday at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, overturning an early setback that included two costly yellow cards in a dramatic momentum shift.

Madibaz opened the scoring in the ninth minute when flank Johan van Zyl crashed over after a series of powerful pick-and-go phases. The conversion attempt went astray, leaving the score at 5-0. The visitors extended their advantage just four minutes later as No 8 Dewald Gerber forced his way across the line but another missed conversion saw them stretch their lead to 10-0.

CPUT responded in the 28th minute as winger Samukelisiwe Madonsela crossed the line, although the conversion was missed, leaving a score of 10-5. Madonsela added his second in the 36th minute after good work with Noah Peuker and this time flyhalf Reuben Noble converted to give the home side a 12-10 lead. Just a minute later, Noble crossed the line to extend the lead to 17-0, sending his side into halftime with momentum firmly in their favour.

In the second half, Madibaz closed the gap in the 56th minute when centre Qurin Cupido crossed for a try, cutting the deficit to 17-15. CPUT’s forward pack responded with authority just eight minutes later, powering a dominant driving maul that hooker Lihle Kula finished to extend their lead to 22-15.

Winger Dwayne Atkins extended the lead 10 minutes before the final whistle for the hosts, CPUT held a 27-15 cushion. Noble added a crucial penalty in the 77th minute, extending CPUT’s lead to 30-15 and putting the game firmly out of reach.

Madibaz managed a late consolation try through Lukhanyiso Olifant in the stoppage time but the hosts had already done enough to secure a composed victory.

FNB UKZN 46-15 FNB SPU

FNB UKZN stormed to the top of the log after an emphatic victory over FNB SPU at Howard College Rugby Stadium on Friday.

The Durban side ran in eight tries in a dominant display, leaving no doubt about their intent for the 2026 Varsity Shield.

The Gemmies tried to respond with their three tries but UKZN’s powerful forward pack and clinical finishing kept the home side in control throughout the match.

From the first whistle, the Impi imposed their game plan, combining pace, precision, and physicality.

With this commanding performance, UKZN have thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the competition.

Their confidence and cohesion make them early favourites as the season gets underway as they defeat the Northern Cape based side.

FNB WSU 27-27 FNB WITS

FNB WSU and FNB Wits played out a thrilling encounter at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Friday, with both sides delivering an attacking spectacle. The match saw a total of eight tries, with WSU crossing three times and Wits five, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout.

WSU started the game in commanding fashion, dominating possession and territory. Their efforts were rewarded with a strong first-half performance, as they raced to a 24-5 lead at the break. The home side’s precision and intensity kept Wits on the back foot for much of the opening 40 minutes.

Wits came out firing in the second half, responding with a flurry of tries to claw their way back into the contest. Their attacking flair and persistence kept WSU defenders under constant pressure, and the visitors eventually matched the hosts’ intensity to level the scoreboard in a high-tempo second half.

In the end, the match finished in a hard-fought draw, a fair reflection of the evenly matched sides. Both teams showcased skill, determination and resilience, leaving fans excited for what the rest of the 2026 Varsity Shield season has in store.