The 2023 FNB Varsity Cup has been turned upside down with defending champions FNB UP-Tuks relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield for the first time in history after losing to FNB Wits in the penultimate round of this year’s competition. FNB NWU Eagles are topping the log with FNB Maties in second place and it looks like they will be hosting the two semi-finals. Who their opponents will be, remains to be seen. Here are our standout players from round 6. Litha Nkula (FNB UFS Shimlas) Shimlas ran FNB CUT Ixias ragged in a try fest during the Bloemfontein derby. Fourteen tries were scored, with Shimlas crossing the try line nine times. The boot of Litha Nkula contributed three conversions and one penalty. The number ten’s all-round play was pivotal in sending his backline away towards the whitewash. Zinedine Robinson (FNB NWU Eagles) The Eagles were already assured of a place in the playoffs but that didn’t mean they slacked off against FNB UCT Ikeys in Cape Town. They overcame a four-point deficit at halftime to walk away victorious. Zinedine Robinson had a fantastic match, scoring 17 of NWU’s points. His decision-making was on point and he hardly put a foot wrong. Rowan Malgas (FNB UJ) For UJ it was all about pride and avoiding moving down a tier in Varsity rugby when they faced FNB Maties at home in Johannesburg. The Orange Army outplayed the Maroon Machine on all levels, with Rowan Malgas a standout among the many star players on the day. While his teammates scored the tries, he converted one after the other. Mokethi Kabelo (FNB Wits) Witsies played out of their socks in front of an enthusiastic home crowd to send Tuks packing to Varsity Shield in 2024. Even though the defending champions were on a five-match losing streak, nobody expected a sixth loss. The stellar play of Mokethi Kabelo at flyhalf was critical in how Wits crafted this massive victory. He was deservedly named the Player That Rocks.

Following relegation from the FNB Varsity Cup at the end of last year’s competition, FNB UWC has to had to rebuild and realign itself to get back into the premier competition. And now they have positioned themselves just right as they travel to Gqeberha on Thursday for a table-topping clash against FNB Madibaz. The winner will play in the Varsity Cup in 2024. The losers will get another crack at it against the team that finishes 7th in the Varsity Cup. At the moment, that is FNB UJ. Director of rugby at UWC, Paul Treu, has kept his eye on each fixture and not over-extending himself or his charges despite being one step closer to regaining Varsity Cup status. "We are taking it game by game, and never allow ourselves to become too relaxed," Treu says despite being the only side that is unbeaten in this year's competition. "The teams in the Varsity Shield competition know each other very well, your strengths and weaknesses are known, and this is why we cannot think of any game as an easy game. The Madibaz game will be a tough one but we approach it like any other opposition." UWC won the Varsity Shield in 2018 when Bok legend Chester Williams was at the helm. This year, Treu and his charges will be able to emulate this. "We want to live in the now, and not in the future, but in the same breath we have already identified four areas of concern for us. If you want to do good in the Varsity Cup you will need to do well in these four areas. There are many possibilities and we believe in each other. "It is important for teams like UWC, CPUT, and Madibaz to not only qualify to be part of the Varsity Cup but also to be competitive with the top universities. This provides an opportunity for communities of all shapes and sizes in and around these universities to draw inspiration from them.” According to Treu, higher education is the drawing card for most student-athletes and he believes rugby players shouldn't have to weigh up their rugby and academics when it comes to pursuing either. "A rugby player shouldn't come to UWC as his last resort, we want to be their first option. Rugby players want to play with the best, and Varsity Cup teams are the best, and this is why we need to be competitive and not just a flash-in-the-pan type of team." by Lyndon Julius

FNB WITS 33 FNB UP-TUKS 21 FNB Wits did the unthinkable and relegated FNB UP-Tuks to the FNB Varsity Shield for the first time in the history of the competition when they beat the defending champions 33-21 in Johannesburg. The halftime score was 19-7. The match got off to a great start for Wits when Setshaba Mokoena crossed the try line to open the scoring. The home team continued to dominate and after sustained pressure, Wian De Lange scored out wide. Tuks were struggling to keep up and Lindo Ncusane broke off the back of the scrum to score their third try. The defending champions finally got on the scoreboard with a try from Bayanda Ngubane, but Wits responded immediately as Henk Gouws powered his way over the line to extend their lead. Tuks fought back with a try from Divan Venter. He scored his second in the last ten minutes of the match and it looked like Tuks may just escape the dreaded relegation zone. However, a handling error led to a turnover and Banele Mthenjane sealed the win for Wits with a try late in the game. FNB WITS 33 (19) – Tries: Setshaba Mokoena, Wian de Lange, Lindo Ncusane, Henk Gouws, Banele Mthenjane. Conversions: Gershwin Mouton (3). FNB UP-TUKS 21 (7) – Tries: Bayanda Ngubane, Divan Venter (2). Player That Rocks: Mokhethi Kabelo (Wits) FNB Wits: 15 Lwandile Mapuko, 14 De Lange William Johannes, 13 Matyolweni Luhle, 12 Moekoena Setshaba, 11 Mouton Gershwin 10 Mokhethi Kabelo, 9 Aucamp Wernich 8 Ncusane Lindokuhle, 7 Smid Cal, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Lushozi Awethu Msizi, 4 Gouws Hendrik Theunis, 3 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2 Venter Dameon, 1 Banele Mthenjane. FNB UP-Tuks: 15 Cyster Kyle Edward, 14 Myeni Samkelo Andile, 13 Reynders Zander, 12 Fourie Pierre Arno, 11 Zenzile Ambesa, 10 Lewis Clyde Alfurdo, 9 O’Connell Daimon, 8 Venter Divan, 7 Nkombua Justice Kabasele, 6 Schoonees Dian, 5 Meiring Dawid H. Lukas (Louis), 4 Mare Johannes Wilhelmus, 3 Coetzee Dian Stephan, 2 Williams Allister Noel, 1 Dlamini Bambolunye. FNB NWU EAGLES 42 FNB UCT IKEYS 26 FNB NWU Eagles have secured a home semi-final with a convincing 42-26 victory over FNB UCT Ikeys in Cape Town. The start of the first half did not produce much action, and it was only in the 28th minute that the visitors broke the deadlock through a try by scrumhalf Sylvester Hassien. Kyle Lamb and Duran Koevort’s tries took the Tigers into halftime with a 14-10 lead. In the second half, the Eagles started cracking the whip, scoring two quick tries through Vernon Paulo and Naiden Jaarts. They crossed the try line two more times for a comfortable lead. Tom Nel and Jac van der Walt went over for Ikeys but it was a case of too little, too late. FNB NWU Shimlas 42 (10) – Tries: Sylvester Hassien, Vernon Paulo (2), Naiden Jaarts, Ruben du Plessis. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (4). Penalties: Robinson (3). FNB UCT Ikeys 26 (14) – Tries: Kyle Lamb, Duran Koevort, Tom Nel, Jac van der Walt. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (1). FNB Player That Rocks: Chris Vermaak (NWU) FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Koevort Duran Ryan, 14 Louw Rethabile Donovan, 13 Lamb Kyle Graeme, 12 Hendricks Lyle Victor, 11 Makhaza Ntokozo Sibusiso, 10 Hayes David Robert, 9 Moos Asad, 8 MacLeod Smith Jason, 7 Ndiao Kyle Enos, 6 Dyonase Siphumezo, 5 van Rhyn Johan, 4 Crous Reynhardt Wouter, 3 Le Roux Bryan Justin, 2 Blanckenberg Keagan Jordan, 1 Woji Luthando Solomon. FNB NWU Eagles: 15 Swanepoel Tino Santino , 14 Windvogel Keano Ricardo, 13 Pretorius Theunis Gerhardus, 12 Phatudi Isromr Seita, 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 White Junior, 3 Swiegers Ruan, 2 Paulo Vernon, 1 du Plessis Ruben. FNB UFS SHIMLAS 68 FNB CUT 36 FNB UFS Shimlas kept their chances of reaching the playoffs in the Varsity Cup alive on Monday evening with a convincing 68-36 win over FNB CUT Ixias at Shimla Park. The Shimlas turned in their most clinical display to date in 2023 to stun their city neighbours in a match that produced no less than 14 tries. Eight-man Kwezi Dlamini, lock Dylan Sjöblom, hooker William Moffat, scrumhalf Chadd Adams and flanker Lourens Oosthuizen all crossed the whitewash to give Shimlas a 38-22 lead at halftime. For the Ixias, flank Janco Cloete scored while captain Jandré de Beer dotted down for a brace in the first 40-minute period. Ten minutes into the second half Cloete crossed the try line again to complete his brace. Tries by fullback AV Maceve, Oosthuizen, hooker Liyema Mgwigwi and Jooste Nel put the game out of reach for the Ixias. A try by replacement prop Mamello Moshoaliba served as nothing more than a consolation for the Ixias. FNB UFS Shimlas 68 (38) – Tries: Kwezi Dlamini, William Moffat, Dylan Sjöblom, Chadd Adams, Lourens Oosthuizen (2), AV Maceve, Liyema Mgwigwi, Jooste Nel. Conversions: Litha Nkula (3), Ethan Wentzel (2). Penalties: Nkula (1). FNB CUT 36 (22) – Tries: Janco Cloete (2), Jandre de Beer (2), Mamello Moshoaliba. Conversions: Tylor Sefoor (3). Penalties: Sefoor (1). FNB Player That Rocks: Lourens Oosthuizen. FNB UFS Shimlas: 15 Mabece Avuyile, 14 Annies Michael Jnr, 13 Bester Zane, 12 Nel Gideon Jooste, 11 Kunene Asanda Sihle, 10 Nkula Litha Siyasanga 9 Adams Chadd Gabby, 8 Kwezi Dlamini, 7 Mahlasi Thabang, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen (captain), 5 Dylan Sjöblom, 4 Uys Pierre-Raymond, 3 Dos Ries Francisco, 2 Moffat William Johan, 1 Johan Schutte. FNB CUT: 15 Vergotine Devanito Lushan, 14 Gouveia Adielson Gouveia, 13 Botha Lesley, 12 de Beer Jandré, 11 Malumane Tsepo Siphosethu, 10 Sefoor Tyler, 9 Swartbooi Xavier Alister, 8 Bester Francois Johannes, 7 Stander Ulrich Stephan, 6 Cloete Jacobus Johannes, 5 Sekele Matthew M. Maboe, 4 Marubelela Asekho Phindile, 3 Augestyn Zran, 2 Drotske Tiaan, 1 Bessenger Jan Hendrik. FNB UJ 49 FNB MATIES 42 FNB UJ secured a hard-fought 49-42 victory over FNB Maties in Johannesburg. The halftime score was 17-10 in favour of the home team. UJ scored two tries within the first 20 minutes, with one being converted. The visitors fought back hard and managed to score themselves after a series of phases inside their opponent's ’22. UJ crossed the try line for a third time to take a seven-point lead at halftime. The Orange Army started the second half where they left things off after the first 40 minutes with a point-of-origin try. The conversion was good, and they extended their lead even further. Two more tries followed for the scoreboard to read 40-17. Despite the Maroon Machine scoring a handful of late tries, UJ held on to secure a well-deserved victory in the end. FNB UJ 47 (17) – Tries: Radebe Nkondlokamthimkhulu, Siphesihle Nkabini, Prince Nkabinde (2), Hlone Mputhi, Mpho Vincent Kubheka. Conversions: Rowan Malgas (5). FNB Maties 38 (10) – Tries: Marais de Wet (2), Willem van den Heever, Marcqiewn Titus, Mckyle Volmoer, Jacques Rousseau. Conversions: Christiaan van Heerden-Smith (3). Player That Rocks: Rowan Malgas (UJ) FNB UJ: 15 Cary David, 14 Nkabinde Prince, 13 Nkabini Siphesihle, 12 Tengimgene Likhaya, 11 Radebe Nkondlokamthimkhulu, 10 Malgas Rowan Hafeni, 9 Sono Kghothatso, 8 Kanenungo Kelvin, 7 Pretorius Francois Christiaan, 6 Fourie Ricardo, 5 Apea-Adu Philip, 4 Qaba Buhlebenkosi, 3 Pohlmann Heiko Peter Eugene, 2 Osuagwu Darnell Jerry-Fred, 1 Kiewit Kayden Nicklo. FNB Maties: 15 Rousseau Jacques Guillame, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 De Jager Grant, 12 Solaan Waqar Bradwell, 11 Van Schalkwyk Matthew Emile, 10 Croy Cade Martin, 9 Van Heerden-Smith Christiaan, 8 Marais De Wet, 7 Nel Adriaan Jacobus Nel, 6 Matanda Siyabonga, 5 Beukes Juan, 4 Kitshof Matthys, 3 Burton Moegammad Anmaar, 2 Ngubelanga Siyabonga, 1 Marais Gert Erasmus.

Dwayne Atkins has been on fire in his debut FNB Varsity Shield season for FNB CPUT. His playmaking ability has led to two tries and earned him the respect of his new teammates and the CPUT faithful. Atkins was schooled at Esselenpark and matriculated at Worcester Gimnasium. It’s been a great season for CPUT with four victories from six matches. The 50-8 drubbing of FNB UKZN at home in Cape Town in round 1 was their biggest victory (watch the highlights HERE). Atkins says he is thankful for the opportunity to tell his story. "I am a proud son of Worcester, and I have been a sports fanatic since I was a child." Raised in a single-parent home, Atkins could have easily become a statistic but thanks to his inspirational mother he has always given his best, even more so on the rugby field. "I am studying towards a tourism qualification, and I am very grateful for the influence of my mother, Rozanne. She was an avid and very good athlete, hearing her stories always inspires me to make her proud." Apart from his mother, Dwayne aspires to always honour the memory of his late grandfather Granwill Atkins. "My mom always wanted to give us her level best. My late grandfather Granwill Atkins, who passed away about seven years ago, is someone whose memory I want to honour, and I feel at times that I need to continue to make him proud." Atkins not only has the support of his family and community but it is his hometown rugby club, Alberts RFC, that has shown its unwavering support for the CPUT recruit. Whenever CPUT have a home game, the boys from Alberts make the hour-long trip from Worcester to Bellville. Atkins is known as the 'Poster Boy' within the Alberts club. "Everyone at Alberts is like family. I am very grateful for the support I get from the members. They keep me grounded." Atkins hopes to continue to play well enough for a Blitzboks call-up, and that his mom and extended family will be proud of what he achieves both on and off the field. "My main priority is to continue to make my mom and family proud by obtaining a tertiary qualification. Hopefully, I can grow and develop enough as a player at CPUT that results in me becoming part of the Springbok Sevens group." by Lyndon Julius

With one game left in their 2023 FNB Varsity Shield campaign (Thursday 30 March against FNB CPUT in Cape Town), FNB Rhodes find themselves at the bottom of the log with no wins, 245 points scored against them and relegation their reality. Their biggest defeat (5-87) was against log leaders FNB UWC in the first round (watch highlights HERE) while their closest contest came against FNB TUT (16-28) a week later (watch highlights HERE). Despite the dire state of affairs, head coach James Winstanley says he remains proud of the team. He says the teams his side have come up against this year have been given significantly greater resources. “If we wish to compete meaningfully, we will have no choice but to invest more”. Rhodes University sports manager Frans Mamabolo says there are certain limitations concerning attracting tops quality rugby players. The facilities, high Admission Point Scores and the under-valued bursaries are just some factors preventing top-quality rugby players from wanting to attend Rhodes and play for the university’s rugby team. This year Rhodes has a notably younger squad compared to previous years and Winstanley says, “We have a young team competing against players with far more experience at this level.” According to him, the players at his disposal enjoy playing rugby and they will take the adversity from this season as a way to build character for future games and tournaments. by Aiden Daries

Only two more rounds are left before the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals and the teams still in contention are jostling for position to make sure it takes place in front of their home crowds. For those further down the log, it’s a case of playing for pride. For defending champions FNB UP-Tuks it’s a short trip to Johannesburg to play against FNB Wits. Occupying the last place on the log, they are in danger of relegation to the FNB Varsity Shield. FNB UCT Ikeys are hosting log leaders FNB NWU Eagles in Cape Town. A victory could see Ikeys climb to the number two spot, just where they’d want to be for a home semi-final. FNB UJ and FNB Maties meet in Johannesburg for a top vs bottom match. The Maroon Machine is currently second while the Orange Army lies in 7th position. Sparks are sure to fly in the Bloemfontein derby between FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB CUT. Just one point separates them on the log (CUT 4th, Shimlas 5th) with everything to play for. FNB WITS vs FNB UP-TUKS – 17:00 – Wits Stadium FNB Wits: 15 Lwandile Mapuko, 14 De Lange William Johannes, 13 Matyolweni Luhle, 12 Moekoena Setshaba, 11 Mouton Gershwin 10 Mokhethi Kabelo, 9 Aucamp Wernich 8 NcusaneLindokuhle, 7 Smid Cal, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Lushozi Awethu Msizi, 4Gouws Hendrik Theunis, 3 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2 Venter Dameon, 1 Banele Mthenjane. FNB UP-Tuks: 15 Cyster Kyle Edward, 14MyeniSamkelo Andile, 13 Reynders Zander, 12 Fourie Pierre Arno, 11ZenzileAmbesa, 10Lewis Clyde Alfurdo, 9 O’Connell Daimon, 8Venter Divan, 7Nkombua Justice Kabasele, 6 Schoonees Dian,5Meiring Dawid H. Lukas (Louis), 4 Mare Johannes Wilhelmus, 3Coetzee Dian Stephan, 2Williams Allister Noel, 1Dlamini Bambolunye. FNB UCT IKEYS vs FNB NWU EAGLES – 19:00 – Green Mile Stadium FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Koevort Duran Ryan, 14 Louw Rethabile Donovan, 13 Lamb Kyle Graeme, 12 Hendricks Lyle Victor, 11 Makhaza Ntokozo Sibusiso, 10 Hayes David Robert, 9 Moos Asad, 8 MacLeod Smith Jason, 7 Ndiao Kyle Enos, 6 Dyonase Siphumezo, 5 van Rhyn Johan, 4 Crous Reynhardt Wouter, 3 Le Roux Bryan Justin, 2 Blanckenberg Keagan Jordan, 1 Woji Luthando Solomon. FNB NWU Eagles: 15 Swanepoel Tino Santino , 14 Windvogel Keano Ricardo, 13 Pretorius Theunis Gerhardus, 12 PhatudiIsromr Seita, 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 White Junior, 3 Swiegers Ruan, 2 Paulo Vernon, 1 du Plessis Ruben. FNB UJ vs FNB MATIES – 19:00 – UJ Stadium FNB UJ: 15 Cary David, 14 Nkabinde Prince, 13 Nkabini Siphesihle, 12 Tengimgene Likhaya, 11 Radebe Nkondlokamthimkhulu, 10 Malgas Rowan Hafeni, 9 Sono Kghothatso, 8 Kanenungo Kelvin, 7 Pretorius Francois Christiaan, 6 Fourie Ricardo, 5 Apea-Adu Philip, 4 Qaba Buhlebenkosi, 3 Pohlmann Heiko Peter Eugene, 2 Osuagwu Darnell Jerry-Fred, 1 Kiewit Kayden Nicklo. FNB Maties: 15 Rousseau Jacques Guillame, 14 Titus Beon, 13 De Jager Grant, 12 Solaan Waqar Bradwell, 11 Van Schalkwyk Matthew Emile, 10 Croy Cade Martin, 9 Van Heerden-Smith Christiaan, 8 Marais De Wet, 7 Nel Adriaan Jacobus Nel, 6 Matanda Siyabonga, 5 Beukes Juan, 4 Kitshof Matthys, 3 Burton Moegammad Anmaar, 2 Ngubelanga Siyabonga, 1 