Rampant FNB Wits lead charge in explosive FNB Varsity Shield Round 6

FNB Wits continued their dominant run in the FNB Varsity Shield, extending their unbeaten streak with a ruthless 89-7 demolition of FNB SPU in Johannesburg. FNB UWC were made to work hard but showed resilience to secure a victory over FNB Madibaz at home, keeping their push near the top of the standings firmly on track. Walter Sisulu University held their nerve in a high-intensity clash to edge past FNB UKZN while in Alice the Fort Hare Blues delivered a strong performance to defeat FNB CPUT, boosting their fight to climb away from the relegation zone.

FNB WSU 27-20 FNB UKZN

FNB WSU claimed a determined 27-20 victory over FNB UKZN in their Round 6 clash of the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, combining clinical finishing with resolute defence when it mattered most.

The hosts made an explosive start, asserting dominance through their powerful forward pack and turning early pressure into points. A well-worked opening try, followed by a successful Power Play, handed FNB WSU early control as they capitalised on opportunities inside the 22 to build a strong first-half lead.

FNB UKZN responded with patience and structured phase play, eventually breaking through to stay in the contest. However, WSU remained composed and added another converted try to stretch their advantage to 22-5. The visitors struck back after the halftime hooter with a Power Play try, reducing the deficit to 22-15 and shifting momentum heading into the break.

FNB WSU responded immediately in the second half, crossing early to extend their lead to 27-15. While they were unable to convert their own Power Play, the hosts managed the game effectively, controlling territory and dictating the tempo.

A late try from FNB UKZN in the 75th minute set up a tense finish, but WSU’s disciplined defence held firm, denying the visitors a final breakthrough to secure a hard-earned win.

SCORERS

FNB WSU: (22) 27

Tries: Ahlule Zokoza X2, Thembela Folo, Khonaye Mbakaza, Luvo Zindela.

FNB UKZN: (15) 20

Tries: Siso France, Russel Fick, Ayanda Ngubane, Lusanda Dubazane.

FNB Player of the Match: Thembela Folo (FNB WSU)

TEAMS:

FNB WSU: Mihlali Nohoyeka, Sokhana Pampila, Yoyisa Mahobe, Luvo Zindela, Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, Siya Ncapayi Khanaye Mbakaza Sipho Hobosch (V), Thembela Folo, Sinethemba Buhlungu, Bulelani Nondlwana, Axola Mtalana, Bukho Hani, Ahlule Zokoza, Lukhangele Tshayi (C).

FNB UKZN: Prince Nyathi, Jordan Ramsamy, Ulrich Cameron Walker, Amu Rannenueni, Tylo Madaat, Lonwabo Nkalitshana, Ndabezinhle Ngubane, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, Lian Lochner, Juan Viljoen, Eloko Kayekeze Frederick Malgas, Ntobeko Mhlongo, Jovawn Visagie, Siso France.

FNB UWC 32-25 FNB Madibaz

FNB UWC secured a hard-fought 32-25 victory over FNB Madibaz at UWC Stadium on Friday, maintaining their strong position near the top of the standings.

The match began with both sides testing each other, but clear scoring opportunities were limited in the opening stages. The visitors showed early attacking intent, yet it was FNB UWC who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, with hooker Marciano Forbes powering over from a rolling maul. FNB Madibaz responded with a penalty from flyhalf Raashied Conrad to narrow the gap, leaving the halftime score at a tight 5-3 in favour of the hosts.

The home side came out with renewed energy after the break, extending their lead through Daniel Damons, before FNB Madibaz hit back with a maul try from Luan Verster. However, Forbes struck again to claim his brace, restoring UWC’s control of the contest.

The hosts then took charge, with winger Leachim Adams scoring back-to-back tries to push the lead to 29-10. Despite a spirited fightback from FNB Madibaz, who crossed late through Cole Hilpert and Chuma Blouw, UWC held their nerve. A crucial penalty from full back Aaron Swartz proved vital as the home side closed out the match.

Forbes was named Player of the Match after an outstanding performance, scoring twice and leading from the front in a dominant display.

SCORERS

FNB UWC: (5) 32

Tries: Marciano Forbes X2, Leachim Adams X2, Daniel Damons

FNB Madibaz: (3) 25

Tries: Luan Verster, Chuma Blouw, Cole Hilpert

FNB Player of the Match: Marciano Forbes (FNB UWC)

TEAMS:

FNB UWC: Hlonela Qelile, Marciano Forbes, Graigan Matroos, Melumzi Mandongana, Pascal Tshimbalanga, Mevin Diedericks, Danston Cloete, Anele Magadla, Fra-Neeco Baron, Nhlamulo Shilubane, Leachim Adams, Denver van Wyk, Hlomla Ncana, Juma Amisi, Aaron Swartz.

FNB Madibaz: Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, Aj Flemming, Luan Verster, Calvin Bosch, Corne Cloete, Ruwaan Zealand, Sean Van Zijl, Cameron Doyle, Raashied Conrad, Emihle Zaza, Qurin Cupido, Edward Kruger, Jaden Witbooi, Caleb Friskin.

FNB Wits 89-7 FNB SPU 

FNB Wits maintained their unbeaten run in the FNB Varsity Shield after thumping FNB SPU 89-7 in Johannesburg on Friday.

The hosts dominated from the first minute and made their presence felt in front of a buzzing and loud crowd at the Wits Rugby Stadium.  

