The finalists of FNB Varsity Shield 2025 have been decided, with FNB Varsity College set to face FNB Madibaz on 11 April. The Comets have already secured automatic promotion after topping the log at the end of the group stages and continued their fine form by outsclassing FNB CPUT in Durban. In Gqeberha FNB Madibaz booked their ticket to the final after dispatching FNB UWC with relative ease. Here's how the semi-finals played out.   FNB Madibaz 41-24 FNB UWC For two heart-breaking years FNB Madibaz failed to make it past the semi-final stage of the FNB Varsity Shield. That all changed in Gqeberha on Friday afternoon. A slew of tries by the home side in the first half did enough damage to ensure that the visitors simply had too much to do in the second stanza. The Capetonians drew first blood in the fifth minute when centre Braydon Booysen crashed over, but from that point on the half belonged to FNB Madibaz. Kyle Erasmus added to his impressive Shield try tally after a powerful rolling maul, centre Eddie Kruger rounded off a superb bit of handling by the FNB Madibaz backs before wing Emihle Zaza took advantage of poor handling by the visitors to stroll in for his five-pointer. Three minutes before the break prop Imibongo Mvuleni got in on the action with a copybook front-rower’s charge over the line. It looked like the floodgates would open when FNB Madibaz skipper Leon van der Merwe caught the opposition napping with a quick tap-and-go to put his name on the scoresheet nine minutes into the second half. However, with no option but to attack, FNB UWC started to find some rhythm and were rewarded with three unanswered tries by Leighton Damon, skipper Romuald Nsombamanya and replacement hooker Tyanase Mihlali. It was too little, too late though as FNB Madibaz secured their place in the final that has for eluded them for so long.    Watch HIGHLIGHTS HERE.   SCORERS   FNB Madibaz: 41 (34) Tries: Kyle Erasmus, Edward Kruger, Emihle Zaza, Imibongo Mvuleni, Leon van der Merwe.      FNB UWC: 24 5) Tries:  Braydon Booysen, Leighton Damon, Romuald Nsombamanya, Tyanase Mihlali.   FNB Player That Rocks: Leon van der Merwe (FNB Madibaz)   TEAMS: FNB Madibaz:  Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, Lihlumelo Mantewu, Calvin Bosch, Martinus Strydom, Sean van Zijl, Dewald Gerber, Leon van der Merwe, Curwin Casper, Raashied Conrad, Bukho Pantsi, Lwando Davane, Edward Kruger, Emihle Zaza, Layron Milborrow. FNB UWC: Daniel Damons, Marciano Forbes, Keanuh Michaels, Melumzi Mandongana; Alexander-Jaco Van Der Merwe, Romauld Nsombamanya, Logan Fortuin, Leighton Demon, Conwill Conradie, Elkan Willemse, Hlomla Ncana, Braydon Booysen, Leigh Braaf, Keith Syster, Aaron Swartz.   FNB Varsity College 52-17 FNB CPUT   FNB Varsity College delivered a statement performance in Durban North as they overwhelmed FNB CPUT 52–17 to book their place in the FNB Varsity Shield final. The Comets were first on the board in the 13th minute when Jacques Marais dotted down off a line-out driving maul, showcasing his trademark power. Drico Marx added the extras from the touchline. Just two minutes later, a deliberate knockdown by Maseti saw the referee go to the TMO, who ruled a probable try. A penalty try was awarded, and FNB Varsity College doubled their lead to 14–0. The momentum didn’t stop there. In the 18th minute, Edward Siguake tore down the touchline before offloading to captain Mthembu, who finished the move with style. Marx slotted the conversion to extend the lead to 21–0. That scoreline remained unchanged at half-time, with the Comets firmly in control after three unanswered tries. The second half began just as the first ended, with FNB VC applying pressure. Former Northwood 1st team captain Enzo Van Niekerk added his name to the scoresheet in the 50th minute with a blistering run, and Marx converted once more to make it 28–0. CPUT finally found a response in the 58th minute through Gerald Ghambi, who powered over the line. However, the missed conversion from Maseti left them trailing 28–5. Varsity College quickly hit back, and in the 62nd minute, Marx capitalized on a forward-dominated attack to score. Although his conversion hit the