FNB UP-Tuks’ Varsity Cup fullback Kyle Cyster proves that dynamite comes in small packages. Cyster is 1.73 metres tall and weighs 71 kilograms. It means he is one of the smallest players in the FNB Varsity Cup. But what he lacks in stature, he makes up with guts and skills. Once he has the ball in hand, Cyster is hard to stop. When asked to explain his fleet-footed dodging tackle skills, Cyster laughs. "As a youngster, I was a naughty little oke. It was my mom who had to bear the brunt of my antics. Ever so often, her frustration boiled over, and then she would chase after me. That is how I got to hone my dodging skills.” According to Cyster, he started playing rugby relatively late because he could only play football at primary school. Playing in the midfield, he scored numerous goals. "In the afternoons, my friends and I would often play 'touchies' in the streets of the Strand where I grew up. I only started playing rugby in Grade8 at the Hottentots-Holland High School. At first, I was no good. I mostly played for the B or C teams. Only in matric did I start to make my presence felt on the field. I ended up being the player of the year at school." He started out playing wing, but because he got frustrated about not getting the ball often enough, he switched to playing fullback. In 2019 Cyster and a few friends decided to go to Gqeberha. Apart from playing for the Madibaz, he also played for Eastern Province's under-20 team. Cyster credit his dad, Edward Gelant, as having had the most significant impact on his rugby career. "My dad was himself a good player. When it comes to rugby, my dad was a perfectionist. It meant that he kept pushing me to be better. For that, I will always be grateful. "My dad has passed on, but he is still my biggest motivation. Ever so often, I would still think about what he would have said if he had seen me play. I am playing to honour the memory of my dad. I want him to be proud."

FNB MATIES 19 - 23 FNB CUT It was not pretty, but visiting FNB CUT made history as they became only the fifth Varsity Cup team to beat the FNB Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium, joining the likes of FNB UP-Tuks, FNB UCT Ikeys, FNB UJ and FNB NWU as victors in Stellenbosch in a titanic 23-19 tussle. Referee Sean Miller dished out two early yellow cards to the Maties lock pairing of Juan Beukes and Thys Kitshoff, as the home side went down to 13 men. The inevitable happened with CUT hooker Tokelo Ntaopane powering his way over the try line before flyhalf Tyler Sefoor added the extras, either side of two penalties. Maties made a short-lived comeback courtesy of a try by pocket rocket McKyle Volmoer which flyhalf Jurie Matthee superbly converted from the sideline. Asekho Marubelela’s converted try saw CUT stretch their lead to 20-7 at halftime. The men in maroon managed to claw a try back after CUT flanker Ulrich Stander was yellow-carded and the advantage in the line-out saw reserve hooker Francois Beytenbach score. Maties replacement prop Ammaar Burton narrowed the gap to that of a single score as Matthee added the extras. But despite a ferocious comeback attempt in the final moments of the game, Maties were unable to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This was only Maties’ seventh defeat since the inception of the Varsity Cup but it is probably one that hurts the most, especially since the visitors had been beaten 40–0, 75-12 and 62-24 in the previous encounters in Stellenbosch. FNB Maties19 (7) - Tries: McKyle Volmoer, Francois Beytenbach, Ammaar Burton. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (2). FNB CUT23 (20) - Tries: Tokelo Ntaopane, Asekho Marubelela. Conversions: Tyler Sefoor (2). Penalties: Sefoor (3). FNB Player that Rocks: Xavier Swartbooi (FNB CUT). FNB UCT IKEYS 40 - 19 FNB UP TUKS Ntokozo Makhaza was the star of the show as FNB UCT Ikeys scored an impressive 40-19 victory over defending champions FNB UP-Tuksat Green Mile Fields. For Tuks,it’s back to the drawing board after last week’s one-point defeat against FNB UFH Shimlas in Pretoria. It took 12 minutes for the Ikey Tigers to break the deadlock when hooker Alex Castle went over after a successful driving maul by the home side’s forwards. Ten minutes later, the Tigers were starting to take control of the game thanks to a try by Jason MacLeod Smith with Makhaza’s boot adding the extras. In the lead-up to half-time, UCT was running riot, adding two more tries with the scoreboard reading 29-0 at the break. Tuksstaged somewhat of a comeback at the start of the second half as they caught UCT napping. Outside centre Lincoln Daniels was rewarded with two tries while Pierre Fourie also dotted down. It was the home side however who had the last say as Makhaza grabbed his second try of the match to take the score to 40-19 and secure a memorable victory. FNB UCT IKEYS 40 (29) – Tries: Alex Castle, Jason MacLeod Smith, Duran Koevort, Ntokozo Makhaza (2). Conversions: Makhaza (3). Penalties: Makhaza (3). FNB UP-TUKS 19 (0)– Tries: Lincoln Daniels (3). Conversions: Walter Visser (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Sipho Dyonase (FNB UCT Ikeys) FNB NWU 63 - 16 FNB UFS Shimlas The FNB NWU Eagles continued with their brilliant start to their 2023 campaign with a 63-16 win over FNB NWU Shimlas at the Fanie du Toit Sportsground. Shimlas started the game strongly with a try from Michael Annies within the first minute of the game after he stormed over the Eagles’ defence from his half. The home team showed great character to fight back and score a try through Vernon Paulo. There was a slight delay as NWU’s Zane Bester was replaced by Jandre Nel following a serious knee injury. For Shimlas, it was William Moffat who left the field with a head injury with Liyema Mgwigwi taking his place. Things got worse for Shimlas as Chadd Adams was sent to the sin bin for dangerous play in the 28th minute. Two tries from Theuns Pretorius and another one from Naiden Jaarts ensured the Eagles went into halftime with a 32-9 lead. Shimlas started the second half with the same intensity as the first with a try from Renier Viljoen. The Eagles quickly replied with Arminn Posthumus and Jandre de Beer going over. Keano Windvogel’s late try sealed an impressive victory. FNB NWU EAGLES 63 (32) - Tries: Vernon Paulo, Theuns Pretorius(2), Naiden Jaarts, Arminn Posthumus, Jandre de Beer, Keano Windvogel(2), Ruben du Plessis. Conversations: Zinedine Robinson (4), Martin Venter. Penalties: Zinedine Robinson (2) FNB UFS SHIMLAS 16 (9) - Tries: Michael Annies, Renier Viljoen. Conversations: Ethan Wentzel (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Vernon Paulo (FNB NWU) FNB WITS 35 - 33 FNB UJ FNB Wits staged an epic comeback, down 0-30 at half-time, to defeat Johannesburg rival FNB UJ 35-33 in front of a packed Wits Rugby stadium. UJ was far the better side in the first half, racing to a 30-0 lead at the break, with their first try inside the first 10 minutes when Philip Apea-Adu went over. The Orange Army continued to dominate the proceedings, with Wits pegged back by a high penalty count their opponents took advantage of, running in a further 3 tries. The second half saw a rejuvenated Wits team, who upped the intensity, putting UJ under pressure. The hard work eventually paid off for the Witsies, who registered their first try courtesy of eight-man ZiyandaMasipha. Wits started todominate proceedings with UJ often looking a little shell-shocked, making mistakes at crucial times. Two more tries by Wits reduced the deficit to only seven points. Trailing by three points in the dying minutes of the game, George Devenish then picked up a ball out wide to dash past the UJ defenders and score the winning try. FNB Wits 35 (0) - Tries: Ziyanda Masipa (2), Kyle van Eyssen, George Devenish. Conversions: Christian Humphries (4). FNB UJ 33 (30) - Tries: Philip Apea-Adu, Prince Nkabinde, Rowan Malgas, LikhayaTengimgene. Conversions: Jonathan Viljoen (1). Penalties: Jonathan Viljoen (1). FNB Player That Rocks: Ziyanda Msipha (FNB Wits)

The Heat Is On in the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup with thousands of students across South Africa cheering on their teams participating in the country’s premier university rugby competition. The excitement is in overdrive as 2023 sees the first-ever Cheerleaders That Rock Challenge, taking fan engagement to the next level. The competition is open to all 16 Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield universities, with all squads participating in a single competition. Each squad will be required to perform at their home games throughout the season. For official entry into the competition, each squad needs to record their best performance and submit it to the judges adjudicating the Cheerleaders That Rock by 4 April 2023. Official judging will be conducted by the South Africa Majorettes and Cheerleading Association and Gymnastics South Africa. Both FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield Fans will also get an opportunity to say who they think is the best Cheerleading squad. Details of the public voting will be announced at a later stage. For now, get in on the action, snap a pic of your favourite cheerleading squad at any Varsity Cup match and share it on social media. Remember to tag Varsity Cup and include #CheerleadersThatRock

