FNB UCT Ikeys will be looking to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet when the Cape-based side takes on FNB NWU Eagles in the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup final at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom tomorrow. Kick-off is at 19:00. Champions in 2011 and then again in 2014, beating the same opposition 39–33 in that year’s final, coach Tom Dawson-Squibb's charges are intended to come out guns blazing. "We are going to play 80 minutes regardless of the score. We know in 2014 we were able to come back to the same venue, we were 26-9 down and we came back. "We understand they are favourites, we understand they are playing at home and backing themselves to win but we will play until the end." The two sides met late last month at the Green Mile Stadium in Cape Town, where the home side lost 26-42. Dawson-Squibb says his side is looking forward to the challenge, and believes Ikey's physicality has been the key this season. "I felt we could get to a final, I said to the boys and the staff you always need to work well, connect, have some luck and enjoy the ride. We had some tough luck in the first half of this competition, and I'm hoping that's all done now." UCT captain Luthando Woji says the players know what is expected from them and winning the competition would be a significant achievement. "Eagles are a very physical team where they will look to impose themselves both on set-piece and in general play. We are also aware that they have quick backs who enjoy playing with the ball in hand. "The Eagles have had a good run in this competition so far but I think in the final form it doesn't count for much. I’m backing my boys come Monday. "I’ve always maintained that it’s not about me, it's about a 40-odd-man squad that has worked hard throughout the campaign and I just hope the run on 23 can do them and the management proud." Points for: 330 Points against: 217 Top try scorer: Duran Koevort – 6 Top points scorer: Ntokokoza Makhaza – 114 FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Koevort Duran, 14 Louw Rethabile, 13 Boulle Joshua, 12 Lamb Kyle, 11 Makhaza Ntokoza, 10 Hayes David, 9 Moos Asad, 8 Delport Laro, 7 Ndiao Kyle, 6 Dyonase Siphumezo, 5 van der Westhuizen George, 4 Crous Reynhardt, 3 le Roux Bryan, 2 Blanckenberg Keagan, 1 Woji Luthando. by Ayanda Frances Felem

It’s been seven years since the FNB NWU Eagles lifted the trophy for the first time and now they are looking to repeat their 2016 feat when they take on the FNB UCT Ikeys in the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup final. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 tomorrow at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom. Captain Ruan ‘Sampie’ Swiegers says the team gave up a lot to be in the final. “We’ve had a very good campaign, we did the right things along the way and executed everything perfectly. We gave up a lot in terms of our studies, time and everything has paid off. I’m happy for me, for the team and for everyone involved to be in the final. We deserve it.” Sampie has also praised the home crowd for the support they’ve shown during the campaign. “The crowd has been awesome, they give us the extra motivation, the extra energy to give our best. There are moments in the game where things get tough and they help us get over the line.” According to the captain, it will be the hardest game of their careers. “It’s a final, that game will be the hardest game all of us have ever played. It’s going to be one of the toughest games in the competition but everyone is hungry for victory and very humble knowing that we still have to do the job.” Coach Burger van der Westhuizen believes making the jersey expensive worked for his team. “We have a very competitive team. If you don’t play well, there’s someone else that will take your place. We also showed it against Wits when we made 13 changes to our previous line-up and had a comprehensive victory over them, which shows that the jersey is very expensive.” Van der Westhuizen also believes weather conditions will make for a different game than the previous encounter between the two teams, which the Eagles won 42-26. “I