Bragging rights in the Joburg Derby went to hosts FNB Wits for the first time in FNB Varsity Cup history, but only just after a 7-6 win over FNB UJ.
Wits welcomed their crosstown rivals to a mildly chilly Wits Rugby Stadium, determined to follow up their season-opening victory in the Cape with another at home. Befitting the status of the match, it was one that was tightly contested, with nerves playing a role in missed opportunities – especially for the hosts who’d never beaten UJ in this tournament.
The first half started off in a very cagey manner, with both sides not giving much away early on. The Orange Army (though dressed in their black away kit) did, however, get on the board first, with a penalty from 35m out. Fly half PW Steenkamp made light work of the kick at goal. It didn’t take long for them to add to their tally, with Wits being penalised once more. Steenkamp was once again up to the task, guiding his side into the break, leading 6-0.
The second half continued in much the same manner as the first. UJ were, however, strong defensive despite Wits throwing everything they had at them – most notably quick-footed full back Daniel Kasende. Wits did have an opportunity to half the deficit with a penalty awarded 30m out. Substitute kicker Chris Humphries failed to knock it over, with the slight breeze taking the attempt astray. UJ were then afforded an opportunity of their own, but once again the breeze came into play, taking Shaun-Christian Baxter’s kick wide of the uprights.
Inside the last 10 minutes, it was Wits who had the last laugh, with the backs running riot to eventually see winger Matt MacDonald sliding over for an unconverted point-of-origin try, to see Wits take a narrow one-point lead – which they were able to hold on to for a famous victory.
The other results were as follows:
FNB UP-Tuks had to wait for the second half to overpower FNB CUT in Bloemfontein, overturning a four-point half-time deficit to run out comfortable victors by 40-23.
FNB UCT took full advantage of home conditions to beat FNB NWU 31-22 and claim their second successive victory of their 2020 FNB Varsity Cup campaign.
FNB UWC beat FNB Shimlas 29-28 in round two of the FNB Varsity Cup following a nail-biting clash at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.
