Varsity Cup match reports – Round 8

All the match reports from round 8 of the FNB Varsity cup

Fixture: FNB CUT Ixias vs FNB UCT Ikeys

Kick-off: 16h45

 

FNB UCT Ikeys hang on for close win

FNB UCT survived a FNB CUT fight back in the second half to claim a morale-boosting, and potentially season saving 30-23 win in Bloemfontein on Monday.

FNB Player That Rocks: Pieter Schoonraad (FNB UCT Ikeys)

Scores
FNB CUT Ixias: 23
Tries: Ruben de Haas, Dimitrio Tieties and Ruan Wasserman
Conversions: Tieties (3)

FNB UCT Ikeys: 30
Tries: Schoonraad (2), John Saffy, Nyash  Tarusenga
Conversions: Lohan Lubbe (3)

Teams
FNB CUT Ixias: 15 Dimitrio Tieties, 14 Mosego Toolo, 13 Ruan Wasserman, 12 Marnu van Niekerk, 11 Tiisetso Madonsela, 10 Denver Klue, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Gerhardus Nel, 7 Ruan Smit, 6 Dean Rossouw, 5 Stefan Kruger, 4 Sylvester Makakole, 3 Stefan van Schalkwyk, 2 Tiaan Erasmus, 1 Quintin Vorster
Substitutes: 16 LW Viljoen, 17 Raynard Esterhuizen, 18 Henco Smit, 19 Brendon Fortuin, 20 Isaih Bila, 21 Dean Jacobs, 22 Karabo Maqeba, 23 Dian Dry

FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Khanyo Ngcukana, 14 Karl Martin, 13 Liam Furniss, 12 Robert Ball, 11 Joel Smith, 10 Darian Hock, 9 Stef de Gouveia, 8 Nyasha Tarusenga, 7 Josh Moon (c), 6 Kuyenzeka Xaba, 5 Duncan Saffy, 4 Gary Porter, 3 Ashwin Adams, 2 Cuan Hablutzel, 1 Wayrin Losper
Substitutes: 16 Josh van Vuuren, 17 Simon Raw, 18 Stanley Modjadi, 19 David Meihuizen, 20 Tristan Dixon, 21 Brandon Salomo, 22 Lohan Lubbe, 23 Suwi Chibale

Match report:

FNB UCT claimed some valuable ground on their opponents on the log with the win, meaning they are now only one more win from a semi-final spot. FNB CUT on the other hand are now firmly in danger of relegation.

UCT Ikeys lead 23–7 at half time after controlling proceedings in the first 40 minutes, but FNB CUT fought back in the second period.

The home side’s attack tested the FNB UCT defence throughout the second stanza which was typified by FNB CUT outside centre Ruan Wasserman’s piercing breaks.

FNB CUT scored two tries in the second half, one of which was a 7-point try scored and converted by full-back Dimitrio Tieties. Was it not for a terrier-like defence by the visitors, FNB CUT could well have pulled off a surprise victory.

For FNB UCT scrum half Pieter Schoonraad played like a man possessed, giving and assist and scoring two tries leading to the nuggety number nine being awarded “the Player that Rocks”.

Initially, the Cape Tonians dominated the scrums, but the FNB Ixias found good momentum and contested well later in the match. FNB UCT Ikeys stole a number of FNB CUT line outs balls, from where numerous attacks were launched into FNB CUT territory.

But FNB UCT were able to hold the hosts and claimed a valuable four log points with the victory.

Fixture: FNB UP-Tuks vs FNB UJ

Kick-off: 19h00

 

FNB UP-Tuks secure draw against FNB UJ

FNB UP-Tuks fought back to secure an unlikely 30-30 draw against FNB UJ after trailing 7-20 at the break as the Tuks Rugby Stadium played host to a pulsating Round 8 FNB Varsity Cup match on Monday evening.

FNB Player That Rocks: Wian Conradie (FNB UJ)

Yellow card: Malembe Mpofu (FNB UJ)

Scorers

FNB UP-Tuks: 30

Tries: Marnus Potgieter, Johan Grobbelaar (2), Cameron Hufke (seven-point)

Conversions: Christo Hamman (4)

FNB UJ: 30

Tries: Wian Conradie, James Venter, Odwa Nkunjana.

