FNB Varsity Cup
VarsityCup.co.za content contributors Dan Lombard and Bronwen Bain select the standout players from Thursday's matches at the University of Pretoria.
JP DUVENAGE (FNB SHIMLAS)
The FNB Shimlas flyhalf and captain scored 17 points – via a point-of-origin try and five conversions – against FNB Wits to guide his team to their second win of the tournament.
Stratus stats Tries: 1 Conversions: 5/6 Ball carries: 8 Metres run: 105 Metres gained: 44 Tackles: 11/11 General play kicks: 9
ADRIAAN VAN DER BANK (FNB MATIES)
Pulling the strings with precision that could rival violinists, the FNB Maties flyhalf ensured that quality ball was feed to the backs during his 55-minute stint against FNB UJ. He also kicked well out of hand and slotted two conversions.
Stratus stats Ball carries: 5 Metres run: 69 Metres gained: 44 Conversions: 2/4 General kicks: 5
SANGO XAMLASHE (FNB UP-TUKS)
The FNB UP-Tuks midfielder may have only played 62 minutes of their match against the FNB Madibaz, but he put on a stellar performance from the word go. The captain carried the ball to the line well and his quick thinking earned him two tries, including a seven-pointer.
Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 6 Metres run: 99 Metres gained: 41 Tackles: 5/5
BRANDEN DE KOCK (FNB UWC)
The diminutive scrumhalf was destructive against FNB CUT, to say the least, always keeping the defence honest while laying the pipe needed for Udubs to stick up their hands for semi-final contention.
Stratus stats Tries: 1 Points: 15 Ball carries: 5 Metres run: 48 Metres gained: 14 Line breaks: 2 Tackles: 3/3
JANDRÉ DE BEER (FNB NWU EAGLES)
The flanker was a pest in the attic for the Eagles, bagging a brace during his bountiful 85 minutes on the pitch and making all eight of his tackles. Ultimately his efforts were not enough for a win against FNB UCT, but certainly assisted in securing two crucial bonus points.
Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 8 Metres run: 180 Metres gained: 23 Tackles: 8/8
Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup
