FNB Varsity Cup
VarsityCup.co.za content contributors Bronwen Bain and Dan Lombard select the standout players from Sunday's matches in Pretoria.
MICHAEL BRINK (FNB UCT IKEYS)
The inside centre had a mammoth 71 minutes against the FNB Madibaz as his two tries and three conversions helped the Ikey Tigers secure top spot on the log. He was not only outstanding on attack but his defence was impenetrable too.
Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 11 Metres run: 176 Metres gained: 95 Offloads: 1 Line breaks: 1 Tackles: 6/6
PRINCE NKABINDE (FNB UJ)
FNB UJ were trailing 23-3 before Nkabinde powered over for a try three minutes into first-half stoppage-time. The winger scored another in the 58th minute as their comeback continued, this time a seven-pointer that showcased his speed, while he was also solid on defence.
Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 6 Metres run: 183 Metres made: 31 Tackles: 5/6
KEAGAN LAILVAUX (FNB WITS)
The flyhalf commanded his backs with precision, picking out players in space or taking it up himself. He also provided FNB Wits with the territory needed by kicking for space and turning FNB UWC around when required.
Stratus stats Conversions: 4/5 Ball carries: 8 Metres run: 67 Metres gained: 43 Tackles: 6/9 General play kicks: 7
ANDRÉ FOUCHÉ (FNB NWU EAGLES)
The 21-year-old loose forward is a menace at the breakdown. Despite playing every minute of the Eagles’ 2021 campaign, Fouché is showing no signs of fatigue as he continues to put in dominant performances.
Stratus stats Ball carries: 11 Metres run: 134 Metres gained: 74 Offloads: 2 Tackles: 13/15 Attacking breakdown arrivals: 11
JANUS VENTER (FNB CUT IXIAS)
The Ixias hooker scored four tries from driving mauls in their crucial win against FNB UP-Tuks to move to the top of the 2021 try-scoring charts with 10. Venter also made 12 tackles and got stuck into the breakdown.
Stratus stats Tries: 4 Lineouts won: 12/15 Tackles: 12/14 Attacking breakdown arrivals: 11 Defending breakdown arrivals: 4
Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup
