Impi aim to relive 2015 FNB Varsity Shield glory against old foes Wits

FNB UKZN face old foes FNB Wits in the third-round game of the campaign and the Impi will be looking to repeat the results of the 2015 final when they were crowned champions after beating Wits 29-24.

With two games done and dusted in the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield campaign, FNB UKZN have had a ‘roller coaster’s season already.

This is the sentiment shared by Siso France, vice-captain and fullback of the IMPI, who believes that his team’s highs and lows can be good for his men.

“The first two games, roller coaster. Roller coaster, if you’re looking at the score but if you ask from UKZN’s side, it’s been steady,” said France.

“The first two games, good tests. In retrospect, you might say that it’s good to get both results quite early, a win and a loss.

“Any sportsman will tell you it’s better to get both results quite early and then decide what you feel about that at the end of the game.”

The men from KZN have looked sharp this season, boasting of a lot of energy from their young players, with a deep hunger and desire to do well. A clear feat in their gameplay this year.

Despite the finesse IMPI have displayed for most parts of the game, their negative issues have come because of a lack of consistency in their displays, lapses in concentration and at times, lack of execution and experience.

“When we look at the FNB SPU game, great execution of everything. Even in the second game, we would say the big loss (but) it was literally just moments in the game where the boys just tended to switch off,” he said.

“But more so in the second game, we could say that we just lacked in execution. The plan was there, we could clearly see the plan, it’s just the ability to execute.

“It was just lack of energy in some sort of regards.”

“I think we now know which side of the road we want to be on, and that’s just led our preparations through the roof. The boys are ready for a good game of rugby; it’s going to be a battle. Nothing is going to be given - everything will be worked for. And we also plan on not being push overs.

“We really back our plan that we will bring it, and the results will take care of itself.”

By: Mpendulo Letsoalo