They scored three tries in the opening 10 minutes after wingers Oluwatimileyen Oluwole and Lindani Dweba found themselves in space and converted with ease.

Skipper, Latica Nela joined the scoring action soon after, before Wits extended their lead with a try by Marko Kok.

The hosts led 24-0 during the strategy break, but FNB SPU pulled one back through Calvin Paulsen.

FNB Wits, however, were far from done, and they upped the ante. Liam Santos barged over in the corner, and instead of going for a conversion, they opted for the tap, and Nela completed his brace.

Soon after, fly-half, Rekkie Gerber got on the end of a brilliantly worked team try to make it 41-7.

Oluwole broke on his right wing on the stroke of halftime, and the hosts led 48-7 at the break. 

Wits continued their dominance in the second half and skipper Nela sealed his hat-trick after the 50-minute mark before his side was awarded a penalty try.

Replacement, Kevon Chiwara entered the field and made an immediate impact, scoring in the corner to stretch his side’s lead.

In the final 10 minutes of the game, Wits scored twice as Dweba sealed his hat-trick before Chiwara scored again to make it 75-7. 

The hosts finished with a floury as Dylan Piek dotted over before Oluwole completed his hat-trick to seal an emphatic win.

SCORERS

FNB Wits: (48) 89

Tries: Latica Nela X3, Lindani Dweba X3, Oluwatimileyen Oluwole X3, Kevon Chiwara X2, Marko Kok, Liam Santos, Rekkie Gerber, (Penalty Try), Dylan Piek. 

FNB SPU: (7) 7

Tries: Calvin Paulsen. 

FNB Player of the Match: Marko Kok (FNB Wits)

TEAMS:

FNB Wits: Ricardo Brandao, Bonga Nxumalo, Miguel Smith, Lian Terblanche, Hayden Munnery, Marko Kok, Christopher Kachungunu, Liam Santos, Bryce Samuel, Rekkie Gerber, Lindani Dweba, Tirhani Masondo, Keith Chirwa, Oluwatimileyen Oluwole, Latica Nela. 

FNB SPU: Aiden Holtzhausen, Ntokozo Ndwalane, Emile Noble, Tumelo Papane, Kwandokuhle Dlamini, Kabelo Keagile, Jacobus Johannes Fourie, Tyron China, Aswen Rademeyer, Chadwin Sellidon, Raees Sahabodien, Enzo Machaba, Jaiden Faviers, Liyabona Maplanga, Calvin Paulsen. 

FNB UFH 41-22 FNB CPUT

UFH produced a remarkable comeback to defeat FNB CPUT 41-22 in a high-intensity clash at Davidson Stadium.

FNB CPUT started with intent, striking in the second minute as Yobanathi Daki powered over following a well-executed cross-field kick. They doubled their lead in the fifth minute through Samukelisiwe Madonsela, again exposing FNB UFH’s defence with a similar kicking play to make it 12-0 early on.

The home side responded in the nineth minute with a powerful maul, finished by Alizwa Majila. \

Moments later, Majila grabbed his second after reacting quickly to a loose ball, closing the gap to 12-10 at the strategy break.

The visitors added their third try in the 28th minute through Kieran Delaan from a well-controlled scrum, taking a 17-10 lead into halftime.

Early in the second half, FNB UFH were reduced to 14 players after Majila received a yellow card. Despite this setback, their defence held strong. In the 54th minute, Bulumnko Mfundisi intercepted a pass and sprinted clear to score, with Abongile Yeye converting to level matters at 17-17.

The hosts seized momentum soon after, as Ukho Nomsatha brilliantly regathered his own kick to score, with Yeye converting to give the hosts the lead for the first time. Liyema Ngoyi extended the advantage shortly after, although FNB UFH could not capitalise on their powerplay.

The Cape based side fought back with a try from Rueben Noble but again failed to use their powerplay effectively. FNB UFH sealed the win in the 73rd minute through Bunono Jamani, who finished off a dominant maul, with Yeye adding the extras.

Outstanding defence, including crucial try-saving tackles from Nomsatha, along with UFH’s resilience and fitness, proved decisive as they secured their second victory of the competition.

SCORERS

FNB UFH: (10) 41

Tries: Alizwa Majila X2, Liyema Ngoyi, Lisolethu Jali, Bulumnko Mfundisi, Ukho Nomsatha, Bunono Jamani

FNB CPUT: (17) 22

Tries: Kieran Naidoo, Yibanathi Daki, Reuben Noble, Samukelisiwe Madonsela.

FNB Player of the Match: Ukho Nomsatha (FNB UFH)

TEAMS

FNB UFH: Gqobhoka Chris, Vellem Inga, Sowetu Mwande, Ramahala Mpho, Hlitane Liyema, Majila Alizwa, Simanga Anda, Macoli Iminathi, Yeye Abongile, Gxekwa Salusiwe, Ngoyi Liyema, Jali Lisolethu, Rushiza Takudzwa, Mfundisi Bulumko, Nomsatha Ukho.

FNB CPUT: Zwana Siphesihle Ntandoyemvelo, Kula Lindisipho Lihle, Naidoo Kieran Delaan, Thabede Simphiwe Gift, Golela Abongile Kude, Makaula Lazola Amahle, Daki Yibanathi, Adams Denley Krid, January Jayson, Noble Reuben Thorne, Madonsela Samukelisiwe Sandile, Maseko Mbuso, Jacobus Jacquin Farrol, Atkins Dwayne Grant, Pekeur Noah Matthew.