Marais Gert Erasmus. FNB UFS SHIMLAS vs FNB CUT – 19:00 – Shimla Park FNB UFS Shimlas: 15 Mabece Avuyile, 14 Annies Michael Jnr, 13 Bester Zane, 12 Nel Gideon Jooste, 11 Kunene Asanda Sihle, 10 NkulaLitha Siyasanga 9 Adams Chadd Gabby, 8 Kwezi Dlamini, 7 Mahlasi Thabang, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen (captain), 5 Dylan Sjöblom, 4 Uys Pierre-Raymond, 3 Dos Ries Francisco, 2 Moffat William Johan, 1 Johan Schutte. FNB CUT: 15 Vergotine Devanito Lushan, 14 Gouveia Adielson Gouveia, 13 Botha Lesley, 12 de Beer Jandré, 11 Malumane Tsepo Siphosethu, 10 Sefoor Tyler, 9 Swartbooi Xavier Alister, 8 Bester Francois Johannes, 7 Stander Ulrich Stephan, 6 Cloete Jacobus Johannes, 5 Sekele Matthew M. Maboe, 4 Marubelela Asekho Phindile, 3 Augestyn Zran, 2 Drotske Tiaan, 1 Bessenger Jan Hendrik.

FNB UWC and FNB Madibaz have made sure of their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield after important victories in round 6. FNB CPUT and FNB TUT are third and fourth on the log and should make it through to the playoffs in two weeks. Here are our standout players from round 6. Keaton Olivier (FNB Madibaz) FNB Madibaz ran FNB UFH ragged for a comprehensive victory, shutting the defending champions out of contention for this year’s playoffs. And the man responsible? Hooker Keaton Olivier scored a remarkable four tries during the one-sided match. As the Player That Rocks, he will wear the pink shorts with pride next week against log leaders FNB UWC. Will Vraagom (FNB UWC) Will Vraagom contributed two tries to FNB UWC’s sixth consecutive victory of the season, this one over FNB UKZN in Cape Town. The winger made the most of the possession and territorial advantage in the dominating display by his team. He must be rearing to go against Madibaz in seven days. Dieter Groenewald (FNB TUT) FNB TUT kept their semi-final hopes alive with a hard-fought victory at home over FNB CPUT. Dieter Groenewald produced an outstanding performance, thanks to his versatility as a utility back. He controlled the tempo of the game and made no mistakes from the boot, being successful with three conversions and three penalties. Lithemba Ngcentane (FNB WSU) FNB WSU salvaged some pride in winning a bottom-of-the-log clash against FNB Rhodes in Makhanda. Despite the result being of academic value, it didn’t stop Lithemba Ngcentaneto put in an impressive performance for WSU. He scored two quick-fire tries in the space of three minutes with arguably the first try of the game after a run from his half.

FNB UWC 45 FNB UKZN 11 In typical Cape Town winter weather, FNB UWC retained their unbeaten record when they thumped FNB UKZN 45-11 in Bellville. The home team ran in five unanswered first-half tries through a brace by Will Vraagom, and a try a piece by Almore Kuilders, Mauritz Swart, and Lubelo Scott. UWC headed into halftime 31-11 ahead. Points for UKZN in the opening half were courtesy of two Jarryd Nicholls penalties and a try by Trent Coetzee. It was a dominating display by UWC who enjoyed most of the possession and territory throughout the match. A 79th-minute converted try via replacement forward Liam Tattersal and an earlier penalty try were the only points in the second half. It was a masterful performance from UWC scrumhalf Conwill Conradie. How he marshals his forwards around the set pieces is a strong reminder of how his father and former Bok and Western Province legend, Bolla Conradie, used to do it. FNB UWC 45 (31) – Tries: Will Vraagom (2), Penalty Try, Almore Kuilders, Mauritz Swart, Lubelo Scott, Liam Tattersal. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (3), Ethan Diston. FNB UKZN 11 (11) – Try: Trent Coetzee. Penalties: Jarryd Nicholls (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Zinzan Magerman (UWC). FNB UWC: 15 Diston Ethan Will, 14 Vraagom Will, 13 Breda Bryan John, 12 Scott Lubelo, 11 Ncana Hlomla, 10 Willemse Elkan, 9 Conradie Conwill Brooklyn (Bolla), 8 Magerman Zinzan, 7 De Lange Louan, 6 Kuilders Almore Jnr, 5 van der Merwe Carel, 4 Moerat Bilaal, 3 Ceasar Franco Lee, 2 Swart Mauritz, 1 Michaels Keanuh Cameron. FNB UKZN: 15 Nicholalls Jarryd, 14 Zulu Zamakuhle, 13 Mkhize Singele, 12 Fick Russell Adrian, 11 Adendorf Devandre Sivuyiseni, 10 Kama Khanya Junior, 9 Cele Thando Sphesihle, 8 Mazhindu Tinotenda, 7 Fenske Wilhelm, 6 Watkins Damien, 5 Goliath Bevan, 4 Gumede Nkanyesi, 3 Mc Arthur Jüan-Daniël, 2 Ndimande Siphosethu, 1 Maseko Benjamin. FNB MADIBAZ 24 FNB UFH 6 On a cool Thursday afternoon in Gqeberha, FNB Madibaz warmed the hearts of the home fans by registering a convincing 24-6 win against defending champions FNB UFH. It was a game of two halves in terms of points scored. Where Madibaz crossed the whitewash