Alice to light up again!
With FNB UKZN enjoying a first-round bye in the 2012 Varsity Shield, the Fort Hare Blues and the University of the Western Cape will bring to a close Monday night's Shield fixtures in Alice.
Last year's first-round match in Alice - between FNB UFH and FNB Wits - was a fantastic affair, as the patriotic home fans got behind their team who played some exciting rugby in the inaugural Varsity Shield.
Flanker Thando Ndondo will lead Fort Hare into battle, with star winger Garth van Rayner - last year's Shield Player that Rocks - lining up in the No.14 shirt.
Hooker Charlton van Jaarsveld will captain UWC and he will be relying upon the likes of Justin McKay (at inside centre) and halfbacks Charl van Vollenhoven and Freddie Muller.
Of course, star speedster Anthony Volminck is no longer available - due to his move to the Golden Lions last year - but there is no shortage of pace in the shape of Donovan Williams and Cheslyn Roberts on the wings.
The teams:
FNB Fort Hare: 15 Sikho Jekubeni, 14 Garth van Rayner, 13 Lundi Ralarala, 12 Buntu Ntlanzi, 11 Lutho Zathu, 10 Teboho Makuru, 9 Sibabalwe Mtsulwana, 8 Nkosikhona Nofuma, 7 Thando Ndondo (captain), 6 Abongile Dlani, 5 Billy Dutton, 4 Itumeleng Mokae, 3 Xola Mapapu, 2 Vuyisani Mavuso, 1 Sive Ntwasa.
Replacements: 16 Luzuko Nyabaza, 17 Douglas Manyame, 18 Mzwandile Yalezo, 19 Andile Makinana, 20 Anele Tsiko, 21 Khanyiso Komani, 22 Aziyena Mandaba, 23 Sihle Mtwa.
FNB UWC: 15 Warrick Rhoda, 14 Donovan Williams, 13 Kenwin Weiner, 12 Justin McKay, 11 Cheslyn Roberts, 10 Charl van Vollenhoven, 9 Freddie Muller, 8 Samuel Borsah, 7 JP Kellerman, 6 Njabulo Ndlovu, 5 Kemsley Wesso, 4 Fuzani Mthetheleli, 3 Devon Martinus, 2 Charlton van Jaarsveld (captain), 1 Peter Lorens.
Replacements: 16 Michael Mkhize, 17 Curtis Beukes, 18 Darren Luiters, 19 Chadwick Peterson, 20 Denzil Willemse, 21 Yondela Stampu, 22 Maxwel Andrews, 23 Denzil Lindoor.
Date: Monday, January 30
Venue: Davidson Rugby Stadium
Kick-off: 7pm (Live on SuperSport One)
Referee: Lusanda Jam
Assistant referees: Loyiso Bosman, Sipokazi Njani
TMO: Johann Meuwesen