don’t expect a similar game, when you go to Cape Town you’re not only planning for your opponents, but you plan according to conditions. We were very fortunate in Cape Town that the wind was mild and not as strong as always.” Points for: 300 Points against: 164 Top try scorer: Vernon Paulo – 9 Top points scorer: Zinedine Robinson – 64 FNB NWU Eagles: 15 Swanepoel Tino Santino, 14 Windvogel Keano Ricardo, 13 Pretorius Theunis Gerhardus, 12 Phatudi I. S. Vincent Phatudi, 11 Jaarts Naiden, 10 Robinson Zinedine, 9 Hassien Sylvester, 8 Erlank Gustav Zacharias, 7 Bertram Karl-Heinz Henlein, 6 Vermaak Chris, 5 Nel Wihan, 4 Krugel Stephan, 3 Swiegers Ruan (Sampie), 2 Paulo Vernon, 1 du Plessis Ruben. by Lesiba Dikhoba

UPDATE: VOTING HAS CLOSED - Only votes received up until 12AM on 14 April will count. As we approach the business end of FNB Varsity Cup 2023 it's that time of the season where we recognise and vote for the outstanding players of the tournament. As in previous years, the FNB Varsity Cup coaches have nominated three players each and now the public can vote for who wins the 2023 overall FNB Varsity Cup Player That Rocks award, the FNB Back That Rocks and FNB Forward That Rocks award winners. All eight FNB Varsity Cup head coaches were asked to nominate three players in each category and were not allowed to nominate a player from their own university. The nomination process was weighted with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The votes were then added up and the three players with the most points in each category are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winners. The public can cast their votes below from Tuesday, 11 April until midnight on Thursday 13 April and the winners will be the players with the most votes at the deadline. The winners will be announced after the FNB Varsity Cup final on 17 April. The Overall Player That Rocks winners for both the Shield and Cup competitions will receive R10 000 with the Forward and Back That Rocks each walking away with R7 500.

UPDATE: VOTING HAS CLOSED - Only votes received up until 12AM on 14 April will count. With leading automotive brand Suzuki getting into the driving seat as a new sponsor of Varsity Rugby, we have added a new award which will see the best new player being crowned as the Suzuki Rookie of the Year in both the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield competitions. As the breeding ground for future talent, the tournament will be recognizing and rewarding the players who made their debut this year. To qualify as a rookie, a player must have made his debut in 2023 and not taken to the field previously in a Varsity Shield or Varsity Cup game. Each week during the round robin stages a player was selected as the Rookie of the Week. The seven selected players at the end of round 7 were then sent to the coaches of all the teams in the Cup competition. The coaches were then asked to nominate the Cup rookie they felt was the most promising player during the tournament. The three players with the most nominations are now being put to a public vote with the one receiving the most votes being declared the winner. Here are the three players who received the most nominations from the coaches for the Suzuki Rookie of Varsity Cup 2023. Voting is now open to the public. The public can cast their vote from Tuesday, 11 April until midnight on Thursday 13 April and the winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline. The Suzuki Rookie of Varsity Cup 2023 will receive R3 500 as a prize. The winner will be announced after the FNB Varsity Cup final on the 17 April.

