FNB UJ ends FNB Maties’ unbeaten run
Varsity Cup semi-fianls will take place on Monday April 4.
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THE FNB University of Johannesburg team ended the last round of the Varsity Cup group stages with a bang as they gave FNB Maties their first defeat of the season.
They managed a well-deserved 42-16 win against the top team from the University of Stellenbosch.
This win means FNB UJ has secured a home semi-final in the process of finishing second on the log. FNB Maties rang the changes for this match to give some of its first-team players a rest, ahead of their semi-final clash against FNB Tuks on April 4.
FNB Maties started the match well as winger Brandon Asher-Wood scored a nine-point try, but FNB UJ flyhalf, Divan Nel drew his side level after two penalties and a drop goal.
Ronald Brown and captain, Jakobus Porter scored two great tries for FNB UJ just before the break as they led 27-9 at half-time. FNB Maties were dealt a further blow before half-time when centre, Chris Smit was yellow-carded for a late tackle.
The side from Johannesburg continued where they left off in the second half as they scored two more tries through Caswell Khoza and Etienne Oosthuizen to claim a bonus point.
FNB Maties completely failed to get going in the second half as discipline and poor execution let the Maroon Machine down, but they did manage a consolation try at the end of the match through Carlisle Nel.
Scorers:
FNB Maties: 16
Nine-point try: Brandon Asher-Wood
Seven-point try: Carlisle Nel
FNB UJ: 42
Nine-point try: Jakobus Porter
Five-point tries: Ronald Brown, Caswell Khoza and Etienne Oosthuizen
Conversions: Divan Nel (3)
Penalties: Divan Nel (3)
Drop goals: Divan Nel
Varsity Cup Semi-finals – April 4
16:30 – FNB UJ v FNB NWU-Pukke at UJ Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg
19:00 – FNB Maties v FNB UP-Tuks at Danie Craven Rugby Stadium, Stellenbosch