FNB UJ ends FNB Maties’ unbeaten run

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