FNB UWC were crowned the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield champions for a third time when they held off FNB CPUT for a brave and valiant 24-18 victory in front of a packed UWC Sports Stadium in Bellville, Cape Town. In a tense and highly anticipated Cape derby, the home side, being the only unbeaten side in the competition this year, was pushed to their limits. A vibrant sold-out Operation Room meant every big hit and hand-off was cheered on by both UWC and CPUT supporters. UWC, whose resilient and disciplined defensive efforts were standouts throughout the 2023 season, showed no signs of letting up despite a courageous effort from the CPUT side. Not many sides can claim they crossed the UWC try line more than once. Not only did CPUT cross the UWC try line twice, but they got within touching distance of claiming a historic victory. Upfront, both packs of forwards were having a full go at each other. In the opening 20 minutes, a solo converted try separated the two teams. UWC's set pieces were clinical and they secured a solid platform to launch their potent attacks, but it was met with an equally disciplined CPUT defensive effort. CPUT hooker Shakes Shasha’s yellow for a cynical infringement was the opportunity that allowed the home side to capitalise on the one-man advantage. The relentless attack after attack from UWC eventually paid off with them opening the scoring in the 14th minute.The try came courtesy of leading try scorer Mauritz Swart, with Conwill Conradie converting. The sides were evenly poised and some inspirational words from both Paul Treu and Alastair Theys during the first strategy break certainly inspired both sides. Four minutes shy of halftime, CPUT got their first points when outside centre Iwaan Bloys stretched out his right arm to dot the ball down across the UWC whitewash. The visitors were disciplined in the build-up to their opening try with scrumhalf Hugan Engelbrecht quick to clear the ruck. Linton Maritz failed to convert, and UWC headed to the sheds leading 7-5. A fired-up UWC came out all guns blazing in the second half, founding gaps with ease and making light work of handing off CPUT defenders. Swart burrowed his way across the try line for the 11th time in the competition while an earlier try by fellow front rower Riaan van der Merwe handed the home side a 21-11 lead as play headed into the final quarter of the match. Two penalty conversions, one apiece by Linton Maritz and replacement Ryan George, kept CPUT within touching distance of the home side. Conradie added a penalty of his own to set up an exciting final 10 minutes of the 2023 season. CPUT could however not close the gap. FNB UWC 24 (7) – Tries: Mauritz Swart (2), Riaan van der Merwe. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (3). Penalties: Conradie. FNB CPUT 18 (5) – Tries: Iwaan Bloys, Darren Alexander. Conversion: Ryan George. Penalties: Linton Maritz, George. FNB Player That Rocks: Darren Alexander (CPUT) FNB Overall Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC) FNB Overall Forward That Rocks: Roland van der Heever (CPUT) FNB Overall Back That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC) Suzuki Rookie of the Year: Hlomla Ncana (UWC) FNB UWC: 15 Diston Ethan Will, 14 Vraagom Will, 13 Brynard Zhaun-Jacques, 12 Breda Bryan John, 11 Ncana Hlomla, 10 Willemse Elkan, 9 Conradie Conwill Brooklyn (Bolla), 8 Magerman Zinzan, 7MoeratBilaal, 6KuildersAlmore Jnr A. S., 5van der Merwe Carel, 4Tattersal Liam, 3van der Merwe Riaan Jacubus, 2 Swart Mauritz, 1 Lamprecht Christian Johan. FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Stadler Caine Martin, 14 Hartogh Heinrico Keastin, 13 BloysIwaan, 12 Alexander Darren Ewaan, 11 Maritz Linton Shawn, 10 Maseti Oyintando Honour, 9 Engelbrecht Hugan, 8 van der Heever Roland Leonard, 7 Solomons Keanan Matteo, 6 Klaasen Ché Oliver, 5 Kubheka Lungelo, 4 Salman Anenceba, 3 Mafenyana Masivuye, 2 Shasha Duke (Shakes), 1 Josephus Jacques-Lynn Graham. by Lyndon Julius

A rampant FNB Maties outscored FNB UJ 63-9 to claim an emphatic victory in the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup Women’s final in Cape Town. The Orange Army could not match the sheer power and skillful flair of the Maroon Machine. A clinical display of spatial awareness and capitalising on opposition errors ensured that Maties were always in a commanding position to convert pressure and territory into points. The team from Stellenbosch ran in seven tries, including three point-of-origin tries, all in the first half. Maties headed into the halftime break with the game well and truly in the bag at 53-0. Tries for Maties included a brace apiece from Ropah Madyah, Danelle van Zyl, and Amber Meiring with one try each