upright, the Comets led 33–5. Jacques Marais wasn’t done yet. In the 73rd minute, he secured his brace off another powerful driving maul. Marx added the extras as the scoreboard stretched to 40–5. Though the game was slipping away, the Blue Wave continued to fight. Clyde Frieslaar produced a determined finish in the 75th minute, crashing over with two defenders on him. The successful conversion made it 40–12. Just minutes later, Iwaan Bloys added another for CPUT, blazing down the wing, although the conversion was missed. FNB Varsity College answered back in the 78th minute when fullback Chandler Green danced through defenders to score. Marx missed the conversion, but it was 45–17 heading into added time. In the final act of the match, eighthman Juan Steyl finished things off with a pick-and-go try and converted it himself to seal the emphatic 52–17 victory.   Watch HIGHLIGHTS HERE. SCORERS   FNB Varsity College:  52 (21) Tries: Jacques Marais (3), Juan Orde Steyl, Abande Mthembu, Frederick Marx, Chandler Green, Penalty Try.   FNB CPUT: 17 (0) Tries: Iwaan Bloys, Gerald Junior Ghambi, Clyde Frieslaar.     FNB Player that Rocks: Jacques Marais (FNB Varsity Cup)   TEAMS FNB Varsity College: Okuhlekodwa Meyiwa, Jacques Marais, Mbuso Kweyama, Robert Everson, Garren Muller, Khumo-etsile Nkutha, Enzo van Niekerk, Juan Orde Steyl, Abande Mthembu ( C), Frederick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, MJ Scoeman, Allston Cedras, Chandler Green. FNB CPUT: Nkosephayo Sbusiso Ngema, Kyle Ahrendse, Keiran Delaan Naidoo (C ), Nqaba Mveliso Nkonyeni, Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, Preveen Rahul, Padayachiey, Philasande Ngcobo, Denely Krid Adams, Jayson January, Oyintando Honour Maseti, Iwaan Bloys, Timothy Matthew Shortless, Jacquin Farrol Jacubus, Noah Matthew Pekeur Keano, Keewan Titus.   The FNB Varsity Shield final will take place at 4pm on 11 April at Varsity College Durban North.

It’s a case of déjà vu for the defending FNB Varsity Cup champions, the FNB UFS Shimlas, as they head to Stellenbosch to keep their title defence alive. The FNB UFS Shimlas will face the FNB Maties on Monday night in the semi-finals—a repeat of last year’s knockout match, which the Bloemfontein side won 38-24, silencing the Maroon Machine faithful. FNB Maties are undoubtedly a stronger team this season, but the Shimlas have proven time and again—most recently on Monday night—that they thrive under pressure, as Tuks learned in the final round of round-robin matches. Shimlas assistant coach and former Springbok hooker, Tiaan Liebenberg, believes the team has hit peak form at the perfect time and is ready for another battle. “We’re obviously very excited for the semi-final. I think the guys did unbelievably well on Monday night. We’ve been asking for an 80-minute performance all season, and we finally got it,” said Liebenberg, who is set to join the Cheetahs. “This is exactly the right time to peak. I mean, there are only two games left in the competition. We were in the same position last year, and we made it.” Liebenberg added that in the Varsity Cup, it doesn’t get much bigger than a semi-final at the Danie Craven Stadium, and the team needs no extra motivation. “We were clinical. The pack was unbelievable. I think it was definitely our best performance of the year. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to Monday night. Obviously, they’ll try to replicate what we did in Pretoria. “The guys are buzzing, and they love playing at DC. It’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere—we’re really looking forward to it and can’t wait.” There’s no doubt that Monday night’s knockout clash will be another Varsity Cup thriller between two of South Africa’s most historic rugby clubs. Starting XV: Ntokozo Hlope, Jacobus Bezuidenhout, Ben Pitout, Reinier Viljoen, HJ de Beer, Ramon Uys, Marno Stopforth, Liam Shamburg, Hlumelo Klaas, Bradley Pierre Giddy, Siviwe Zondani, Freddie Dreyer, Nkoka Ngobe (captain), Kirwin du Preez, and Regan Izaks. Replacements: Vice Hofmeyer, Conley Pieterse, DuJean Smit, Sandile Nzuza, Henri van Heerden, Alastair-cole Vermeulen, Alwich van der Linde, and Lilitha Lunqe.

