Semi-finalists determined in Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International has its semi-finalists for 2015. Defending champions FNB Ikeys and FNB Pukke joined FNB Tuks and FNB Shimlas in next week’s semi-finals, after Rugby that Rocks delivered pulsating action on Monday night March 23.

In a hard-fought match defending champion, FNB Ikeys held onto their lead against FNB UJ, who threw everything they can to get over the try-line of their counterparts.

There was little to choose from between the sides throughout, but only a single try from the hosts separated UJ and Ikeys from the scratch of the match. This win ended the visitors’ play-off hopes, and ensured that the Ikeys will travel to Bloemfontein to face FNB UFS-Shimlas in their semi-final next week Monday March 30.

The home side started with real intent, and they were rewarded with a try to flank Jason Klaasen from a driving maul to put them 8-0 up.

The Ikeys had the wind at their backs in the first half, and kept UJ pinned in their own half with some good tactical kicking, but the UJ defence held out well under pressure.

The visitors came out firing after the break and camped in UCT territory, where they won a number of scrums, but the home side managed to take their 8-0 lead into the halftime break.

The second half got off to a tense start, with a few off-the-ball incidents flaring up, but neither side was able to score as UCT maintained their lead at the second strategy break.

UJ were pressing hard, but it was not to be as UCT held on for a vital win.

FNB Player that Rocks: James Kilroe

The scorers:

For FNB UCT:

Tries: Klaasen

Con: Seals

For FNB UJ:

None

Every single match mattered on Monday evening and it showed as players from all teams played their hearts out to help their teams get over the line. Shimlas retained their unbeaten run, beating a gutsy Pukke 29-26, but it was not enough to ensure a top-of-the-log finish. That honour went to Tuks, who managed an impressive 8-40 victory away from home against NMMU.

Maties crushed CUT 8-53 in Bloemfontein. The win for Maties means CUT end their first season in Varsity Cup, without a single point.

In the FNB Varsity Shield, FNB Wits continued their dominant run and went top of the table with a crushing 5-50 victory over TUT. FNB UWC also notched up an impressive win, beating FNB Fort Hare 8-58, meaning they still have a chance to make it to the final of this year’s competition.