for Janke Oosthuizen, Ankia Viljoen and captain Bianca Augustyn. UJ got a second-half consolation try courtesy of Precious Maduchem. In the end, Maties did enough in the opening half to claim the first-ever Varsity Cup Women's title, a truly historical moment for both Varsity Cup and women’s sports in South Africa. FNB Maties 63 (53) – Tries: Ropah Madyah (POR x 2), Danelle van Zyl (POR), Janke Oosthuizen, Ankia Viljoen, Bianca Augustyn, Danelle van Zyl, Amber Meiring (2). Conversions: Elmé Kruger (6) FNB UJ 9 (0) – Try: Precious Maduchem (POR). Conversion: Siham Chtioui FNB Player That Rocks: Ropah Madyah (Maties) FNB Maties: 15 Danelle van Zyl, 14 Amber Meiring, 13 Ropah Madyah, 12 Bianca Augustyn, 11 Tiyanah Joseph, 10 Lara Schats, 9 Georgia Hassolanidis, 8 Elmé Kruger, 7 Elitha Sylvester, 6 Ankia Viljoen, 5 Ashleigh Mahoney, 4 Liza Slabbert, 3 Blaine Apollos, 2 Lungelo Mvelase, 1 Janke Oosthuizen FNB UJ: 15 Khanyisile Ntai, 14 Precious Maduchem, 13 Nyasha Gowangombe, 12 Nthabiseng Ncalane, 11 Mardiya Usman, 10 Siham Chtioui, 9 Fatouma Yalcoue, 8 Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen, 7 Tanya Shava, 6 Akhona Nkosi, 5 Ntsako Mbombi, 4 Sindiswa Ngwenya, 3 Benedict Safi, 2 Phophi Budzwa, 1 Priscilla Sithole. by Lyndon Julius

The first-ever FNB Varsity Cup Women title is up for grabs when FNB Maties and FNB UJ take to the field in the final at UWC Sports Stadium in Cape Town. Kickoff is Thursday, 13 April at 12:00. The Orange Army beat FNB Tuks 36-5 while the Maroon Machine scored a 33-7 victory over FNB UFH in the two semi-finals. Maties coach Johann Zeier says his team is coming into great form and are playing some good rugby at the moment. “We're expecting UJ to give us a bit of everything throughout the game. It's a final, so it's always going to be physical and fast. We are expecting a competitive match from whistle to whistle.” Captain Bianca Augustyn echoes her coach’s words, saying they started laying the foundation in January already. “We've been building ever since and we are in a good place to follow through and be good competitors tomorrow. We have done all the hard work throughout the weeks and we are just busy with the finishing touches now.” She says her team is going to give nothing less than a 110% effort. “We are just going to stick to what we have been taught. We know it's not going to be an easy game, but everyone is willing to put the work in and that's all I can ask. As a collective, we will achieve way more than with individuality.” Augustyn’s opposing captain, Priscilla Sithole, says UJ’s preparations have been going well. “We’ve been going hard at it, fixing the things that tripped us up in the semi-final and hope to implement everything the coaches taught us. We want to play to our full potential. We are expecting to dominate and win, we are not going to travel all that way to just give Maties an easy game.” Both Sithole and Augustyn acknowledge that the addition of a women’s competition to Varsity Cup will greatly advance the sport in South Africa. According to Sithole, it is a huge step for women’s sport and women’s rugby. “We already have 7s in the Varsity Cup and 15s on provincial. To now have 15s in Varsity Cup, it can only get better. There is so much potential and talent that are just waiting to be recognised in the university ranks.” Augustyn agrees. “It really means a lot to me (to be playing in the Varsity Cup Women). I've been playing since 2018 and have been fighting to get women's rugby where is it today. It's a good feeling to be recognised.” FNB Maties: 15 Danelle van Zyl, 14 Amber Meiring, 13 Ropah Madyah, 12 Bianca Augustyn, 11 Tiyanah Joseph, 10 Lara Schats, 9 Georgia Hassolanidis, 8 Elmé Kruger, 7 Elitha Sylvester, 6 Ankia Viljoen, 5 Ashleigh Mahoney, 4 Liza Slabbert, 3 Blaine Apollos, 2 Lungelo Mvelase, 1 Janke Oosthuizen. FNB UJ: 15 Khanyisile Ntai, 14 Precious Maduchem, 13 Nyasha Gowangombe, 12 Nthabiseng Ncalane, 11 Mardiya Usman, 10 Siham Chtioui, 9 Fatouma Yalcoue, 8 Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen, 7 Tanya Shava, 6 Akhona Nkosi, 5 Ntsako Mbombi, 4 Sindiswa Ngwenya, 3 Benedict Safi, 2 Phophi Safi, 1 Priscilla Sithole. Fixtures HERE.