on three occasions in the first half, there was only one try in the second. And the player responsible for all the action? Madibaz hooker Keaton Olivier scored a remarkable four tries during the one-sided match. Unsurprisingly, Olivier was named Player That Rocks and he will wear the pink shorts with pride when his side takes on FNB Varsity Shield log leaders FNB UWC next week. For the UFH Blues, there were some promising movements, but handling let them down at crucial moments. Their only points of the match came via the boot of flyhalf Merlin du Plessis. While Madibaz will be happy to take the vital points from the Eastern Cape derby, they will need to put in a lot of hard work over the next few days if they are to halt the march of high-flying UWC. FNB Madibaz 24 (19) – Tries: Keaton Olivier (4). Conversions: Kehan Myburg (2). FNB UFH 6 (6) – Penalties: Merlin du Plessis (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Keaton Olivier (Madibaz). FNB Madibaz: 15 Myburg Kehan, 14 Bophi Khakalethu Alivadon, 13 Franks Enrique Linley, 12 Delport Troy, 11 Khonza Kholiowe, 10 November Chadwyn Ronaldo, 9 Dlongodlongo Sinesipho, 8 van der Merwe Leon, 7 Bobelo Alwaba Liyema, 6 Hlupheko Mzwakhe Kevin, 5 Kachungunu Christopher Cikuru, 4 Nogaya Thando Sihle, 3 Limba Aqhamile Khiphi, 2 Olivier Keaton, 1 Kuse Endinako. FNB UFH: 15 Sidloyi Apiwe, 14 Mdladlana Lilitha, 13 Maree Ryan Kelly, 12 Baleni Yonela Sibusiso, 11 Bathu Mziyabulela, 10 du Plessis Merlin Ruwaan, 9 Madiba Lwazi, 8 Totsholwana Lukhanyiso, 7 Gcweka Kamvelihle, 6 Fatyela Kamvelihle, 5 Moyo Walter Benjamim, 4 Xhosana Ayabulela, 3 Simani Buntu Ntlakanipho, 2 Jamani Bunono, 1 Babele Mbasa Kamvalethu. FNB TUT 31 FNB CPUT 26 FNB TUT Vikings shocked 2022 runners-up FNB CPUT 31-26 in a tightly contested affair in Pretoria. The halftime score was 25-14. The home where the first to apply pressure as they were awarded a penalty after nine minutes of action, with Dieter Groenewald making no mistake. It remained a one-man show as the Vikings continued to dominate possession. Their efforts were rewarded with a try in the 12th minute when fullback Jamie Felix produced a solo run to extend the hosts’ lead. CPUT responded with back-to-back tries from Keanan Solomons and Ayabulela Zondo with flyhalf Oyintando Maseti making no mistake with the conversions for his side to take a 14-8 lead. TUT however then took a 25-14 lead into the break following tries from hooker Joseph Kwinda and Groenewald as well as a penalty. The second half got off to a slow start with the first points coming after 20 minutes when Groenewald slotted a penalty for TUT. CPUT applied immense pressure on the home side to fulfil their mission of securing a home semi-final and they were rewarded with two tries from Che Klaasen and Hugan Engelbrecht to reduce the deficit to just two points. Two additional tries were however denied by the TMO. Groenewald sealed a vital victory for TUT with a penalty. FNB TUT 31 (25) – Tries: Jamie Felix, Joseph Kwinda, Mauritz Maritz. Conversions: Dieter Groenewald (3). Penalties: Dieter Groenewald (3), Mauritz Maritz (1). FNB CPUT 26 (14) – Tries: Keanan Solomons, Ayabulela Zono, Che Klaasen, Hugan Engelbrecht. Conversions: Oyintando Maseti (3). FNB Player That Rocks: Rowane Skosana (TUT) FNB TUT: 15 Felix Jamie, 14 Mene Lutho, 13 Maritz Mauritz, 12 Groenewald Dieter, 11 Robinson Joshua Sandile Robinson, 10 Bam Mihlali Sipho, 9 Ndunakazi Buhlebuyeza, 8 Skosana Rowane Ntokoza, 6 Franse Danel Mark, 5 Turner Rianiel Andrew, 4 Mapungwana Nokutenda Albert, 3 Mokone Goabaona, 2 Kwinda Joseph, 1 Nzama Mxolisi. FNB CPUT: 15 Kruger Wiehan, 14 Atkins Dwayne, 13 Tole Sicelo, 12 Shorties Matthew, 11 Williams Keenan, 10 Maseti Honour, 9 Engelbrecht Hugan, 8 Solomons Matteo, 7 Zono Ayabulela, 6 Klaasen Ché Oliver, 5 Woji Lwando, 4 Van der Heever Roland Leonard, 3 Mafenyana Masivuye, 2 Shasha Duke (Shakes), 1 Josephus Jacques-Lynn Graham. FNB WSU 34 FNB RHODES 5 FNB WSU salvaged some pride in a bottom-of-the-log clash against FNB Rhodes, winning the encounter in Makhanda 34-5. The halftime score was 12-5. The home team started the game looking the stronger of the two sides but it was the visitors who got the first points of the night when Lutho Manpunye went over after slipping through the Rhodes backline. Maxwell Klaasen kicked the conversion to put his side 7-0 up within the first 11 minutes. WSU got their second try of the night through captain Awonke Sondishe. Rhodes made it an even contest heading into the break after Lethu Ntshangase went over following a kick and chase. Callum Momberg missed his conversion. In the second half, WSU stretched their lead to 15 points when Lukhangele Tshayi ran from deep