FNB NWU Eagles are hosting FNB Maties in the second FNB Varsity Cup semi-final at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground, with kick-off set for 19:00. This is on the back of winning six of their seven matches this year, with the only loss coming against the Maroon Machine (28-31). They topped and tailed their season with victories over FNB UJ (watch highlights HERE) and FNB Wits (watch highlights HERE). Head coach Burger van der Westhuizen believes playing at home will be important for his team. “The first objective we set for our campaign was to get a home semi-final and we managed to do that. This achievement is important because I think it’s a bit easier to play here than to travel. There is also added pressure from the crowd, they can help with the vibe.” Maties were victorious in their previous encounter against the Eagles but Van der Westhuizen says it will be a different game this time around. “I think it was the third game of the campaign so many things have changed from that game. Everybody got better, everybody’s defence got better, everybody’s structures are better and everybody did their homework.” According to Van der Westhuizen Maties is a good physical team. “We have looked into Maties, and how they play. They’re a very good side, they’re a physical and heavy side. They have a big pack of forwards. But it’s all coming down to one thing – stopping them from getting on the scoreboard and we need to score more tries because the scoreboard is the biggest factor.” The coach believes everything needs to be on point if they’re to be victorious in the semi-final. “For the semi-final, we’re going to need everything to be on point. The semi-final is once-off, there’s no losing the game and playing the next round so we need to improve all-round, defensively and attacking-wise.” 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), 2Paulo Vernon, 1 du Plessis Ruben. Semi-final fixtures HERE. by Lesiba Dikhoba

FNB Maties consulting head coach Matt Proudfoot knows Potchefstroom, rugby and how to win knockout matches. All three of these factors will need to combine for the men in Maroon to reach an incredible 11th FNB Varsity Cup final when they take on FNB NWU Eagles in tomorrow’s second semi-final. Kick-off is at 19:00. Coach Matt, as he is referred to by the players, attended Potchefstroom High School for Boys and played for the Eagles as a student, before going on to start his illustrious coaching career at his alma mater, after playing test rugby for Scotland. “Winning two Superbowls and the first Intervarsity away in 27 years (against FNB UFS Shimlas) are special memories of my time in Potchefstroom,” says Proudfoot. Come this Monday though, he will have to put all the fond memories with NWU aside for 80 minutes. While Maties were able to record a victory over their semi-final opponents in round three of the competition (watch highlights HERE), it has not been smooth sailing for the five-time champions. “Rugby is a game of percentages, and one poor execution has led to us putting ourselves under pressure for long periods. We’ve unfortunately had lapses which lead to points against us, especially when the team has been a player down due to cards,” Proudfoot says. There have been glimpses of brilliance and Proudfoot wants his charges to be consistent for the duration of the game. “The team has shown resilience during the season, dealing with injuries and tough losses, but it has created an opportunity for growth and to build the group.” The FNB Maties know what it takes to win knockout games, having won 10 of their 11 semi-final matches since 2008, with the only blemish being in 2014 when they went to 8-20to arch-rivals FNB UCT Ikey Tigers in a wet and muddy encounter in Cape Town. Proudfoot is a big believer in history and has the experience required to lead this team to yet another Varsity Cup final. “Traditionally Maties have always lifted their game against the so-called bigger sides such as UP-Tuks or NWU Eagles, and we know that it is only the performance on the day that matters.” FNB Maties: 15 Cade Croy, 14 Aydon Topley, 13 Grant de Jager, 12 Waqar Solaan, 11 Marcqiewn Titus, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 MckyleVolmoer, 8 De Wet Marais, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Juan Beukes, 4 Matthys Kitshoff, 3 CornéWeilbach, 2 SiaybongaNgubelanga, 1 Vernon Matonga Semi-final fixtures HERE. by Dorfling Terblanche

FNB UCT Ikeys are looking forward to beating FNB UFS Shimlas twice in one season when they travel to Bloemfontein for the first 2023 FNB Varsity Cup semi-final tomorrow. Kick-off is at 16:30. Ikeys head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb however says his side won't underestimate the home team. This is despite the Tigers going into the match on a high after running riot against FNB CUT Ixias a week ago, beating them 79-31 (watch highlights HERE). Dawson-Squibb says they have done their homework. "Shimlas are a great team, they are all about the attack and scoring lots of tries. That makes them an exciting and dangerous team. "We did some good things on the field, one or two games a few things went wrong but we have learned from that. We are happy where we are and with our preparations." Ikeys will be looking to avoid what happened last season where the Green Mile-based team was knocked out of the semi-finals by FNB Maties 58-19 (watch highlights HERE). Dawson-Squibb believes their focus will be on what is working for them. "I think last year there were few areas of the game that didn't work out well for us but you always want to try to be the best you can be. “We will look at things that have worked for us and focus on them rather than anything else. "In a semi-final like this, you want to make sure the basics are your foundation, and that we are trying to do as a team is in place." 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. Semi-final fixtures HERE. by Ayanda Frances Felem

FNB UFS Shimlas are quietly confident heading into their big FNB Varsity Cup semi-final at 16:30 against FNB UCT Ikeys tomorrow at Shimla Park. It is the second year running that Shimlas will host a semi-final at home and this year they are confident they can take it one step further. They will however have to make do with a new centre combination as both the in-form midfielders, Jooste Nel and Zane Bester, have been ruled out for at least the semi-final through injury. Both players have played a significant role in the team reaching the knockout stage. Shimlas thumped FNB CUT Ixias 68-36 in the Bloemfontein derby (watch highlights HERE). They also hammered five-time champions FNB Maties 44-12 for what was their first-ever win in Stellenbosch (watch highlights HERE). This has certainly given their confidence a major boost. They are however wise enough to know that the team from the Mother City will also be confident following their 79-31 annihilation of the Ixias in Bloemfontein. Shimlas coach André Tredoux warns that Ikeys are a well-coached side with a proven track record over the past few years. “The Ikeys have a good rugby program and they played in the Varsity Cup final that was held in the bio-bubble (in 2021). “Last year they made a home semi-final and they are in the semis for a third year in a row. Tom Dawson-Squibb is doing a great job down there and it will certainly be a tough semi-final.” Tredoux adds that while they need to have the bodies ready for what is sure to be a grueling match, tuning in mentally will be key. “Our backroom staff has been hard at work making sure that the bodies are ready. Also, on the mental side, we have to be ready, and we've had a few sessions regarding that. It's about getting the minds ready for the challenge that lies ahead.” 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. Semi-final fixtures HERE.