Conversions: Kobus Engelbrecht (3)

Penalties: Engelbrecht (3)

Teams
FNB UP-Tuks: 15. Emilio Adonis, 14. Xolisa Guma, 13. Marnus Potgieter, 12. Tyler Fisher, 11. Cameron Hufke, 10. Christo Hamman, 9. Joshua Allderman, 8. Ewart Potgieter, 7. Adre Smith, 6. Eduan Lubbe (c), 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Brian Leitch, 3. Andrew Beerwinkel, 2. Corniel Els, 1. Wesley Adonis.
Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Franco van den Berg, 18. Orateng Koikanyang, 19. Stephan Smit, 20. Carlo Engelbrecht, 21. Tinus de Beer, 22. Dewald Naude, 23. Mashoa Mukhari.

FNB UJ: 15. Ronald Brown, 14. Tatendaishe Mujawo, 13. Jan-Louis La Grange, 12. Austin Davids, 11. Odwa Nkunjana, 10. Kobus Engelbrecht, 9 Bradley Thain, 8. Wian Conradie, 7. Adriaan Bester, 6. James Venter, 5. Estian Enslin, 4. Kevin du Randt, 3. Nico du Plessis, 2 Jannes Snyman (c), 1. Sibusiso Lali.
Replacements: 16. Hendrik-Petrus van Schoor, 17. Dillion Bakos, 18. Siyabonga Luwaca, 19. Malembe Mpofu, 20. Johan Esterhuizen, 21. Jeanluc Cilliers, 22. Cyprian Nkomo, 23. Cohen Kiewit.

 

Match report:

FNB UP-Tuks fought back to secure an unlikely 30-30 draw against FNB UJ after trailing 7-20 at the break as the Tuks Rugby Stadium played host to a pulsating Round 8 FNB Varsity Cup match on Monday evening.

It was a match of different outcomes for the respective teams before kick-off as FNB UP-Tuks are looking to avoid relegation while their Gauteng neighbours have their sights set on a possible home semi-final.

The University of Johannesburg struck first in the 3rd minute as they made FNB UP-Tuks pay for an early mistake. Wing Xolisa Guma fumbled a field kick into touch which allowed FNB UJ to set-up a strong lineout drive. No. 8 Wian Conradie was on hand to crash over for the opening try with flyhalf Kobus Engelbrecht adding the extras.

FNB UJ extended their lead four minutes later as Engelbrecht knocked over a penalty goal as the men in black and orange continued to exert pressure on the defending champions in the first ten minutes.

Ill-discipline by the home team kept FNB UJ camped in their half and another lineout drive helped the men from Johannesburg to score their second try as flank James Venter spun out of a tackle to score close to the uprights which made Engelbrecht’s conversion a simple one.

The strategy break did FNB UP-Tuks a world of good as outside centre Marnus Potgieter sliced straight through FNB UJ’s defensive wall to score a well-earned try. Flyhalf Christo Hamman nailed the conversion to cut the deficit to 11 points.

The University of Pretoria were galvanized into second gear after Potgieter’s try as they strung a few good attacking phases together but they were met with frustrating errors as the first half fizzled into back-and-forth between the two teams with the scores unchanged at the break.

FNB UP-Tuks charged out of the blocks when the match resumed but FNB UJ did well to absorb the pressure and turn it into points as wing Odwa Nkunjana touched down in the corner after Conradie floated a fine pass to release the speedster down the touchline. Engelbrecht’s boot was yet to disappoint as he kicked his third conversion of the evening.

Hamman had the opportunity to add a penalty goal soon after but his attempt sailed wide in the 54th minute but it was enough as FNB UP-Tuks found themselves with the wind at their sails.

Inside centre Tyler Fisher made a great break despite the home team being down two players after FNB UJ called their Power Play and his break set the men from Pretoria in the right area of the field.

A plethora of penalties by FNB UJ saw the match official eventually having enough as he gave replacement flank Malembe Mpofu a ten minute breather. FNB UP-Tuks setup a lineout and scored through replacement hooker Johan Grobbelaar after a stuttered start to their maul. Hamman added the extras.

FNB UP-Tuks seemed to have kept their best for the final moments of the match as a deft field kick was chased down by wing Cameron Hufke who slipped under the cover tackle before scoring a seven-point try. Hamman’s conversion made it a four point match.

Engelbrecht gave FNB UJ some breathing room as he sunk a penalty goal but it was all in vain as Grobbelaar bagged his second try of the evening which replacement flyhalf Tinus de Beer converted to end the match at 30 all.

