The 2024 FNB Varsity Cup competition got underway yesterday with a victory for defending champions FNB NWU Eagles, a few close encounters and one massive defeat.
Here is our selection for the standout players from round 1.
Aphele Madaka (FNB NWU Eagles)
The Hermanus-born scrumhalf was a live wire on attack for the Eagles, providing quick service from the ruck. He also kept the Maties’ defence guessing with quick tap penalties and sniping runs. His service to his backline and ball runners was crisp and his diminutive stature did not stand in his way of making great defensive reads, enabling the defending champions to start with a victory.
Septimus Dercksen (FNB CUT)
The inside centre from Ixias was oftentimes used as a human battering ram to get the ball up the field. Coupled with his hard work on defence against FNB UJ, it made for a classic centre performance and an important part of the victory over the Orange Army.
Hassiem Paed (FNB Wits)
The former Bishops scrumhalf was in impressive form getting over the try line for Wits' bonus point try, handing them a runaway victory over FNB UWC. The livewire number nine kept his forwards on the front foot with quick service from the base of the ruck as well as controlling the set pieces with much aplomb.
Ntokozo Makhaza (FNB UCT Ikeys)
The Ikeys kicker remained cool, calm and collected slotting it over from all corners of the park while FNB UFS Shimlas could only watch. His seven penalties and one conversion saw him contribute a total of 23 points. This ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams.
