FNB Varsity Shield round 6 went down to the wire in two dramatic games where the FNB CPUT Blue Wave beat Bellville rivals FNB UWC by just one point while in Alice the bottom of the log battle lived up to expectations as home side FNB UFH scored in the 83rd min to beat Easten Cape rivals FNB WSU. The Comets stay top of the log after beating FNB UKZN while FNB Madibaz cruised past FNB SPU.
FNB UFH 25-24 FNB WSU
An impressive and season defining performance sealed a last gasp 25-24 victory for the FNB UFH Blues against arch-rivals, FNB WSU in round seven of the FNB Varsity Shield at the Davidson Stadium in Alice on Friday.
After leading 15-0 at the halfway point, the Blues showed class, and composure to hold on to their win in front of their home supporters.
The Eastern Cape derby lived up to expectations, and it was the hosts who fired first with two tries in the first 40 courtesy of tries by captain, Bunono Jamani and Bulumko Mfundisi.
The second half was a totally different affair, and WSU came out firing and showed intent from the get-go.
They scored three tries, the first from fullback, Beon Hartnick before they were awarded a penalty try after relentless pressure.
FNB WSU then capitalised on a man advantage in the 60th minute when Khanya Solani brushed off several defenders to dot over the whitewash.
They led 17-15 with ten minutes to play but extended their lead with another late try scored by Buhlebenkosi Kedama in the 79th minute.
Just as the fans thought it was all done and dusted; the Blues had other ideas. With a minute remaining, they piled up the pressure and camped in WSU’s half until the final play of the game. A line out which resulted in a maul saw skipper, Jamani crash over for the winning try!
SCORERS
FNB UFH: 25 (15)
Tries: Bunono Jamani (2), Ukho Nomsatha, Pangwa Okuhle.
FNB WSU: 24 (0)
Tries: Khanya Solani, Beon Hartnick, Buhlebenkosi Kedama, (Penalty try).
FNB Player That Rocks: Sinalo Jivana (FNB UFH).
TEAMS:
FNB UFH: Elihle Mtshemla, Bunono Jamani ©️, Liyabona Matyana, Liyema Hlitane, Kamvelihle Gcweka, Dala Mgidi, Mpho Ramahala, Michael Mangava, Sinalo Jivana, Sakhela Siyamthanda, Okuhle Pangwa, Lakheni Majali, Takudzwa Rushiza, Bulumko Mfundisi, Ukho Nomsatha.
FNB WSU: Yanda Ndamase, Sibulele Manyube, Yoyisa Mahobe, Luvo Zindela, Siseko Mani, Khanya Solani, Pernell Mendes, Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, Thembela Folo, Yolisa Kasi, Simosethu Capa, Axola Mtalana, Bulelani Nondlwana, Ahlule Zokoza, Beon Hartnick.
FNB CPUT 28-27 FNB UWC
In a thrilling encounter between rivals and neighbours FNB CPUT and FNB UWC, the home side edged a nail-biting contest 28-27 at fulltime. The match was a seesaw battle, with momentum shifting between the two sides throughout.
Incredible scenes unfolding in Alice! @WalterSisuluUni have scored with 1 min left on the clock to take the lead once again. It's going down to the wire!#NxtLevel #RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/rsmwsNyxy7
— Varsity Shield (@varsityshield) March 21, 2025
FNB CPUT started strong, with Oyintando Maseti slotting an early penalty in the 10th minute to put them 3-0 ahead. Just two minutes later, Noah Pekeur crossed the whitewash for the first try of the game, though Maseti was unable to convert, leaving the score at 8-0.
FNB UWC responded in the 24th minute through Conwill Conradie, who not only scored a try but also converted it himself, bringing the visitors within a point at 8-7. Five minutes later, Conradie added a penalty to push UWC into the lead at 10-8.
FNB CPUT quickly reclaimed control with a penalty by Maseti in the 30th minute, making it 11-10. The home side extended their advantage just a minute later when Jacquin Jacobus dotted down, and Maseti converted to bring the score to 18-10.
However, FNB UWC struck back before halftime through Bevan Simons, with Aaron Swartz converting to narrow the deficit to 18-17 at the break.
FULL TIME and a thriller in Bellville sees the @CPUT Blue Wave beat rivals FNB UWC by just 1 point in an epic derby!
— Varsity Shield (@varsityshield) March 21, 2025
FNB CPUT 28-27 FNB UWC#RugbyThatRocks proudly brought to you by FNB, Steers and Suzuki. pic.twitter.com/nuot1Bi5n4
Early in the second half, FNB UWC suffered a red card, giving FNB CPUT an advantage. Maseti capitalised with a 58th-minute penalty, making it 21-17. But FNB UWC refused to back down, as Hlomla Ncana scored in the 61st minute, with Swartz converting to push FNB UWC ahead at 24-21.
The final ten minutes saw high drama. Iwaan Bloys crashed over for FNB CPUT in the 70th minute, and Maseti’s conversion restored their lead at 28-24. FNB UWC fought until the end, earning a 75th-minute penalty, which Swartz converted to cut the gap to 28-27.
Despite a late push from FNB UWC, FNB CPUT held on to secure a hard-fought victory in a match that showcased high intensity, momentum swings, and clutch performances.
SCORERS
FNB CPUT: 28 (18)
Tries: Noah Pakeur, Jacquin Jacobus, Iwaan Bloys.
FNB UWC: 27 (17)
Tries: Conwill Conradie, Bevan Simons, Hlomla Ncana.
FNB Player That Rocks: Denley Krid Adams
TEAMS
FNB CPUT: Nkosephayo Ngema, Kyle Ahrendse, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, Simphiwe Gift Thabede, Nqaba Nkonyeni, Philasande Ngcobo, Denley Krid Adams, Jason January, Oyintando Honour Maseti, Iwaan Bloys, Carick Ethan Kustoor, Jacquin Farrol Jacobus, Noah Matthew Pakeur, Keewan Titus.
FNB UWC: Hlonela Qelile, Mihlali Tyanase, Michaels Keanu, Melumzi Mandongana; Alexander-Jaco Van Der Merwe, Romauld Nsombamanya, Jean Visser, Leighton Demon, Cornwill Conradie, Aaron Swartz, Leachim Adams, Braydon Booysen, Bevan Simons, Hlomla Ncana, Elkan Willemse.
FNB Madibaz 38 – 28 FNB SPU
FNB Madibaz continued their superb run in the FNB Varsity Shield as they saw off a spirited challenge from competition new boys FNB SPU in Gqeberha on Friday.
FULL TIME and @Madibaz_Sport continue to build momentum and add another win to their campaign after a comeback win against the Gemmies who stayed in it till the end.
— Varsity Shield (@varsityshield) March 21, 2025
FNB Madibaz 38-28 FNB SPU#RugbyThatRocks brought to you by FNB, Steers and Suzuki. pic.twitter.com/8sQy56nbxB
In weather that had it all – rain, brilliant sunshine and even fog – the home side came back from 14-0 down at one point to trump the men from Kimberley by 10 points.
FNB SPU burst out the gates with tries by Leslie Ruiters and Cassie Botes coming in the first 20 minutes.
While the home supporters were a little shell-shocked, their side refused to panic and pieced together some great moves in the tight loose to rack up three unanswered tries through scrumhalf Curwin Casper, hooker Kyle Erasmus and lock Calvin Bosch to see out the half.
Seven minutes into the second stanza, Madibaz replacement prop Bahle Cengani got on the scoresheet as the Nelson Mandela Bay students began to up the ante.
FNB SPU did not come to the Friendly City for fun though and were soon back in the game when fullback Bokamoso Maphisa stepped and weaved his way across the whitewash.
With 13 minutes to go, Erasmus dotted down for a second time as the FNB Madibaz maul took on an ominous presence.
Yet it was still not over. A charging run by FNB SPU front-rower Aviwe Mpepo put them back in touching distance, but as thick gloom descended on the stadium, FNB Madibaz flanker Johan van Zyl put the result beyond doubt when he got on the right end of another maul to score.
