The FNB Varsity Cup 2025 season has kicked-off with a bang as FNB Maties avenge their semi-final loss to FNB UFS last year with a nailbiting victory over the defending champs at the Danie Craven in Stellenbosch. FNB CUT claimed crucial points away from home and newly promoted FNB UP-Tuks pick up a bonus point win on their return to the competition. In Cape Town the Ikey Tigers match against the NWU Eagles was postponed as the teams were warming up after a student protest at the Green Mile.
FNB Maties 41-37 FNB Shimlas
Maties marked their 150th anniversary in spectacular fashion, securing a thrilling victory over the defending Varsity Cup champions, Shimlas, at a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
The home side led 22-16 at half-time in a fast-paced, action-packed match.
From the first minute, both teams produced exciting, end-to-end rugby. Every time Maties scored, the Shimlas responded quickly, making for an entertaining contest.
However, the intense humidity and heat caused several handling errors, with Maties struggling more due to the slippery ball, while Shimlas fell off a number of tackles in the first half.
Despite these challenges, Maties’ five tries and a penalty try two minutes before the final whistle were enough to withstand the Shimlas' relentless pressure. Coach Andre Tredoux’s team, with their never-say-die attitude, pushed hard until the end but couldn’t break through.
Maties head coach Kabamba Floors can be particularly pleased with the character displayed by his youthful squad, which included 17 debutants and had an average age of just 21.
FNB UJ 13-29 FNB CUT
FNB UJ kicked off their 2025 Varsity Cup campaign with a case of déjà vu, suffering another defeat to CUT in the highly anticipated opening round.
It was a one-sided contest at UJ Stadium, where the visiting team brought a wealth of experience to the pitch and secured a convincing victory.
CUT struck first, with Jan Hendrik Bessenger crossing the try line, followed by a successful conversion from Juan Smith. Not long after, Tokelo Ntaopane added another try, putting UJ in a difficult position as they tried to catch up.
Just before the break, UJ got themselves on the scoreboard after a penalty was awarded against CUT. Mihle Matinise capitalized on the opportunity to bring the score to 14-3.
The second half saw UJ tighten their defense, making it harder for the Ixias to break through. However, CUT's flyhalf Smith proved unstoppable as he created space on the outside.
Malcom Lamout added a consolation try for UJ, as the Orange Army tried to mount a comeback. Their efforts paid off in the final eight minutes when UJ capitalized on a strong ruck, allowing Liam Rowan to dive over for a try.
Ultimately, though, it wasn’t enough to challenge the visitors' unassailable lead.
FNB WITS 8-35 FNB UP-TUKS
UP-Tuks opened their Varsity Cup campaign with a bonus point win over hosts Wits at a wet Wits Rugby Stadium.
Conditions were difficult to play in, with the continuous drizzle making the playing surface slippery. However, this didn’t stop the UP-Tuks from securing victory.
UP-Tuks hooker Allister Williams was without a doubt one of the standout players in the match, crossing the whitewash three times, with teammate and flyhalf, JP Wentzel stepping up and slotting all five of his conversion attempts.
There wasn’t too much between the two teams in the first half, with the game being an end-to-end affair, where UP-Tuks used their line-outs to good effect, scoring both their tries through driving mauls.
The Witsies could only console themselves with a penalty, converted by flyhalf Tireque Apolles. At the break, UP-Tuks stole the show with a 14-3 lead.
The second half saw the Witsies making far too many errors in crucial areas, which UP-Tuks were able to pounce on and score a further three tries, courtesy of Allister Williams, Christiaan Vlok and Munashe Dukuswa.
The game eventually saw the Juskei derby bragging rights heading to Pretoria, with UP-Tuks clinching a 35-8 victory.
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