Fixture: FNB Shimlas vs FNB Madibaz

Kick-off: 18h30

FNB Shimlas survive FNB Madibaz scare

FNB Shimlas scraped to a 28-22 victory over a spirited FNB Madibaz at Xerox Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on Monday evening.

FNB Player That Rocks: Janco Cloete (FNB Shimlas)

FNB Shimlas: 28
Tries: Janco Cloete, Zenidine Booysen, Jacobus Lombaard (7-point), Ayabonga Oliphant
Conversions: Lubabalo Dobela (3)

FNB Madibaz: 22
Tries: Lindelwe Zungu (7-point), Lyolo Dapula
Conversions: Henrique Olivier (2)
Penalties: Henrique Olivier (2)
Yellow cards: Lyolo Dapula, Wynand Grassman

Teams
FNB Shimlas: 15 Sechaba Matsoele, 14 Carel Coetzee, 13 Ayabonga Oliphant, 12 William Eybers, 11 Francois Agenbach, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Zinedine Booysen, 8 Albertus De Bod, 7 Jocobus Lombaard, 6 Janco Cloete, 5 Henk Pretorius, 4 Sibabalo Qoma, 3 Mogau Mabokela, 2 Hanno Snyman, 1 Wentzel Vorster
Subs: 16 JC Jansen V Vuuren, 17 Daniel Wessels ,18 Louis Martin Cloete , 19 Bernardus Erasmus, 20 Mihlali Peter, 21 Dian Badenhorst, 22 Athi Halom ,23 Ruan Henning

FNB Madibaz: 15 Jordan Koekemoer 14 Athenkosi Mayinye, 13 Siphumelele Msutwana, 12 Riaan Esterhuizen, 11 Lindelwe Zungu, 10 Henrique Olivier, 9 Dundre Maritz, 8 Justin Hollis, 7 Lyolo Dapula, 6 Henry Brown, 5 Ruben le Roux, 4 Wynand Grassmann, 3 Johan Van Wyk, 2 Tembekile Boltina, 1 Nicolas Roebeck
Subs: 16 Andre Lategaan, 17 Tembelihle Yase, 18 Dylon Barendse, 19 Siyamthanda Jwaco, 20 Jayson Reynecke, 21 Lovu Claassen, 22 Liam Blake Taylor, 23  Stephan Zeelie

Match report:

 

From the Kick off, FNB Shimlas showed their intention to run the ball and play high-tempo rugby.

FNB Shimlas had the first opportunity to put points on the board in the second minute but flyhalf Henrique Olivier missed his shot at goal from the FNB Shimlas ten metre line.

In the seventh minute, FNB flanker Lyolo Dapula received a yellow card for fowl play close to his goal line. An FNB Shimlas line out gave the forwards an opportunity to drive the ball towards the line with flanker Janco Cloete going over in the 12th minute for a five pointer converted by flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela taking the FNB Shimlas into the lead, 7-0.

FNB Shimlas dictated the first twenty minutes but lost possession at the break down, with the FNB Madibaz loose forwards proving to be difficult to deal with at ruck time.

In the 23rd minute, FNB Shimlas went on the attack but fullback Matsoele Sechaba’s pass was intercepted by FNB Madibaz winger Lindelwe Zungu to score a seven-pointer under the poles, converted by Henrique Olivier to put FNB Madibaz 9-7 up in the 23rd minute.

FNB Madibaz kept the pressure on FNB Shimlas and after FNB Shimlas were blown up for a maul infringement FNB Madibaz flanker Lyolo Dapula went over in the 29th minute for a five-pointer converted by Henrique Olivier stretching the lead to 16-7.

FNB Madibaz played with confidence and Henrique Olivier secured a penalty in front of the FNB Shimlas poles to take the half-time score to 19-7 for the visitors.

FNB Shimlas started off the second half with urgency keeping FNB Madibaz in their own quarter. FNB Madibaz lock Wynand Grassman received a yellow card in the 43rd minute for foul play on the ground.

After continuous pressure, the FNB Shimlas scrumhalf Zenidine Booysen dotted down after 45 minutes, with Dobela uncharacteristically missing the conversion, which made FNB Shimlas score to 19-12.

FNB Shimlas were not done yet and after four phases of constructive play flanker Jacobus Lombaard scored a seven pointer, with Dobela refinding his form and slotting the conversaion making the lead 21-19.