FNB UCT Ikeys once again, find themselves in familiar territory – a FNB Varsity Cup semi-final. The men from Cape Town narrowly missed out on hosting a home semi-final by a single point but they’ll travel to FNB UP-Tuks in Monday’s early kick-off. It’s the third successive season the Ikey Tigers have reached the last four of the FNB Varsity Cup with the team going on to reach the final in each of the last two seasons. The final hurdle where UCT has come up short in the last two seasons after losing out to FNB NWU Eagles in 2023 and FNB UFS-Shimlas last year. “We’re very excited! We’re ready for it because each and every single game we prepare well and that puts us in a position to thrive” said UCT captain Sipho Dyonase. UCT got the better of Tuks by seven-points in a 36-29 win when the sides squared off in round three, but Dyonase and his team know Monday’s encounter will be a completely different ball game. “We wouldn’t say we have mental edge over them just because we beat them in the round robin. We’re just going to make sure that we go out there. Make sure we’re firing on all cylinders, and the biggest thing is to make sure we execute our gameplan and showcase the true Ikeys style” said the UCT captain. Last season’s beaten finalists were comfortable 49-31 winners away to FNB UJ as the round robin phase wrapped up. The Ikeys skipper believes the experience of playing in the Highveld will stand his side in good stead ahead of Monday’s semi-final. “I think it was important for a lot of the younger guys, who it was their first time going up to Gauteng. The altitude is different, the air’s thinner – sometimes you struggle to breathe. I think it’s always important to get to experience it and so I think that  will definitely help us”. Starting XV: Matthew Beckett, Keagan Blanckenberg (captain), Zachary Porthen, Enos Ndiao, Danio Botha, Siphomeza Dyonase, Connor Jack Gordon, Xola Nyali, Monray Daars, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Luke Burger, Thomas Nel, Rethabile Louw, and Duran Rayn Koevort. Replacements: Johan Lombard, Mhleli Khuzwayo, J.K. Okonkwo, Keenan Mills, Aden Da Costa, Josh Miller, Lezane Davis, and Aidan Norris. By: Kieryn Thompson.

An electric FNB Varsity Cup semi-final clash is on the cards when FNB Maties and FNB Shimlas lock horns at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday,  7 April. Both teams are hungry to book their spot in the final, and with added layers of history, the stakes couldn't be higher. FNB Maties, the log leaders with 30 points, have been dominant this season, losing only one game. Their semi-final opponent, defending champions FNB Shimlas, finished in 4th place with 22 points, securing four wins from their seven matches. The Free Staters’ journey to this point has been a hard-fought one, but they’ll face a tough test in a Maties side that has been firing on all cylinders. Earlier in the season, Maties handed Shimlas a 41-37 defeat at the same venue, a result that was sweet for Maties coach Kabamba Floors. That victory avenged last year’s heart-wrenching semi-final exit at the hands of Shimlas, and Floors is eager to repeat the feat this time around. "The boys are in a great space, and we’re determined to make it to the final," said Floors. "We know what we're up against, but we're ready to give our best performance on the day." On the other hand, Shimlas coach Andre Tredoux is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting his side. "Maties have been outstanding this season, and we’ll need to be at our best to compete with them," Tredoux commented. "But this is the Varsity Cup semi-finals, anything can happen, and we’ll be giving it our all to defend our title." With both teams coming into this semi-final in fine form, expect a battle of intense physicality and tactical ingenuity. The winner will earn a spot in the final to face either FNB UP Tuks or FNB Ikey Tigers, who meet in the other semi-final. Starting XV:  Prince Mulea, Armand Combrink, Herman Lubbe, Zuko Poswa, Carel van der Merwe, Fortune Mpofu, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Mckyle Volmoer, Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Dylan Miller, CJ Marx, Ryan Manuel, Grant De Jager, Elridge Jack . Replacements:  Luthando Makula, Janlu Basson, Jason Johnson, Michael Chettoa, CJ Erasmus, Warrick Jones, Samuel Badenhorst, Gcina Puzi. Kick-off is at 19:00 on Monday, and the Maroon Machine will be hoping for another unforgettable night at the Danie Craven Stadium. Fixtures and tickets HERE .