It is a record-equalling fourth consecutive FNB Varsity Shield final for FNB CPUT when they face off with FNB UWC at the UWC Sports Stadium tomorrow. Kick-off is at 15:30. They lifted the trophy in 2019, beating FNB Madibaz 32-28 (watch highlights HERE), and in 2021 with a 30-26 victory over FNB WSU (watch highlights HERE). Last year they came agonisingly close, losing 27-28 against FNB UFH. (No final was played in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.) CPUT head coach Alastair Theys has been consistent in preparation ahead of each match this season. The pressure on a team often fuels sides to bring out their best, but Theys feels that doing things differently ahead of a knock-out match or final, adds unnecessary pressure to the players. "Nothing has changed, we kept it the same this week as we have in previous weeks. Once you idolise a game, like a final, which I will admit is a big one, it adds unwanted pressure to the players who are already naturally feeling pressured in some way or form.” Theys does not think his charges are heading into the final completely as underdogs despite the home-ground advantage or faultless record UWC has ahead of the 12th Varsity Shield final. "Yes, they do have the extra edge over us, but we have been to the last three finals in this competition. While they are the firm favourites, there is a natural expectation from CPUT to win. People expect CPUT to win in finals, I could see and hear how disappointed a lot of people were last year when we were mere seconds away from claiming the title for a third successive time." The public can expect to see a calm CPUT outfit tomorrow, says CPUT captain Keanan Solomons. "This is what worked for us in the semi-final, so we will stick with this. We had a rough start to this campaign, especially in the pre-season training, but that didn't stop us from believing in what we want to achieve." Belief and faith in each other have been two of the pivotal points for the two-time champions, and while Solomons believes his charges have what it takes to upstage UWC, the loose forward is not allowing it to make them too comfortable. "We never stopped believing, and that is positive on our side. Everyone worked hard during the preparation phase and the year and we will do everything in our power to get rewarded for the hard work and commitment." Points for: 305 Points against: 151 Top try scorer: Keanan Solomons – 6 Top points scorer: Linton Maritz – 40 FNB CPUT: 15 Stadler Caine Martin, 14 Hartogh Heinrico Keastin, 13 BloysIwaan, 12 Alexander Darren Ewaan, 11 Maritz Linton Shawn, 10 Maseti Oyintando Honour, 9 Engelbrecht Hugan, 8 van der Heever Roland Leonard, 7 Solomons Keanan Matteo, 6 Klaasen Ché Oliver, 5 Kubheka Lungelo, 4 Salman Anenceba, 3 Mafenyana Masivuye, 2 Shasha Duke (Shakes), 1 Josephus Jacques-Lynn Graham. Fixtures HERE. by Lyndon Julius

Playing in their fifth final, FNB UWC are the firm favourites to etch their names on the trophy a third time when they meet FNB CPUT in the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield final tomorrow on home ground in Belville, Cape Town. Despite being neighbours, the two sides have only played each other three times before. They first met in 2017, with UWC claiming a narrow 26-23 win (watch highlights HERE). In 2018 UWC thumped CPUT 58-14. UWC would gain promotion to the Varsity Cup ahead of the 2019 season meaning the next time these sides met in a Varsity Shield match, was in round five of this year's competition, an encounter UWC comfortably won 31-10 (watch highlights HERE). Based on UWC's current form and CPUT's previous Varsity Shield final form, the final promises to deliver on all fronts. UWC Club Manager Clement Trout however believes that while UWC does not want to downplay the final it is business as usual for the unbeaten side. "No major changes, but we did tweak a bit with a few minor improvements, adjustments, and realigning. We trust and believe in our processes, it has worked for us this season and it would be cynical of us to rejig this just because there is a trophy to play for." Throughout the season, head coach Paul Treu has believed in reminding his players that complacency should never take root within their team environment. This is a sentiment shared by all including Trout, who affirms that while they relish the opportunity to be hosting the final, it is by no means reason for them to think they have one hand on the trophy already. "We have adopted somewhat of an under-the-radar approach this year, so we are not too concerned with labels that are for the media and the fans. We are focused on the job and at this moment nothing else matters. However, playing at the Operation Room (UWC Sports Stadium) always gives us that extra boost and we count on our supporters to rock up and help carry us over this final hurdle." Trout says the public can expect a focused side on Thursday's final. "We are a focused team ready to finish off the campaign on a positive note with hopefully a festival atmosphere at the Operation Room. I urge everyone to come out, experience it, and enjoy some quality rugby from both these top sides." Points for: 358 Points against: 95 Top try scorer: Mauritz Swart – 10 Top points scorer: Conwill Conradie – 89 FNB UWC: 15 Diston Ethan Will, 14 Vraagom Will, 13 Brynard Zhaun-Jacques, 12 Breda Bryan John, 11 Ncana Hlomla, 10 Willemse Elkan, 9 Conradie Conwill Brooklyn (Bolla), 8 Magerman Zinzan, 7 Moerat Bilaal, 6 Kuilders Almore Jnr A. S., 5 van der Merwe Carel, 4 Tattersal Liam, 3 van der Merwe Riaan Jacubus, 2 Swart Mauritz, 1 Lamprecht Christian Johan. Fixtures HERE. by Lyndon Julius

UPDATE: VOTING HAS CLOSED - Only votes received up until 12AM on 11 April will count. With the winner of the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield to be crowned on Thursday 13 April, we have reached the business end of the tournament where the best players of the season will be recognized for their outstanding performances. The coaches have nominated three players and now the public can vote for who wins the 2023 overall FNB Varsity Shield Player That Rocks award, as well as the FNB Forward That Rocks and FNB Back That Rocks awards. All eight FNB Varsity Shield head coaches have nominated three players in each category (excluding their own players) with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The votes were then added up and the three players with the most points in each category are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winners. The public can cast their votes below from Thursday, 6 April until midnight on Monday 10 April and the winners will be the players with the most votes at that time. You can only vote once per poll and select only one player from each category. The winners will be announced after the FNB Varsity Shield final on 13 April. The Overall Player That Rocks winners for both the Shield and Cup competitions will receive R10 000 with the Forward and Back That Rocks each walking away with R7 500.

UPDATE: VOTING HAS CLOSED - Only votes received up until 12AM on 11 April will count. With leading automotive brand Suzuki getting into the driving seat as a new sponsor of Varsity Rugby, we have added a new award which will see the best new players being crowned as the Suzuki Rookie of the Year in both the FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield competitions. As the breeding ground for future talent, the tournament will be recognizing and rewarding the players who made their debut in the Varsity Shield and Varsity Cup this year with this award. To qualify as a rookie, a player must have made his debut in 2023 and not taken to the field previously in a Varsity Shield or Varsity Cup game. Each week during the round robin stages a player was selected as the Rookie of the Week. The seven selected players at the end of round 7 were then sent to the coaches of all the teams in the Shield competition. The coaches were then asked to nominate the Shield rookie they felt was the most promising player. The three players with the most nominations will be put to a public vote with the one receiving the most votes being declared the winner. Here are the three players who received the most nominations from the coaches for the Suzuki Rookie of Varsity Shield 2023. Voting is now open to the public. The public can cast their vote from Thursday, 6 April until midnight on Monday 10 April and the winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline. The poll only allows you to vote once for one player. The Suzuki Rookie of Varsity Shield 2023 will receive R3 500 as a prize. The winner will be announced after the FNB Varsity Shield final on the 13 April.