FNB UWC 39 FNB UFH 13 A perfect road to the final for FNB UWC as they knocked defending champions FNB UFH Bluesoff their perch with an emphatic 39-13 semi-final win at the UWC Sports Stadium. They will now jostle things out with neighbours FNB CPUT in the first-ever FNB Varsity Shield final featuring both Bellville sides. Master tactician and controller of the UWC game, Conwill Conradie put in yet another all-around near-perfect performance. The scrumhalf scored a try, converted four of his side's tries, and kicked two penalties to take his tally to 19 points in the match. Fort Hare held a slender one-point lead, 5-6, with just under ten minutes left in the first half. Merlin du Plessis slotted two long-range penalty attempts, cancelling out UWC's first-minute Ridge Gaffley try. UWC, however, showed exactly why they haven’t lost a match this season. The 2018 champions rounded the first half off with two quick tries. Mauritz Swart, with his first of two tries, and Conradie both got over the try line to hand the home side a healthy 19-6 lead as the half-time whistle sounded. A solid foundation was laid by the UWC forwards, their set pieces were just too hard to stop, and this compounded matters for the visitors. Swart completed his brace when he collected the ball at the back of a rolling UWC maul. Swart put in a clinical performance. The hooker makes scoring tries look too easy, his ability to be in the right place at the right is uncanny. His try tally for the season currently stands at 10. FNB UWC 39 (19) – Tries: Ridge Gaffley, Conwill Conradie, Mauritz Swart (2), MihlaliTyanase. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (4). Penalties: Conradie (2) FNB UFH Blues 13 (6) – Try: MthokozisiNdlazi Conversion: Merlin du Plessis. Penalties: Du Plessis (2) FNB Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC) FNB UWC: 15 Diston Ethan Will, 14 Gaffley Ridge Jozé, 13 Brynard Zhaun-Jacques, 12 Breda Bryan John, 11 NcanaHlomla, 10 Willemse Elkan, 9 Conradie Conwill Brooklyn (Bolla), 8 Magerman Zinzan, 7 Afrika Brent, 6 KuildersAlmore Jnr A. S., 5 van der Merwe Carel, 4 Tattersal Liam, 3 Ceasar Franco Lee, 2 Swart Mauritz, 1 Lamprecht Christian Johan. FNB UFH: 15 Sidloyi Apiwe, 14Mdladlana Lilitha M. Lunika, 13 Maree Ryan Kelly, 12 Baleni Yonela Sibusiso, 11 GxekwaSalusiwe, 10 du Plessis Merlin Ruwaan, 9 Madiba Lwazi, 8 NgetuZimi Aphendule (Zish), 7 Gcweka Kamvelihle, 6 Tosholwana Lukhanyiso (Jiji), 5 Moyo Walter Benjamim, 4 XhosanaAyabulela, 3 Simani Buntu Ntlakanipho, 2 Fatyela Kamvelihle, 1 Nzima Mesuli S. Samkele. FNB CPUT 44 FNB MADIBAZ 5 FNB CPUT stormed into the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield final with a no-nonsense44-5 semi-final victory over FNB Madibaz in Gqeberha. The result was already solidified at halftime with the visitors leading 25-0. In a match that will long be remembered for the number of yellow and red cards dished out – at one point Madibaz had five players in the bin – the visitors did the double on the men from Nelson Mandela Bay, having also won their encounter earlier in the season (35-32). Despite the home side being at a major disadvantage with so many players off the field at the same time, nothing can be taken away from CPUT’s performance. Their loose forwards were a force to be reckoned with all afternoon, with lion-hearted number 8 Roland van der Heever having a huge game. Flanks Che Klaasen and Keanan Solomons were equally destructive, getting over the gain line time and time again. While Madibaz produced some scintillating rugby during the regular season, they just couldn’t get going when it mattered most. Replacement centre Troy Delport made a strong impression when he came on, but otherwise, it was a day to forget for Madibaz, who now goes on to face CUT for a place in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup. FNB CPUT 44 (25) – Tries: Che Klaasen, Keanan Solomons (2), Roland van der Heever (2), Masivuye Mafenyana (1). Conversions: Linton Maritz (2), Oyintando Maseti (2). Penalties: Linton Maritz (2). FNB Madibaz 5 (0) – Tries: Kholiwe Konza FNB Player That Rocks: Roland van der Heever (CPUT) FNB Madibaz: 15 Myburg Kehan, 14 Konza Kholiwe, 13 Kruger Henry Edward, 12 Franks Enrique Linley, 11 Bophi Khakalethu Alivadon, 10 November Chadwyn Ronaldo, 9 Fourie Divan Andre, 8van der Merwe Leon, 7 Solomon Mekyle Recodin, 6 Hlupheko Mzwakhe Kevin, 5 Tokwe Umna, 4 Nogaya Thando Sihle, 3 Limba Aqhamile Khiphi, 2 Olivier Keaton, 1 Limana Chulumance. FNB CPUT: 15 Stadler Caine Martin, 14 Hartogh Heinrico Keastin,13 Bloys Iwaan, 12 Williams Keenan, 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.

FNB Maties Women beat FNB UFH Women33-7 at the UWC Sports Stadium in the second semi-final of the inaugural FNB Varsity Women’s competition. They will now battle FNB UJ for the title on Thursday 13 April. Despite not getting on the scoreboard in the opening half, it was Fort Hare who was relentless in the first 15 minutes. The fight for quality possession and territory was a brave one with players like skipper Sivuyiseko Makhomazi and front rower Nombuyekezo Mdliki leading the charge upfront. It was Maties however who got over the whitewash four times in the opening half. The teams headed into the halftime break with the side from the Cape Winelands in a commanding 26-0 lead. Players like flyhalf Lara Schats, who scored the opening try, prop Janke Oosthuizen, who tackled equally as hard as she carried the ball, and Elitha Sylvester were standout performers for the Maties in the first 40 minutes. Alongside Schats, captain Bianca Augustyn, and fullback Danelle van Zyl, both scored early on in the first half. Elitha Sylvester rounded the first of her two tries with a sensational 70-metre point-of-origin Try (POR) on the stroke of half-time. Sylvester completed her brace in the second half, following Fort Hare's first and only try courtesy of Ongeziwe Msengi. Maties' clinical effort and discipline at the breakdown ensured the team from the Eastern Cape was restricted to just one try. FNB Maties Women 33 (26) – Tries: Lara Schats, Bianca Augustyn, Danelle van Zyl, Elitha Sylvester (POR try), Elitha Sylvester Conversions: Elmé Kruger (3) FNB UFH Women 7 (0) – Try: Ongeziwe Msengi Conversion: Zanele Touto FNB Player That Rocks: Elitha Sylvester (Maties)

It is the only unbeaten team in the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield against the defending champions when FNB UWC and FNB UFH take to the field in Belville for the second semi-final tomorrow at 19:00. The encounter is a repeat of the 2017 Varsity Shield final at the same venue. The home side then outmuscled the side from the Eastern Cape 45-2, with a penalty counting two points. (Watch highlights HERE) UWC secured automatic promotion to the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup with their position at the top of the log. A stoic coach Paul Treudid not want to divulge too much ahead of their semi-final clash. "We gave the players 24 hours to celebrate our promotion to Varsity Cup and [then] it is back to the drawing board. It is another opportunity to play at home and our goal is to secure a home final. That is simple enough, right? Only time will tell." While the former Blitzboks head coach doesn’t want to allow the history books to cloud their judgement of this match, it is UWC who have the better record than Fort Hare. The two teams have played each other 15 times since the inception of Varsity Shield. UWC has been on the winning side 10 times, of which six times were at the UWC Sports Stadium in Bellville. The defending champions have beaten UWC only five times, with2014 being the last time they beat them at this venue when they outclassed their opponents 51-29. UWC captain Tasriq Mynhardt says they want to make sure they do the coaches and the university proud tomorrow. "Securing promotion is great for the team but winning the semi-final would mean we get to spend another week together as a team, something I have enjoyed doing this year very much." FNB UWC: 15 Diston Ethan Will, 14 Gaffley Ridge Jozé, 13 Brynard Zhaun-Jacques, 12 Breda Bryan John, 11 Ncana Hlomla, 10 Willemse Elkan, 9 Conradie Conwill Brooklyn (Bolla), 8 Magerman Zinzan, 7 Afrika Brent, 6 Kuilders Almore Jnr A. S., 5 van der Merwe Carel, 4 Tattersal Liam, 3 Ceasar Franco Lee, 2 Swart Mauritz, 1 Lamprecht Christian Johan. Semi-final fixtures HERE. by Lyndon Julius

The first 2023 FNB Varsity Shield semi-final in Gqeberha tomorrow presents the ideal opportunity for FNB Madibaz to show they have learnt their lessons after being pipped 35-32 by FNB CPUT earlier in the season. Kick-off for tomorrow is at 15:30. The home side’s shot at redemption against the men from the Western Cape comes after an excellent season in which they finished second on the log to high-flying FNB UWC, setting up the semi-final against CPUT and giving them a crack at promotion to the 2024 Varsity Cup. “There’s a definite determination in the team for the semi-final this week because it’s an opportunity to rectify the mistakes we made against them last time,” says Madibaz skipper Leon van der Merwe. “Our focus will be on managing the game much better. We had a big lead last time and allowed them back in through our own mistakes. We have to minimise those unforced errors and make sure we control possession to deny them the ball.” Van der Merwe paid tribute to his young squad who had shown extreme commitment to the cause in a tough competition this season. It included a comprehensive victory over defending champions FNB UFH in the penultimate round. (Watch highlights HERE) “A lot of the players got their first taste of Varsity Shield and they have had to rise to the challenges of the tournament. I have been very proud of them.” The skipper says as they still have the opportunity to be promoted the team is very motivated to keep working hard. “We just have to stick to our systems and trust our processes.” It is also an opportunity for the Madibaz to repay the fans for their support throughout the season, says Van der Merwe. “The supporters have been amazing and we have appreciated the atmosphere at the home games. This is potentially our last home fixture of the season and we would love to play in front of a packed stadium.” FNB Madibaz: 15 Myburg Kehan, 14 Konza Kholiwe, 13 Kruger Henry Edward, 12 Franks Enrique Linley, 11 Bophi Khakalethu Alivadon, 10 November Chadwyn Ronaldo, 9 Fourie Divan Andre, 8 van der Merwe Leon, 7 Solomon Mekyle Recodin, 6 Hlupheko Mzwakhe Kevin, 5 Tokwe Umna, 4 Nogaya Thando Sihle, 3 Limba Aqhamile Khiphi, 2 Olivier Keaton, 1Limana Chulumance. Semi-final fixtures HERE.