FNB Varsity Cup returnees FNB UP-Tuks will welcome the FNB UCT Ikeys in the first semi-final of what has been a dramatic season of the 2025 campaign. The Stripe Generation finished in second position on the log with only two losses in the campaign to secure a home semifinal. Their counterparts, Ikeys, finished just a point behind the Pretoria side. The affair promises to be a grueling encounter as Tuks will seek to revenge themselves as they suffered their first loss of the season in the hands of the traveling Capetonians. FNB UP-Tuks assistant coach Ignatius Loubser is in no doubt with his side’s current form. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team. The boys have put in hard work, not just on game days but in every session for the last 21 weeks and every detail of preparation. They’ve bought into the vision form our Head coach Dewey and each one of the management team, and their commitment shows in our performances. It’s been a season of growth blood sweat and tears, and the results speak for themselves,” said Loubser. “For us it’s about identity and legacy. This group wants to show what Tuks rugby is all about—intensity, precision, and resilience. “There is a word that the Finnish people have “Sisu” which translates to grit and perseverance but according to the Fins the greatness and true meaning of the word cannot be captured in any translation – which mean it is Grit and perseverance so large and with such great meaning that it is incomprehensible. “There’s a hunger to prove ourselves each session and each game every week, and that mindset has been the foundation of our success so far.” With the team’s performance since their return to the topflight football, they’ve seen a flood of fans at the Tuks Stadium, something Ikeys will need to come prepared for. This time the stakes are high as the final spot is up for grabs. “The support has been unreal. Playing in front of a packed stadium at home gives the team an extra edge, and we feed off that energy. The fans are a massive part of what makes Varsity Cup special, and we want to keep giving them performances to be proud of,” he said. “I have been involved in Varsity cup since 2011 and lately the Tuks supporters have truly outdone themselves no other teams supporters can hold a candle to the Tuks crowd.   “That’s always the goal; our team has cultivated a highly competitive culture. But for us, it’s about focusing on the next challenge, one game at a time. If we keep meeting our standards and growing as a team, everything else will take care of itself.” Starting XV:  Edwin Till, Allister Williams, Jayd Austin, David Engongo, JW Mare, Abel Pretorius, Kamohelo Tlome, Haydn Kemp, Chad-Lee Valentine, Jandre Burger, Bayanda Ngubane, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Christiaan Vlok, Tharquinn Manuel, Ambesa Zenzile. Replacements:  Ruan van Blommestein, Jean Fourie, Barnard Nortje, Cayno February, Oelof De Meyer, Dillon Smith, JP Wentzel, Jayden Sam. Fixtures and tickets HERE .   By Lehlogonolo Ditshego

FNB CPUT rising star Keano Cookson has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication throughout his athletic journey. Cookson’s consistency in rugby is built on hard work, sacrifices and an unwavering commitment to becoming the better version of himself every day. What sets him apart is his mental approach to challenges, he believes that success isn’t just about winning but about constant improvement and perseverance. Even after an injury in 2023, Cookson knew it was him versus himself to keep from giving up. “Your mind is your strongest tool. It is what will push you when your body feels like giving up and what will keep you focused when distractions arise,” said Cookson. “I think people forget that athletes are humans too. We experience stress and pressure, and it’s important to address those feelings and seek help, when necessary.” Cookson understands that mental health is just as important as physical fitness in an athlete’s journey. He highlights the importance of mental health support in sports, urging coaches and managers to encourage athletes to seek help when needed. He emphasises the need for accessible resources, stating, “I wish coaches, management, and volunteers could encourage athletes on the importance of reaching out when in need, and my wish is to have facilities made available for athletes when they need one.” His journey underscores the importance of mental fortitude in achieving athletic success. His resilience, discipline, and advocacy for mental health serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, his teammates and individuals striving for excellence in any field.   By: Mihlali Maraule