FNB Madibaz turned the game around once again, with a brilliant penalty kick to put them in the lead 22-21 with ten minutes of play left.

FNB Shimlas centre Ayabonga Oliphant saved the day when the midfielder went over for a bonus point try, Dobela converted, making the final score 28-22.

 

Fixture: FNB Wits vs FNB NWU

Kick-off: 18h30

 

FNB NWU do the business in epic battle with FNB Wits

The Wits Rugby stadium saw an epic battle take place in the FNB Varsity Cup, where FNB NWU managed to get their revenge against FNB Wits, when they managed to sneak past the Witsies 35-31. FNB Wits however, also took a positive out of the game, where they managed to secure a bonus point loss.

FNB Player That Rocks: AK Nela (FNB NWU)

FNB Wits: 31

Tries: David Cary (2), CJ Conradie, Conor Brockschmidt, CJ Greef

Cons: Chris Humphries

FNB NWU: 35

Tries: Penalty Try, Tiaan Bezuidenhout, Jimmy Mpailane, Dean Stokes, AK Nela
Cons: Schalk Hugo (2)

Yellow card: Jaco Swanepoel

Teams

FNB Wits starting XV: 15. David Cary, 14. Kwanele Ngema, 13. Sicelo Champion, 12. AJ Van Blerk, 11. Bin Kasende Kapepula, 10. Chris Humphries, 9. Ruan Cloete, 8. Jethro De Lange, 7. Ruan MacDonald, 6. Constant Beckerling, 5. Pascal Snyman, 4. Conor Brockschmidt, 3. Cornelius Greef, 2. CJ Conradie, Ameer Williams

Substitutes: 16. Justin Brandon, 17. Craig Hume, 18. Sipho Siboza, 19. Ayabulela Mdudi, 20. Giovan Snyman, 21. Dawid Bodenstein, 22. Yanga Hlalua, 23. Luyolo Qinela

FNB NWU Starting XV: 15. Tapiwa Mafura, 14. Jimmy Mpailane, 13. Evardi Boshoff, 12. AK Nela, 11. Dean Stokes, 10. Schalk Hugo, 9. Chriswill September, 8. Tiaan Bezuidenhout (C), 7. Estehan Visagie, 6. Gideon Van der Merwe, 5. Walt Steenkamp, 4. Johan Retief, 3. Robert Hunt, 2. Louis Van der Westhuizen, 1. Matimu Manganyi

Substitutes: 16. Percy Mngadi, 17. Nelius Theron, 18. Theo Ferreira, 19. Jaco Swanepoel, 20. Wandile Mazibuko, 21. Nkosana Mathaba, 22. Ryno Wepener, 23. Justin Newman

Match report:

The match itself was a fantastic battle, which saw the visitors FNB NWU get out the starting blocks very quickly, with a penalty try inside the first 10 minutes of the game. The FNB NWU continued to apply more pressure, dominate the territory and physical battles. Their efforts were rewarded before the first strategy break, when FNB NWU captain and eighthman Tiaan Bezuidenhout dashed through the FNB Wits defence to dot down under the poles for a seven-point try, which Schalk Hugo made no mistake in converting to take the score to 16-0.

The rest of the half saw FNB Wits fullback David Cary, get the hosts on the scoreboard when he dotted down for a converted try. The last few moments then saw FNB NWU cross the whitewash twice and the hosts scoring just before the buzzer to take the score to 26-12 at the break.

The second half saw the FNB Wits side look very eager early on to try find a way back into the clash. The home side did eventually score in the corner through lock Conor Brockschmidt, who put in big strides to trot over for an unconverted seven-point try.

FNB NWU were, however, very quick to hit back, when inside centre AK Nela, sliced through the FNB Wits defence from their 22-metre area, which meant a seven-point try because the move had started in the FNB NWU half, which Hugo converted to take the score to 36-19 to the visitors.

The hosts also had a quick reply of their own with David Cary getting his second of the night, which was unfortunately not converted again. The rest of the game saw a thriller, with FNB Wits showing great determination by scoring another seven-pointer, through CJ Greef, which this time Chris Humphries stepped up and converted to take the score to 31-35.

FNB NWU in the end, just managed to hang onto an important victory, which keeps them in the running. While the Witsies will now hope other results go their way for them to secure a spot in the semi-finals.