Two-time champions FNB CPUT are travelling to Gqeberha for the second time this season where they will face off against FNB Madibaz in the first semi-final of the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield tomorrow at 15:30. Last year CPUT were seconds away from winning the Varsity Shield trophy for a record-breaking third consecutive time. FNB UFH beat them 28-27 on the stroke of full-time in Alice. Despite losing two games in this year's round-robin stages, CPUT captain Keanan Solomons believes they have what it takes to beat Madibaz, again. CPUT got the better of Madibaz in round four, beating them 35-32 at the very same venue. (Watch highlights HERE) "First of all, we are grateful to be in the semi-finals after two losses," says Solomons. "This is the second time playing against Madibaz and we will stick to everything that has worked for us during this campaign. We keep it simple, as with every previous game." CPUT head coach Alastair Theys is very cautious to not dwell too much on their recent win over Madibaz. "Beating Madibaz at their home ground does give a bit of an edge to CPUT, but I am sure they wouldn't want it to happen again. We have analysed their last game against UWC and will use this in preparing our game plan. "Key areas that we will be focusing on is how we attack against Madibaz and the defence strategy that we will be putting in place. "It is a semi-final and [it] can go either way but the mindset needs to be 'it is just another game' as this will take the external pressure off our preparation and the game." FNB CPUT: 15 Stadler Caine Martin, 14HartoghHeinrico Keastin,13BloysIwaan, 12Williams Keenan, 11Maritz Linton Shawn, 10Maseti Oyintando Honour, 9Engelbrecht Hugan, 8van der Heever Roland Leonard, 7Solomons Keanan Matteo, 6KlaasenChé Oliver, 5Kubheka Lungelo, 4Salman Anenceba, 3Mafenyana Masivuye, 2Shasha Duke (Shakes), 1Josephus Jacques-Lynn Graham. Semi-final fixtures HERE. by Lyndon Julius

FNB UFH is up against it when they take on unbeaten FNB UWC in Belville in the second semi-final of the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield tomorrow at 19:00. The defending champions will want to show that winning the 2022 competition was not a once-off occurrence. They beat FNB CPUT 28-27 on home turf in a pulsating match. (Watch highlights HERE) UFH only secured their place in the semi-finals with a 37-24 victory over TUT in the last match of this year’s tournament. It pushed them past the Pretoria team to fourth on the log with 19 points. It has been a bumpy road to the semi-finals, with four victories and three losses. Coach Lumumba Currie acknowledges the challenges his team faced this season. “Our campaign hasn’t been what we wanted it to be because of the challenges we faced in certain positions. We worked hard in addressing the areas that made us suffer the 3 losses so we could remain competitive.” He says their approach against UWC won’t be different from what they’ve done before. “We just need to be clinical in our execution and take our chances whenever they present them. Yes, Cape Town is not an easy place to play in but I’m sure we’ll be able to handle the pressure. They are a very competitive side, we’ll go do our analysis on them and exploit whatever we could find. “My message is very simple, play until the last whistle and leave everything on the field.” FNB UFH: 15 Sidloyi Apiwe, 14 Mdladlana Lilitha M. Lunika, 13 Maree Ryan Kelly, 12 Baleni Yonela Sibusiso, 11 Gxekwa Salusiwe, 10 du Plessis Merlin Ruwaan, 9 Madiba Lwazi, 8 NgetuZimi Aphendule (Zish), 7 Gcweka Kamvelihle, 6 Tosholwana Lukhanyiso (Jiji), 5 Moyo Walter Benjamim, 4 Xhosana Ayabulela, 3 Simani Buntu Ntlakanipho, 2 Fatyela Kamvelihle, 1 Nzima Mesuli S. Samkele. Semi-final fixtures HERE.