The 2025 FNB Varsity Cup Women's tournament draws to an end with only four teams remaining in contention of the title. Defending champions FNB UFH Women hosts last year’s semi-finalists FNB UP-Tuks in a repeat of last year’s clash. With a mountain to climb ahead of them, the ladies from Pretoria are eager to prove that they’re no walkovers. Squaring up in the opening semis, Tuks captain Jess Mare praised her side’s preparations ahead of the encounter. “Our preparations went well, a hard week of training the girls did very well and put a lot of effort in. We want to fix a lot of mistakes that made us lose matches previously,” said Mare. “We want to improve our game management; we haven’t been executing it very well especially on attack and making sure we get the basics. “Semis against the UFH takes us back to last year. The history we’re creating in this encounter, we fell short to UFH last year and they went on to win the tournament. We expect a tough match; they’re the reigning champions and we are not going to underestimate them.” “Unfortunately, we have just one win out of three, having lost to Maties and UJ, we would like to exploit our attacking shape we feel we haven’t really displayed our attack fully this season.” Mare believes there are no more underdogs in this competition. “There are no underdogs in this competition, everyone is in it to win. Every team put a lot in this competition, and it all comes down to who wants it more.” Starting XV: Nomzamo Nimorundsini, Aphiwe Masuku, Naki Thukutha, Mbali Ndlovu, Rethabile Kgatle, Thandi Mokatse, Gina Moya, Jess Mare, Erin Prins, Precious Tlaka, Innocentia Kgosana, Gugu Mncwabe, Lerato Tshabalala, Amukelani Lisenga, and Kwanga Majebe. Replacements: Leone de Bruyn, Arnell Primo, Sharon Stoaba, Ox Xholi, Marisna Godsil, Kgotso Letsoalo, Raylene Muller, and Thato Nkadimeng.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The FNB UJ Women's team has secured a place in the semi-finals of the FNB Varsity Cup Women, marking a significant achievement in their campaign. Coach Patrick Ross-Allen expressed his excitement.    “It’s a great feeling to know that we made it to the semis. We’re just grateful and thankful for what we achieved, it’s one step better than last year, we’re very excited,” said Ross-Allen.   "It’s not going to be easy and we’re not underestimating them in their backyard. We’re just going to take it minute by minute and stick to what we know and what we can do to the best of our ability.   Should the team manage to secure a win in the semi-final, Ross-Allen described the potential victory as a massive boost for the squad.   “It would be a massive boost for us winning away from home to get back into the final. 2023 was the last time we played in the final,” she said.   “A loss isn’t nice, especially at home. They are a quality side, and we knew that. Our heads were hanging after that loss, but it was great to see them bouncing back in Monday’s training session.”    “The loss didn’t stick with us for a long time, we had time to get through it. We worked on our mistakes and had a prep week for this game.”   Starting XV: Vuyiswa Dlamini, Phophi Budzwa, Odirile Pusoe, Limamkele Duma, Sindiswa Ngwenya, Nyashadzashe Gonangombe, Esona Sokani, Alutha Ngcezula, Fatouma Yalcoue, Siham Chtioui, Boitumelo Motshoane, Mpumelelo Dlamini, Nonhle Mbatha, Thobile Msizazwe, and Noxolo Magasela. Replacements: Salizwa Tyali, Erica Ekeji, Ntandoyenkosi Nhleko, Esther Ntanda, Nomcebo Mchunu, Sphilile Sigwaza, Sinoyolo Nqinekile, and Jessica Sithole. By: Karabo Peter.