SCORERS
FNB Madibaz: 38 (19)
Tries: Curwin Casper, Kyle Erasmus (3), Calvin Bosch, Johan van Zyl
FNB SPU: 28 (14)
Tries: Leslie Ruiters, Cassie Botes, Bokamoso Maphisa, Aviwe Mpepo
FNB Player That Rocks: Kyle Erasmus (FNB Kyle Erasmus)
TEAMS:
FNB Madibaz: Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, AJ Flemming, Calvin Bosch, Martinus Strydom, Johan van Zyl, Dewald Gerber, Leon van der Merwe, Curwin Casper, Raashied Conrad, Bukho Pantsi, Lwando Davane, Edward Kruger, Emihle Zaza, Layron Milborrow.
FNB SPU: Aviwe Mpepo, Jan Potgieter, Cassie Botes, Tumelo Papane, Lihlumelo Gunguta, Thando Shipalana, Tyron China, Gareth Maree, TJ Majiedt, Leslie Ruiters, Liyabona Maplanga, Khanya Kama ©, Jaiden Faviers, Dwayne Lubbe, Bokamoso Maphisa.
FNB Varsity College 41-17 FNB UKZN
A fantastic first half hattrick from the inform Comets hooker, Jacques Marais helped the home side to a comfortable, 41-17 win against FNB UKZN.
The hooker got his first two tries just after the 10th minute mark, as he was scoring routine tries, a close to the try line lineout which he himself was finishing off.
FULL TIME and the Comets remain top of the log and are the kings of Durban after cruising to a comfortable win over the Impi.
— Varsity Shield (@varsityshield) March 21, 2025
FNB Varsity College 41-17 FNB UKZN#RugbyThatRocks brought to you by FNB, Steers and Suzuki pic.twitter.com/1MRtCVSJYO
Right on the first 20 minutes break, FNB Comets full-back Chandler Green brilliantly laid it off for winger, Allston Cedras who ran over the whitewash and dotted down for the Comets third try. The second 20 minutes saw the Comets hooker, Marais, getting his hattrick on the night, while Juan Steyl also adding his name to the scoresheet, taking it to 29-0 right till the last minute of the half.
Right after the 40 minutes horn was blown, FNB UKZN showed some life on the scoreboard. Ramatuku Sikhakhane was the man to get his team up as he managed to catch up a rolling chipped ball to dot down for his side.
The second half saw only two tries from the Comets a good, worked team try finished off by Mambo Mkhize, and a spicy try from the best player in the field on the night, Edward Sigauke, who ripped off on a turbo charged gas. Sprinting his way over the try line.
In between, FNB UKZN showed some tenacity as they added two more tries as well through TinoTendo Mazindhu and a cheeky one from Jovawn Visagie who slipped through the Comets defence.
Flyhalf, Frederick Marx and fullback Siso France managed to get 4 conversions altogether for their teams, 3 from Marx and 1 from France which made the final score to be 41-17 to the log leaders as they defeated a stubborn Impi team.
SCORERS:
FNB Varsity College: (29)
Tries: Jacques Marais (3), Bambo Mkhize, Juan Orde Steyl, Allston Cedras, Edward Sigauke.
FNB UKZN: 5()
Tries: Jovawn Visagie, Ramatuku Sikhakhane, Tinotenda Mazhindu.
FNB Player that Rocks: Edward Sigauke (FNB Varsity College)
TEAMS:
FNB Varsity College: Kabelo Matabola, Jacques Marais, Donell Francis, Robert Everson, Garren Muller, Sinelifa Ncwana, Enzo Van Niekerk, Juan Orde Steyl, Abande Mthembu, Frederick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, Mj Schoeman, Allston Cedras, Chandler Green.
FNB UKZN: Lonwabo Nkalitshana, Sikhona Ndulini, Thabiso Ncube, Aphelele Dlamini, Mthomboyolo Buzani, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, Wela-aphumelele Takata, Tinotenda Mazhindu, Milowo Matebese, Minehle Mfanelo Ngcamu, Luthando Mhlongo, Singele Mkhize, Jovawn Visagie, Ramatuku Sikhakhane, Siso France.