FNB UFS Shimlas are the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup champions after beating FNB UCT Ikeys 45-42 in an epic final at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.
The Shimlas snatched the win on the stroke of fulltime thanks to an Ethan Wentzel penalty, giving them their title since 2015.
FULL-TIME! 🔥
— UFS (@UFSweb) April 22, 2024
🏆Shim Shim Shimlas!🏆
Ethan Wentzel clutch moment wins the game with a penalty at the death.
The boys triumphantly secure the title of the 2024 @VarsityCup champions!
Final score:
FNB UFS Shimlas 45-42 FNB UCT Ikeys#RugbyThatRocks #TheHeatIsOn #ShimShimShimlas pic.twitter.com/G5FXTxA5Ot
Shimlas scrumhalf Jandré Nel was named the FNB Player That Rocks and judging by his face after the game, one could see it truly was a matter of blood, sweat and tears that led the team of Bloemfontein to this fantastic moment.
Sensational scenes in Bloem as Ethan Wentzel wins the @FNBSA Varsity Cup for the @UFSweb Shimlas with a kick in the 83rd min to be crowned 2024 champions 🏆!
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 22, 2024
FNB UFS 45 - 42 FNB UCT #RugbyThatRocks brought to you by FNB, Steers and Suzuki. pic.twitter.com/unfZc25A7V
The Ikeys got off to a very fast start with Keagan Blanckenberg and Jonathan Roche scoring for the visitors. Nel stuck back for the Shimlas with his first try, before the hooker Liyema Mgwigwi also got in on the action for the hosts.
Rethabile Louw dotted down from an intercept and Duran Koevort sliced through the defence for his five-pointer for UCT. Ethan Wentzel then scored for the hosts while Mgwigwi completed his brace on the stroke of halftime. Ikeys had their noses in the lead by 31-26.
A defining moment in the game was Nel’s second try early in the second half, which was later upgraded to a point-of-origin try. Siviwe Zondani also scored for the home team. Bryan le Roux levelled matters for the Ikeys and they could have won the game with two minutes to play, but Ntokozo Makhaza missed the conversion.
With the game level at 42-42 it was heading to extra time, but two minutes after the hooter, the Shimlas were awarded a penalty. What was arguably the most important kick of his life, Wentzel split the uprights to hand his team the well-deserved victory.
SCORERS
FNB UFS Shimlas 45 (26) – Tries: Jandre Nel (2), Liyema Mgwigwi (2), Ethan Wentzel, Siviwe Zondani. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (4). Penalties: Ethan Wentzel.
FNB UCT Ikeys 45 (31) - Tries: Keagan Blanckenberg, Jonathan Roche, Rethabile Louw, Duran Koevort, Bryan le Roux. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (3). Penalties: Ntokozo Makhaza (3).
FNB Player That Rocks: Jandre Nel (FNB UFS Shimlas)
TEAMS
FNB UFS Shimlas: Ntokozo Hlophe, Liyema Mgwigwi, Francisco Dos Reis, Reinier Juan Martin Viljoen, John Raymond Stopforth, Sobe Siyambuka Nakhane Ningiza, Pierre-Raymond Freddie Uys, Kwezi Dlamini, Jandre Nel, Ethan SJ Wentzel, Asanda Sihle Kunene, Zane Bester, Nkoka Sydney Luvuyo Ngobe, Siviwe Zondani, Michael Jnr Kurt Annies.
FNB UCT Ikeys: Luthando Solomon Woji, Keagan Jordan Blanckenberg, John Kelly Ifechukwu Okonkwo, Reynhardt Wouter Crous, Johan Van Rhyn, Siphumezo Dyonase, Taariq Mohammed Kruger, Laro Delport, Asad Moos, Alexander Vermeulen, Ntokozo Sibusiso Makhaza, Jonathan Roche, Joshua Michael Boulle, Rethabile Donovan Louw, Duran Ryan Koevort.
FNB Overall Player That Rocks: Ntokozo Makhaza (FNB UCT Ikeys)
FNB Back That Rocks: Matthew Fortuin (FNB NWU Eagles)
FNB Forward That Rocks: Enos Ndiao (FNB UCT Ikeys)
Suzuki Rookie Of The Year: Likhona Finca (FNB UJ)