FNB Wits target perfect season at FNB Varsity Shield final

FNB Wits head coach Hugo Van As says his side is gunning to finish their 2026 FNB Varsity Shield campaign on a perfect note when they host FNB WSU in the final on Friday in Johannesburg.

The Wits Blues will enter the title-deciding clash having already secured automatic promotion to next year’s Varsity Cup.

They finished the round-robin stages on top of the log with six wins and a draw in seven outings.

Thereafter, Wits thumped FNB Madibaz 68-10 in the last four to book their spot in the final.

“Qualifying for the final was important for us,” said Van As.

“In the semifinal against Madibaz, we had to grind it out even though the scoreboard said something different.

“There are a couple of errors and mistakes that we made, and we struggled with some stuff a bit. However, the team scored a lot of tries, which is good.”

Wits have played some entertaining rugby all season long, which has been described as “champagne rugby”.

Their backline, particularly the back three featuring Lindani Dweba, Dustyn Holmes, and skipper Latica Nela, has been on fire, scoring tries for fun.

The coach says it’s the type of rugby they pride themselves on playing.

“We’ve always been a team that stands for trying to use the ball and scoring tries, but I must be honest, the boys have gone to the next level. I don’t want to say it's easier, but it’s not as challenging as the Varsity Cup in terms of the defence lines, maybe that’s why we’ve been able to play like this.

“I’m not taking anything away from them, though. They have worked hard, and our attack coach has done well.”

Wits will look to use their home ground advantage in the final, but it won’t be smooth sailing, and WSU will provide a massive challenge.

The side from the Eastern Cape is brimming with confidence after beating FNB UWC in their semifinal last week.

“From our end, there are a lot of things we can improve. We have to stay humble and respect that WSU is a proper side. They are the only team we have drawn with this year, so we respect them. If you give them too much freedom, they will punish you. Our goal is to go out there, express ourselves and make it a special Varsity Shield campaign.”

The final kicks off at 18:30 at the Wits Rugby Stadium.  

By: Avuyile Sawula