Ahead of next week’s semi-finals, it was all-out action in the last round-robin encounters of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup. FNB NWU Eagles were victorious over FNB UCT Ikeys while FNB UFS Shimlas navigated their way past FNB Wits. FNB Maties beat FNB CUT and FNB UJ outclassed FNB UWC.
FNB NWU EAGLES 30, FNB UCT IKEYS 18
TheEagles secured a home semi-final following a hard-fought victory over Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom.
The Eagles started the game hot with a try from Hennie du Randt following a brilliant run by Naiden Jaarts. Ikeys was quick to respond with a try from Ntokozo Makhaza to reduce the deficit. It didn’t take long for the home side to extend their lead with Luan van der Walt scoring a try from close range following long periods of Eagles’ possession.
Two quick-fire penalties from Ikeys’ left wing Ntokozo Makhaza took the score to 16-13. Minutes later Chyle Van Zyl gave the Eagles a 21-13 lead heading into half-time.
The beginning of the second half was slow as there were no tries scored in the first 25 minutes. Johan Lombard then gave UCT some hope with a try. It was a nervy end to the game but a try from Naiden Jaarts sealed the victory for the Eagles to finish at the top of the log.
FNB MATIES 26, FNB CUT 20
Maties managed to hang on for a victory over CUT in a cold and wet Bloemfontein.
The tough conditions marred good attacking play throughout the night.
It was the Ixias who opened the scoring through a penalty by flyhalf Juan Smith and it would be Smith who stretched the host's lead to 6-0 a few minutes later. CUT made their early penalties count before conceding the game's opening try (Roland van der Heever) to the rolling maul of the Maroon Machine.
The visitors repeated the trick when they scored their second in similar fashion. Eric Basson giving Maties the lead for the first time and Juan Mostert adding the extras. Maties went into the half-time break 12-6 in the lead.
Maties scored soon after the restart as substitute winger Christiaan van Heerden-Smith scored for his side with Mostert converting once more. Player That Rocks Louw Nel added another try for the men from Stellenbosch and Mostert once again added the extras.
The hosts left it late once more, scoring a point-of-origin try, dotted down by Tiaan Drotskie. The home side would score again with time already up. Asekho Marubelela going over for the hosts, who left it a little bit too late.
FNB UFS SHIMLAS 24, FNB WITS 12
Shimlas claimed a vital bonus point victory over Wits at a wet Wits Rugby Stadium in Johannesburg.
The game kicked off in a cagey manner with both teams playing with caution on a wet surface. It was the Witsies that enjoyed early possession but they failed to convert it into points, often being pegged back by handling errors.
Once Shimlas got into their groove, it was evident they would pose a threat to the Wits defence. First blood was drawn by the visitors when hooker Liyema Mgwigwi dove over from close range, after playing through the phases. Flyhalf Ethan Wentzel made light work of the conversion, adding the extra points to give his side a 7-0 lead.
Speedster Siviwe Zondani added his name to the scoresheet after well-worked team play that Zondani rounded off under the poles. Wentzel once again rose to the occasion and the visitors went into the half-time break 14-0.
UFS managed to score again after the second strategy break through fullback Michael Annies.
Wits hit back shortly with Drew Bennet sliding over after receiving an incredible pass from outside centre Liyema Matyolweni.
The much-needed bonus point try for Shimlas was scored by Gideon Nel, with the resulting conversion attempt striking the upright.
Wits got a consolation try in the last move of the game, with flanker Kelvin Kanenungo barging his way over.
FNB UJ 59, FNB UWC 8
UJ ended their season on a high note outclassing UWC. UJ headed into this one desperate for a victory, doing just enough to escape the relegation/promotion play-off match.
UWC’s sole try came from Zinzan Magerman while Aaron Swartz added a penalty.
The Orange Army dominated both halves of the game taking an early lead through Franco Schutte who was able to move the ball along the backline. Flyhalf Kurtley Kiewiet was an essential part of UJ’s scoring, being successful with four conversions.
Schutte made it a brace after UJ made use of their line out. Liam Rowan ensured that the home side got another five points before the half-time break.
It was Mauritz Swart who made a bold statement for UJ in the opening minutes of the second half securing a point-of-origin try. Rowan then scored his second before Maritz scored his brace, also a point-of-origin try.
David Cary, Kamva Kalipa and Berwyn Bosch were the other try scorers as the Orange Army secured a much-needed victory.
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