The FNB UFH Women’s team have their sights set on reaching a second consecutive FNB Varsity Cup Women’s final but must go through FNB Tuks Women in one of the semi-finals on Friday. It’s been a positive campaign for the ladies from Alice who picked up two wins in three matches and defeated FNB UJ 54-22 in their last outing. With that win, they booked themselves a home semifinal against Tuks, and head coach, Ntyatyambo Mkhafu believes working as a unit will be crucial if they are to reach another final. “I think if the girls are more disciplined and take instructions for us, as the coaching staff, things will go smoothly for us,” he said. “Another important thing is for us to convert when we enter the green zones. We must play as a unit, and that way, we’ll achieve our goals.” Mkhafu’s side defeated the same opponents in the last four last year. The only difference this time around is that they’ll have home ground advantage at the Davidson Stadium. Mkhafu believes a big turnout could inspire his side. “Playing against Tuks won’t be easy. We played against them in the semifinals last year, and we know they want revenge, and they want to go to the final. “That’s why I think having our home crowd will be crucial for us. We would like for our fans to come out in full numbers. I think that would encourage the girls a lot.” When asked what they are expecting from Tuks, the coach said: “We are expecting a tough and physical match. “They have big and good players. The scrums will be crucial, and they are good defensively, but we’ve also worked on those areas, and we want to limit them,” he ended. The semifinal clash between FNB UFH Women and FNB Tuks Women kicks off at 15:00. Starting XV: Ifikile Solontsi, Mila Wawa, Eyam Ngalo, Siphosethu Purity Ngogodo, Masie Mathangane, Thokozani Sikela, Aphiwe Nqana, Rose Haka, Sindisiwe Mbonja, Pinkie Touto, Sinekhaya Tywaleni, Lilitha Vakalisa, Siyolise Mbilase, Litha Tofu, and Inga Qongi. Replacements: Asemahle Mseswa, Nontlahla Cukula, Qaqamba Ndzondana, Siphelele Dlamini, Simamnkele Jolingana, Anam Jikijela, Lilitha Sapo, and Sibabalwe Jobo. By: Avuyile Sawula

FNB Madibaz will put everything on the line against FNB UWC to win a spot in the FNB Varsity Shield final. The highly anticipated clash at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha on Friday is the result of an impressive 2025 campaign for the home team.   After suffering an opening-round defeat against FNB Varsity College, who eventually topped the competition standings, they fought back gamely to win six matches in a row to finish second on the log.   The semifinal is a rematch of last month’s thrilling round-robin encounter against UWC in which they scored a try after the final hooter to snatch a 27-24 victory.   By securing the runners-up spot, Madibaz have also earnt the right to face UJ (seventh in the Varsity Cup) in a promotion-relegation playoff in May.   Head coach David Manuel acknowledges the challenge UWC pose in the semis.   “There’s a bit of nervousness because they’re a quality side with a strong set piece and structured game plan, but they also thrive in unstructured play,” he said.   “We’ll need to be strategic in our decision-making and trust in the systems that have brought us success this season.”   Key to the home side’s chances will be prop Imibongo Mvuleni, whose impact was highlighted when he was named Player that Rocks in last week’s triumph over CPUT.   “I always strive to improve with each game, so being recognised in this way reassures me that I’m on the right track,” the frontrower, who weighs in at 115kg, said.   “The award also motivates me to keep working hard as we approach these crucial matches.”   “We were obviously disappointed to start with a loss, but we used it as motivation. We kept reminding ourselves of what was at stake and worked hard to ensure we didn’t experience that same disappointment again.”   He said playing their must-win encounter at home would make the occasion even more special as the support “is a huge boost”.   “I’m excited that we’ve reached this stage.”   Manuel still remembers how the player had joined the team from the university’s George campus.   “He sent me a picture of himself on WhatsApp, saying he wanted to be part of the squad.   “I told him he would need to move to Gqeberha to train with us and, since making that decision, his growth has been remarkable.”   The coach highlighted both his strength in scrummaging and growing leadership role within the team.   “Our approach is to develop players holistically and ‘Imi’ has exemplified that through his work ethic on and off the field,” Manuel said.   “As a group, we aim to inspire others and show what can be achieved with dedication and commitment.”     Fixtures:  HERE   Tickets:  HERE   By: Jesica Slabbert