within their half to get another 5 points. Then it was the turn of Lithemba Ngcentane who scored a brace in the space of three minutes for a comprehensive victory. FNB Rhodes 5 (5) – Tries: Lethu Ntshangase. FNB WSU 34 (12) – Tries: Lutho Mampunye, Awonke Sondishe, Lukhangele Tshayi, Lithemba Ngcentane (2. Conversions: Maxwell Klaasen, Lisolethu Valisi (2). Penalty: Maxwell Klaasen. FNB Player That Rocks: Lutho Mampunye (WSU) FNB Rhodes: 15 Momberg Callum, 14 Kandengwa Tatenda William, 13 Mbanzi Simelela Vuso, 12 Ntshangase Lethu, 11 Ngwanteni Simamkele, 10 Mabodla Siyolise, 9 Mvelase Nkosinathi, 8 Jodwana Lathi-Tha, 7 Makalima Sonqoba Magaliso, 6 Erasmus James Alexander, 5 Jako Qhama, 4 Dambuza David Junior Sibuvile, 3 Mzamane Lwazi, 2 Tshongweni Lubabalo, 1 Nene Kwanele. FNB WSU: 15 Tshayi Lukhangele, 14 Nondlwana Bulelani Amyoli, 13 Sondishe Awonke, 12 Jali Lisolethu, 11 Bomoyi Lindokuhle, 10 Klaasen Maxwell Curtley, 9 Mniki Esenam, 8 Tshatshu Ayabonga, 7 Mandes Pernell Mervian, 6 Manyube Sibulele, 5 Fana Uyathandwa, 4 Mampunye Lutho, 3 Adonisi Sithembiso, 2 Mhlonyane Ovayo, 1 Njadu Thembalihle.

Rebuilding is one word that could be associated with the FNB TUT Vikings with their performances during the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield season. From finishing bottom of the log last year to fighting for a semi-final spot this year alludes to progress in coach Kennedy Tsimba’s vision of bringing glory days back to the Pretoria-based team. This feat cannot be achieved without having good players in your squad, and Tsimba seems to have brought the best out of individuals like Malcolm Langa, Olwethu Pence and Pretoria-born and former Hoërskool Waterkloof hooker Jandré van Zyl. Van Zyl has certainly made his presence felt the last couple of weeks and says despite the competition is tough, he thoroughly enjoys it. “When I was at the Harlequins (now Quins-Bobbies Rugby Club) last year, one of our coaches approached me with an opportunity to play for TUT and then after a couple of weeks coach Kennedy texted me to join the TUT Vikings system.” In his debut Varsity Shield season, Van Zyl has become an integral part of the Vikings and describes the competition as tough but also enjoyable. “The Varsity Shield is a great competition, every week you play against a new opponent, and it’s never the same game. It is nice to travel to all the places, it is a professional set-up.” Rugby runs in Van Zyl’s blood as his father played for Tuks and his grandfather had short stints with Western Province and the Cheetahs. Van Zyl says he listens to the advice of his dad and combines it with what the coaches are looking for. “I am just trying to give it my all on the field to make the team better. Without the great forward pack, I have I don’t think I would be as much of a stand-out player as I am now, they put in the hard work for me to cross over the try line.” TUT will need to overcome FNB CPUT and defending champions FNB UFH in their last pool matches if they want to finish in the top four and progress to the semi-finals. Van Zyl says they know they can do it. “We need to take it game by game. We are trying to take TUT rugby to a new phase with coach Kennedy and everyone else involved and bring back a bit more respect for the TUT name.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

Stand-in skipper Leon van der Merwe kept the FNB Madibaz calm as they were submitted to a pressure test of note in their opening match of the FNB Varsity Shield tournament last Thursday. The Nelson Mandela University outfit was pushed by FNB TUT Vikings but held on for a memorable 34-31 victory at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha. Van der Merwe was thrust into the leadership role after regular captain Arnouw Nel had been ruled out with injury and rose to the challenge with a performance that earned him the Player That Rocks award. “It was very close, but I think we managed the pressure moments well by staying calm and sticking to our processes,” said the 21-year-old loose forward, who crossed the line in the second half for what turned out to be a vital try. “I believe that won us the match in the end.” Van der Merwe, who played his schoolboy rugby for Paarl Gymnasium, made his debut for the Madibaz in the Varsity Cup last year. “That was at home against UP-Tuks,” recalled Van der Merwe, who usually does duty at the eighth man. “It was memorable as I had all my friends in the crowd and family watching at home.” From what he has witnessed thus far, the fourth-year biokinetics student believed this year’s Varsity Shield would be extremely competitive “with no easy games”. “Everyone is fighting to win the title to gain promotion to the Varsity Cup, so we are preparing for many similar challenges. We’ll have to consistently bring our ‘A’ game.” Although he was singled out for his performance on the night, Van der Merwe acknowledged that it was a team sport. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates providing me with the opportunities to express myself. It’s always nice to contribute to a team victory in front of your home fans.” He was full of appreciation for the Madibaz supporters who ventured to the stadium en masse. “They were our 16th player and we are hoping for similar support for our next home game [against Cape Peninsula University of Technology on March 9].”