FNB NWU EAGLES 19 FNB MATIES 10 FNB NWU Eagles marched into the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup final with a hard-fought 19-10 victory over FNB Maties in Potchefstroom. The half-time score was 7-3. The Eagles were the first to score in the 9th minute when Tino Swanepoel received a good pass from Sylvester Hassien following a brilliant piece of play. Zinedine Robinson landed the conversion. It was a tight, physical game between the two former champions at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground for much of the first half. The only other points came from a drop goal by Maties’ Jurie Matthee. A fast start to the second half by the Eagles saw Swanepoel go over for his second try, a superb solo effort after evading the Maties defence. Robinson was once again successful in adding the extra two. The Maroon Machine fought back with a try from Aydon Topley after a driving maul while Matthee converted to make it 14-10 in favour of the home side. Things couldn’t get worse for Maties when Marco Van Rhyn was sent to the sin bin with 10 minutes left. The Eagles capitalised on this with Jandre de Beer diving over for his try after a driving maul to claim the victory. FNB NWU Eagles 19 (7) – Tries: Tino Swanepoel (2), Jandre de Beer. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (2). FNB Maties 10 (3) – Tries: Aydon Topley. Conversions: Jurie Matthee. Drop goal: Jurie Matthee. FNB Player That Rocks: Tino Swanepoel (NWU Eagles) FNB NWU Eagles: 15 Swanepoel Tino Santino, 14 Windvogel Keano Ricardo, 13 Pretorius Theunis Gerhardus, 12 Phatudi I. S. Vincent Phatudi, 11 Jaarts Naiden, 10 Robinson Zinedine, 9 Hassien Sylvester, 8 Erlank Gustav Zacharias, 7 Bertram Karl-Heinz Henlein, 6 Vermaak Chris, 5 Nel Wihan, 4 Krugel Stephan, 3 Swiegers Ruan (Sampie), 2 Paulo Vernon, 1 du Plessis Ruben. FNB Maties: 15 Cade Croy, 14 Aydon Topley, 13 Grant de Jager, 12 Waqar Solaan, 11 Marcqiewn Titus, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Mckyle Volmoer, 8 De Wet Marais, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Juan Beukes, 4 Matthys Kitshoff, 3 Corné Weilbach, 2 Siaybonga Ngubelanga, 1 Vernon Matonga FNB UCT IKEYS 65 FNB UFS SHIMLAS 30 FNB UCT Ikeys stormed into the FNB Varsity Cup final with a convincing 65-30 victory over FNB UFS Shimlas in the first semi-final in Bloemfontein. The half-time score was 37-7. This is the second time in three years the Ikeys achieved this feat. For UFS, it was the second year running they were halted in a home semi-final at Shimla Park after stumbling to FNB UP-Tuks last year. Long-distance tries by Laro Delport and Reynhardt Croussaw the Ikeys race to a 16-0 lead after just eight minutes on the clock. Then it was the turn of Ntokozo Makhaza, Keagan Blanckenberg and Rethabile Louw to put the game well out of reach of the hosts. A try on the stroke of halftime by Litha Nkula finally got Shimlas on the board, much to the delight of the passionate home fans. Duran Koevort struck with a brace early in the second half while David Hayes also crossed the whitewash to bring Ikeys’ try tally to seven. Shimlas claimed back some pride with tries through Chadd Adams, Javier Farmer and Asanda Kunene. Lezane Davis drove the final nail in the coffin for the Shimlas when he went over just before the final whistle. For Shimlas it is no doubt heartbreak again after rebounding during the second half of the round-robin matches to put themselves in the position to host the final. For Ikeys it's on to the final and the possibility of a third Varsity Cup title after they went through the competition almost unnoticed. FNB UFS Shimlas30 (7) – Tries: Litha Nkula, Chadd Adams, Javier Farmer, Asanda Kunene. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (3). FNB UCT Ikeys 65 (37) – Tries: Laro Delport, Reynhardt Crous, Ntokozo Makhaza, Keagan Blanckenberg, Duran Koevort (2), David Hayes, Lezane Davis. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (5). Penalties: Makhaza (2). FNB Player That Rocks: David Hayes (UCT Ikeys) FNB UFS Shimlas: 15 Mabece Avuyile, 14 Zondani Siviwe, 13 Annies Michael Jnr Kurt, 12 Wentzel Ethan SJ 11 Kunene Asanda Sihle, 10 Nkula Litha Siyasanga (Levii), 9 Adams Chadd Gabby , 8 Dlamini Kwezi, 7 Mahlasi Thabang, 6 Oosthuizen Lourens, 5 Sjöblom Dylan, 4 Uys Pierre-Raymond, 3 Dos Reis Francisco, 2 Moffat William John, 1 Schutte Johan Danie. FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Koevort Duran Ryan, 14 Louw Rethabile Donovan, 13 Boulle Joshua Michael, 12 Lamb Kyle Graeme, 11 Makhaza Ntokozo Sibusiso, 10 Hayes David Robert, 9 Moos Asad, 8 Delport Laro, 7 Ndiao Kyle Enos, 6 Dyonase Siphumezo, 5 van der Westhuizen George, 4 Crous Reynhardt Wouter, 3 le Roux Bryan Justin, 2 Blanckenberg Keagan Jordan, 1 Woji Luthando Solomon.