It was mission accomplished for FNB Varsity College who have already secured their qualification for the FNB Varsity Cup 2026 season after finishing the group stages on top of the log, but the Comets have now turned their focus to the FNB Varsity Shield playoffs and finishing the campaign as champions.   Leading his charge, the calm and collected coach Jeremy McLaren made a name for himself and his team as they became the first team from KZN to host a home semi-final in the FNB Varsity Shield and qualify for the FNB Varsity Cup.   “It’s such a big honour to be able to qualify for FNB Varsity Cup. I don’t think it has really sunk in for all of us,” said McLaren.   “For the first time in history there’s a (FNB Varsity Shield) home semi-final in KZN.”   The focus for the FNB Varsity Cup bound Comets has now shifted to regrouping for a strong finish to the season, this beginning with a semi-final clash against FNB CPUT in Durban.   McLaren has cautioned his troops on complacency, stating his concern that the Comets should not be their ‘own worst enemies’.   “The reality for us is that now we need to play like a (FNB Varsity) Cup side.   “The only concern is that we might be our own worst enemies with regards to beating them in Cape Town and thinking the same will happen,” said the FNB Varsity College coach.   “We are only as good as our last game. So, we can never go and think that because we’ve beaten them (FNB CPUT) in Cape Town we just have to arrive.   “The focus should definitely be to try and be at our best and get ourselves going. We have to keep doing what we have been doing in the last few weeks” he added.    Fixtures:  HERE   Tickets:  HERE   By Mpendulo Letsoalo

Bustling FNB Madibaz hooker Kyle Erasmus achieved a long-cherished goal when he was named the FNB Player that Rocks for the first time in his career after scoring a hat-trick. The 22-year-old, who debuted for FNB Madibaz in the Varsity Cup of 2022, was pivotal in the team’s 38-28 victory over FNB SPU at Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha.   Despite crossing the whitewash on three occasions, Erasmus emphasised that his success had been the result of a team effort that realised six tries in all.   “Rugby is a team sport, and the team always comes first but winning the award has been a long time coming,” the forward, who was chuffed with his role on the evening, said.   “When I heard my name being announced, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. My family and friends were also thrilled for me.”   “My tries resulted from a series of penalties, allowing us to kick for touch and set up mauls. We gained ground steadily, giving me the opportunity to cross the line.”   He was pleased with his overall performance in which his physicality on attack and in defence created more than just a few headaches for the opposition.   “I had some good steals at the rucks and our lineouts and scrums functioned well. However, there’s always room for improvement.”   The victory extended FNB Madibaz’s winning streak to five games after their opening-round loss to FNB Varsity College.   Erasmus, a fourth-year radiography student, credits the team’s success to discipline and adherence to their game plan.   “We thrive on structured play. That’s how we train,” he explained. “Following our game plan allows us to execute effectively.”   With the Gemmies known to capitalise on loose play, FNB Madibaz had to use their set pieces wisely, playing in their opponents’ half and converting their chances.   Erasmus added that the loss to FNB Varsity College did not define their campaign.   “After that, we came together, believed in ourselves and committed to a process that has given us the confidence to work as a unit towards our goals.”   There is a strong bond in the team – that much is evident – and the aim is clearly to keep on improving while tackling each challenge as it presents itself.   Fixtures:  HERE   Tickets:  HERE   By: Jesica Slabbert