The 2023 FNB Varsity Shield kicked off just over six weeks ago on 16 February with eight teams competing in the country’s toughest university rugby competition. Now, 28 games later, only four remain in the running. The semi-finals are taking place on Thursday 6 April. FNB Madibaz hosts FNB CPUT in Gqeberha (17:00) while FNB UWC takes on defending champions FNB UFH in Cape Town (19:00). Varsity Cup takes a look at how the four teams progressed to the last four of this year’s tournament. FNB UWC Finalists in 2013 and 2016 and back-to-back champions in 2017 and 2018, UWC will undoubtedly want to add a third title before they move up to the FNB Varsity Cup in 2024. The Capetonians went through the season unbeaten and finished top of the log with 35 points, including 7 bonus points for scoring four tries or more in each of their games. UWC’s biggest victory came in the first round when they thrashed FNB Rhodes 87-5 (Watch highlights HERE). They comfortably beat the rest of the opposition, with the 45-31 victory over Madibaz the closest (watch highlights HERE). Points for: 319 / Points against 82 Top points scorer: Conwill Conradie – 70 Top try scorer: Mauritz Swart – 8 FNB Madibaz Madibaz has a score to settle with their semi-final opponents CPUT as it is the same team who prevented them from lifting the trophy in the 2019 final. The Eastern Cape side played in the Varsity Cup in 2021 and 2022 but got relegated back to the Shield last year. They have a chance of moving back up again by their second-placed finish on the log and will now play FNB CUT, who finished 7th on the FNB Varsity Cup log, to make that happen. Madibaz had a slow and steady start to this year’s tournament, with a couple of close victories over FNB TUT and FNB UKZN. The 24-6 result over defending champions UFH last week, came at just the right time as they hit their stride (watch highlights HERE). They finished second on the log with 28 points, including 8 bonus points, the most of any team. Points for: 257 / Points against 165 Top points scorer: Kehan Myburgh – 46 Top try scorer: Keaton Olivier – 5 FNB CPUT If UWC has been the one to watch this year, CPUT has undoubtedly been ruling the competition for the last couple of years, advancing to four finals. They lifted the trophy in 2019, got interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and then did so again in 2021. They got agonisingly close last year when they lost by one point to UFH in the final. CPUT secured a third-place log position, thanks to five victories out of their seven matches. One of their losses came against arch-nemesis UWC. They left their biggest victory for the last round, a 76-5 mauling over hapless Rhodes (watch highlights HERE). Points for: 261 / Points against 141 Top points scorer: Linton Maritz – 40 Top try scorer: Heinrico Hartogh – 5 FNB UFH UFH will want to show that winning the 2022 competition was not a once-off occurrence. It’s going to be a tough task though against unbeaten UWC, the same team they lost to in the 2017 final. The defending champions only secured their place in the semi-finals with a 37-24 victory over TUT in the last match of this year’s tournament (watch highlights HERE). It pushed them past the Pretoria team to fourth on the log with 19 points. It’s been a bumpy road to the final four that started with a one-point victory over FNB WSU, followed by losses against UWC and CPUT. UFH then got their campaign back on track, beating Rhodes 45-0 in round 4 (watch highlights HERE). Points for: 167 / Points against 133 Top points scorer: Merlin du Plessis – 72 Top try scorer: Ayabulela Xhosana – 5

The unthinkable has happened – FNB UP-Tuks will play in the FNB Varsity Shield in 2024 for the first time in the history of Varsity rugby. The defending champions finished dead last in the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup, failing to win a single match. After lifting the trophy last year following victory over FNB Maties in the final in Stellenbosch (watch highlights HERE), Tuks captain Lincoln Daniels says he is not going to dwell on the team’s poor run in 2023. “I don’t have words for this season, it is difficult to come but as a passionate Christian and a person that believes in the Lord, I believe this is written this is the plan the Lord had for Tuks. We are an example that life is a roller-coaster, we had our ups last year and now we have our downs. That is all I can say. “At this stage, my heart is heavy so I want to move away from the negatives and the past and focus on the future. My goal is to make my Currie Cup debut and join a franchise in South Africa.” Despite the torrid time his team had this year, Daniels finished the season as the most capped player in the Varsity Cup (34). He made his debut for the FNB NWU Eagles in 2019 before joining Tuks in 2022. He was first recruited by FNB Wits but did not get the chance to don the Witsie colours. Daniels says he’s been fortunate to train with the best of the best. “To win the Varsity Cup was my goal, but lifting it as a captain is another story, I never thought I would be in that position. It is a feeling I cannot describe, lifting it in the Danie Craven Stadium, me coming from Cape Town, I had my family there, so it was just pure enjoyment. “Varsity Cup has meant a lot to me during the years. I played with big names at NWU, the likes of Gideon van der Merwe, Luis Van der Westhuizen and Chriswell September, all the guys that when I got there were 25 years of age and I looked up to them. I wanted to play until 25 and now I have achieved that.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego