UJ rout Wits for their first Varsity Cup win of the 2019 season

WESTDENE – The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Wits University were eager to record a win in the Varsity Cup rugby Johannesburg derby on 4 March in Westdene.

In an extremely entertaining and nail-biting game, UJ walked away with the 39–16 win against their rivals from up the road. Two tries from UJ’s man of the match Odwa Nkunjana and a well-rounded team effort was enough to silence their noisy neighbours.

UJ got right into the scoring groove with a third-minute try from Nkunjana with Mashudu Raphunga converting. Eight minutes later, UJ extended their lead thanks to an interception and seven-point try courtesy of Shaun Williams. That resulted in UJ having a commanding 14–0 lead and with Raphunga slotting over a penalty, UJ went into the break 17–0 ahead.

Many Wits fans would’ve felt they should have left early to avoid an embarrassing defeat to the ‘orange army’ but the first 16 minutes of the second half was dominated by Wits as Adrian Van Blerk and Kasende Kapepul scored tries within four minutes of each other with Chris Humphries converting both of them. Trailing by 19–16, this would be the last time Wits would score.

Nkunjana and Adriaan Bester scored five-pointers for UJ and with Raphunga converting both and adding two more penalties, UJ closed the door on their rivals.

The win not only gives UJ bragging rights but also their first points of the season. As it stands, they are now sixth on the log, one place above Wits although they are only separated by points difference. UJ will go back on the road as they prepare to face the University of Stellenbosch on 11 March.

Wits will get the next week off but will use their time to get ready for their battle against the University of Cape Town on 18 March.

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UCT prove too much for UJ as they win their Varsity Cup match 42–23