The teams for the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield play-offs have now been decided. FNB UP-Tuks thrashed FNB TUT in their penultimate round-robin match while FNB Madibaz survived a late comeback by FNB Varsity College. FNB WSU snuck past FNB CPUT and FNB UFH scored a comfortable victory over FNB UKZN.
FNB UP-TUKS 81, FNB TUT 10
Log leaders Tuks ran riot against Tut at the Tuks Stadium, beating their Tswhane neighbours handsomely.
The Stripe Generation wasted no time in claiming their territory as they went 12 points just 10 minutes into the match. Ruan van Blommestein dotted down and then fed Cayno February for Tuks’ second try of the evening.
It was clear early on that it would be a long night for the Vikings when Tuks' Ethan Burger and Kyle Cyster also registered their names on the scoreboard. Bayanda Ngubane and Kobus Janse van Rensburg joined the party adding their names among the try scorers. Walter Visser easily converted three and Chad-Lee Valentine also added his sharp boot in the mix to hand Tuks a healthy 38-0 lead at the interval.
The home team picked up where they left off when the players returned to the field for the second half with two powerful mauls as Marco Venter dotted down before Van Blommestein completed his brace. Back-to-back tries from Cyster secured his hat-trick earning him the FNB Player That Rocks accolade.
The party was not over as Tuks continued to pile pressure on their neighbours with tries by substitutes Samkelo Myeni, Henry Till and a second for Ngubane.
The visitors only got to visit Tuks’ 22 territory three times and finally got consolation points with a penalty from Aswen Rademeyer followed by a try from Lwazi Dlamini.
FNB MADIBAZ 25, FNB VARSITY COLLEGE 19
Second versus third on the log was always going to produce some fireworks and, while the game was scrappy at times, it was not short of explosive moments. In the end, Madibaz managed to hold on for a victory over Varsity College at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha. The half-time score was 18-5.
The home team gained the ascendancy early on in both halves and this ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. Their defence was particularly impressive near their own goal line while they also made the most of their attacks inside their opponents’ 22.
Kehan Myburgh had his kicking boots on all afternoon, landing some sensational penalties and conversions to keep the Nelson Mandela Bay students ahead.
Varsity College, playing in their first Varsity Shield season, have already gained a reputation for never giving up and they were no different in this match.
They refused to lie down in the face of scoreboard pressure and were rewarded for their efforts with some memorable forward tries, albeit too late to claim the victory.
FNB WSU 23, FNB CPUT 19
WSU consolidated their fourth position on the log after they edged CPUT in Bellville. The scores were tied 12-all at the half-time break.
An early first-half onslaught from the home side saw them holding most of the ball and playing most of the rugby deep inside WSU territory, resulting in Keenan Williams powering across the try line for the first score of the match.
Ntsako Mhlanga then dove across at full length from close range after being denied earlier. Keewan Titus succeeded with the conversion attempt. This handed CPUT a 12-point lead heading into the final five minutes of the opening half.
WSU levelled matters through tries from Maxwell Klaasen and Asisipho Jim with Klaasen converting one.
The opening minutes of the second half belonged to WSU’s defensive resolve which meant CPUT had to work hard to get any points. It eventually came when Ayabulela Zono dove across the try line from a ruck that formed just metres under the crossbar. Jayson January added the extras.
A penalty and an unconverted try by Klaasen, which completed his brace, handed WSU a one-point lead as the final quarter of the match approached. He slotted another one to seal the victory with four minutes left on the clock.
FNB UFH 30, FNB UKZN 10
UFH managed to claim their second victory of the season when they beat UKZN at the Davidson Stadium in Alice.
It was a high-intensity encounter from the outset with UKZN initially relying on their pace. The home team then found their rhythm, testing their opponents’ defence with relentless pressure. The visitors however were the first to score with a penalty by flyhalf Khanya Kama.
UFH's dominance began to show when captain and hooker Kamvelihle Fatyela scored two tries in the space of 10 minutes through their powerful driving mall. The half-time score was 10-3.
UFH continued their momentum in the second half with Okuhle Pangwa and Salisiwe Gekwa adding tries, showcasing skilful play and quick hands. Lakheni Majali also contributed with a try, demonstrating strength and pace. Despite UFH's failure to convert any conversions, they maintained control of the game.
UKZN attempted a comeback through a try by Wela-Aphumile Mnata Takata but UFH's quick follow-up play secured their final try by Cyril Mphatsoe, sealing the victory.
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