The story of Lubelo Scott reads like a movie script, sounding almost too good to be true. And looking at the inside centre of FNB UWC, it is hard to contemplate the hardship this now confident young man had to endure early in his life. His mother, Nomonde,was sentenced to prison for five years for a drug-related crime and could not contemplate leaving her five-month-old son in the care of others. Lubelo went with her. Lubelo saw the outside world for the first time when his mother was released on parole after five years behind bars. After her release,Nomonde was adamant about giving her son a good life and enrolled at the University of the Western Cape to study law. It’s almost like it was destined for Lubelo to also decided to study law at the same institution after completing his schooling at Bishops Diocesan College. It was at the famous school that he made his mark, scoring impressive tries at will. The speedy player gives a lot of credit to his number-one supporter. Nomondo is in the stands regularly, passionately cheering on her son. Lubelo has been a mainstay in the UWC team since 2018 and helped the team gain promotion from the Varsity Shield competition to the Varsity Cup that same year. His former coach, the late Springbok legend, Chester Williams, described the outside centre as possessing the key qualities of vision, speed and attitude. “The sport of rugby gave me the ability to express my sporting ability,” Scott says. With UWC starting their Varsity Shield campaign with a convincing victory over FNB Rhodes in round 1 (87-5), the signs are certainly there that Lubelo Scott will once again play a big part in their success this season. by Ian Morris

With a few new names added to their squad, FNB Wits is looking forward to improving on their fortunes for the 2023 Varsity Cup competition. This after finishing 7th on the log last with 4 wins and 5 losses last year. Amongst the new members is forwards coach Sabelo Nhlapo, brought in to add a different approach to the pack for 2023. Nhlapo has tasted success as a player, representing FNB UP-Tuks in the university’s Varsity Cup champions team in 2012 and 2013. He also played at U19 and U20 national levels before moving on to represent Boland and the Pumas. He retired in 2016. Varsity Cup recently sat down with the new Wits forwards coach to talk all things rugby. What made you switch from playing to coaching? Unfortunately, I got injured at pivotal times in my career and each time I got injured it took a bit of my confidence away with it. It however never took my love of the game away, but four surgeries later, I knew I wanted to stay in the game but in a different space, so I started coaching. How long have you been coaching? Six great years and counting. After retiring in 2016, I joined my Alma mater, Highlands North Boys High School as head coach in 2017. The coaching journey led me to Wanderers Rugby Club in 2018 where I stayed until 2022. I was also fortunate enough to be the forwards coach of the Lions' amateur team last year. How have you adapted to being a forwards coach? I've adapted quite well. The culture and the people at Wits made the transition smooth. I feel welcome and I love that I get to contribute to the institution. The talent that I get to work with really excites me as well, seeing the gents put in the work and me being able to help them get to the next level makes me happy. How did Varsity Cup impact your life as a player back then and now as a coach? The Varsity Cup reignited my passion for the game and reminded me why we started playing this game when I was a player. As a coach, it's given me an opportunity to give back and share. Some of the things I've been through might be able to help somebody else. What are you hoping to achieve with your current role? Growth. At the end of it all, I must have made a difference. Not just on the rugby side of things, but spiritually and mentally as well. That's what drives me. The ability to help somebody grow and the ability to learn so I am a better person. By S’fiso Nyawo