Rampant FNB Wits lead charge in explosive FNB Varsity Shield Round 6

FNB Wits continued their dominant run in the FNB Varsity Shield, extending their unbeaten streak with a ruthless 89-7 demolition of FNB SPU in Johannesburg. FNB UWC were made to work hard but showed resilience to secure a victory over FNB Madibaz at home, keeping their push near the top of the standings firmly on track. Walter Sisulu University held their nerve in a high-intensity clash to edge past FNB UKZN while in Alice the Fort Hare Blues delivered a strong performance to defeat FNB CPUT, boosting their fight to climb away from the relegation zone.

FNB WSU 27-20 FNB UKZN

FNB WSU claimed a determined victory over FNB UKZN in their Round 6 clash of the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, combining clinical finishing with resolute defence when it mattered most.

The hosts made an explosive start, asserting dominance through their powerful forward pack and turning early pressure into points. A well-worked opening try, followed by a successful PowerPlay, handed FNB WSU early control as they capitalised on opportunities inside the 22 to build a strong first-half lead.

FNB UKZN responded with patience and structured phase play, eventually breaking through to stay in the contest. However, WSU remained composed and added another converted try to stretch their advantage to 22-5. The visitors struck back after the half-time hooter with a PowerPlay try, reducing the deficit to 22-15 and shifting momentum heading into the break.

FNB WSU responded immediately in the second half, crossing early to extend their lead to 27-15. While they were unable to convert their own Power Play, the hosts managed the game effectively, controlling territory and dictating the tempo.

A late try from FNB UKZN in the 75th minute set up a tense finish but WSU’s disciplined defence held firm, denying the visitors a final breakthrough to secure a hard-earned win.

FNB UWC 32-25 FNB Madibaz

FNB UWC secured a hard-fought victory over FNB Madibaz at UWC Stadium on Friday, maintaining their strong position near the top of the standings.

The match began with both sides testing each other but clear scoring opportunities were limited in the opening stages. The visitors showed early attacking intent, yet it was FNB UWC who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, with hooker Marciano Forbes powering over from a rolling maul. FNB Madibaz responded with a penalty from flyhalf Raashied Conrad to narrow the gap, leaving the half-time score at a tight 5-3 in favour of the hosts.

The home side came out with renewed energy after the break, extending their lead through Daniel Damons, before FNB Madibaz hit back with a maul try from Luan Verster. However, Forbes struck again to claim his brace, restoring UWC’s control of the contest.

The hosts then took charge, with winger Leachim Adams scoring back-to-back tries to push the lead to 29-10. Despite a spirited fightback from FNB Madibaz, who crossed late through Cole Hilpert and Chuma Blouw, UWC held their nerve. A crucial penalty from fullback Aaron Swartz proved vital as the home side closed out the match.

Forbes was named Player of the Match after an outstanding performance, scoring twice and leading from the front in a dominant display.

FNB Wits 89-7 FNB SPU

FNB Wits maintained their unbeaten run in the FNB Varsity Shield after thumping FNB SPU in Johannesburg on Friday.

The hosts dominated from the first minute and made their presence felt in front of a buzzing and loud crowd at the Wits Rugby Stadium.

They scored three tries in the opening 10 minutes after wingers Oluwatimileyen Oluwole and Lindani Dweba found themselves in space and converted with ease.

Skipper, Latica Nela joined the scoring action soon after, before Wits extended their lead with a try by Marko Kok.

The hosts led 24-0 during the strategy break but FNB SPU pulled one back through Calvin Paulsen.

FNB Wits, however, were far from done, and they upped the ante. Liam Santos barged over in the corner and instead of going for a conversion, they opted for the tap and Nela completed his brace.

Soon after, flyhalf, Rekkie Gerber got on the end of a brilliantly worked team try to make it 41-7.

Oluwole broke on his right wing on the stroke of half-time and the hosts led 48-7 at the break.

Wits continued their dominance in the second half and skipper Nela sealed his hat-trick after the 50-minute mark before his side was awarded a penalty try.

Replacement, Kevon Chiwara entered the field and made an immediate impact, scoring in the corner to stretch his side’s lead.

In the final 10 minutes of the game, Wits scored twice as Dweba sealed his hat-trick before Chiwara scored again to make it 75-7.

The hosts finished with a floury as Dylan Piek dotted over before Oluwole completed his hat-trick to seal an emphatic win.

FNB UFH 41-22 FNB CPUT

UFH produced a remarkable comeback to defeat FNB CPUT in a high-intensity clash at Davidson Stadium.

FNB CPUT started with intent, striking in the second minute as Yobanathi Daki powered over following a well-executed cross-field kick. They doubled their lead in the fifth minute through Samukelisiwe Madonsela, again exposing FNB UFH’s defence with a similar kicking play to make it 12-0 early on.

The home side responded in the nineth minute with a powerful maul, finished by Alizwa Majila. Moments later, Majila grabbed his second after reacting quickly to a loose ball, closing the gap to 12-10 at the strategy break.

The visitors added their third try in the 28th minute through Kieran Delaan from a well-controlled scrum, taking a 17-10 lead into half-time.

Early in the second half, FNB UFH were reduced to 14 players after Majila received a yellow card. Despite this setback, their defence held strong. In the 54th minute, Bulumnko Mfundisi intercepted a pass and sprinted clear to score, with Abongile Yeye converting to level matters at 17-17.

The hosts seized momentum soon after, as Ukho Nomsatha brilliantly regathered his own kick to score, with Yeye converting to give the hosts the lead for the first time. Liyema Ngoyi extended the advantage shortly after, although FNB UFH could not capitalise on their PowerPlay.

The Cape based side fought back with a try from Rueben Noble but again failed to use their powerplay effectively. FNB UFH sealed the win in the 73rd minute through Bunono Jamani, who finished off a dominant maul, with Yeye adding the extras.

Outstanding defence, including crucial try-saving tackles from Nomsatha, along with UFH’s resilience and fitness, proved decisive as they secured their second victory of the competition.