The new FNB CUT flyhalf Tylor Sefoor says he will remember his first start in the FNB Varsity Cup for as long as he lives as it turned out to be a memorable and historic night in Stellenbosch for the team from Bloemfontein. Sefoor, who completed matric just last year at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp, was thrown into the deep end when he was named at flyhalf for the match against five-time former champions FNB Maties. The Ixias arguably pulled off the biggest upset so far of the 2023 Varsity Cupby grinding out a hard-fought 23-19 win over Maties at the iconic Danie Craven Stadium. Sefoor was successful with two conversions and three penalties. With heroes that include former Ixias fullback and 2021 Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament, Cohen Jasper (currently at the Cheetahs), and Lions outside back, Edwill van der Merwe, Sefoor says the match in Stellenbosch was an experience that he won’t easily forget. “The match against Wits (20 February) was my debut for the Ixias and the game against Maties was my first start for the team. I was thrown into the deep end a bit when I found out that I was going to be starting against Maties, who are one of the really big teams. I was pumped about that and I was also calm leading into the game, but naturally, there were also a few butterflies. “Monday night was definitely a special one and everyone went into the game thinking we don’t have the slightest of chances. It was a great experience and one that I’ll never forget. The Danie Craven Stadium is really a special place, especially with my family seeing me play in person for the first time in a while. “We showed character to pull it through in the end. The team is certainly pumped, but the focus is purely on the next job at hand, which is facing Tuks next week (6 March).”

The bruising nature of the FNB Varsity Shield has proved to be a steep learning curve for FNB Madibaz’s Mpumelelo Mavuso who, fortunately, is a fast learner. After making his debut against FNB TUT two weeks ago, the 23-year-old scrumhalf was named the Player That Rocks a week later against FNB UKZN. He admits the physicality of those games has left him wide-eyed and with the realisation that he has to work hard to adjust to the pace at this level. “It has been an exciting experience, but there is so much to learn,” says the second-year biokinetics student, who grew up in the Western Cape before moving to Ulundi in KZN in Grade 9. “It has been a wake-up call to see the speed of the game and the guys hit much harder in the tackle compared to what I’m used to.” Despite being battered, he adds he is grateful for the opportunity he has been given to play at this level. “I would even go as far as to say that I’m living my dream.” Despite playing a starring role in the Madibaz’s second straight victory, Mavuso says there is no place for complacency as there is plenty that he and the team can work on. “The lesson we took from the KZN game is that once we put on the pressure, we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas, even for a moment.” From a personal perspective, Mavuso wants to work on being more dominant in defence and a greater threat on attack. “I believe it was my box kicking and passing that got me recognised in this game (against UKZN), but the award did come as a bit of a shock. I felt I had a good game but didn’t think I would get more than a stamp of approval from the coaches.”

As a first-year student, FNB Rhodes scrumhalf Ethan Goliath is participating in his first FNB Varsity Shield tournament in 2023, but don’t let his small stature fool you. Goliath hails from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape and says his whole reasoning behind coming to Rhodes University was to make the Varsity Shield team and experience rugby on a different level from what he has been accustomed to. Not only that but to also showcase his talent to the rugby world. Goliath got his first taste of the sport by playing touch rugby in the street with his friends. He attended Mary Waters High School and at the age of 13, he made the under-15 side. Four years later at 17, he was chosen for the first team. Standing only 160 centimetres tall, Goliath says there have been coaches who doubted his abilities on the rugby field. He however always knew that he had the talent to succeed and being selected for the Rhodes Varsity Shield team is the proof. “I have the heart of a lion and the mindset of one as well, and that is what makes them the most feared predator.” Rhodes head coach James Winstanley has also heaped praises on the youngster, saying he has immense potential to influence the game of rugby. Blitzbok speedster Rosko Specman is the player Goliath has always looked up to. Specman like Goliath hails from Makhanda and attended Mary Waters High as well. “He has shown me that a small-town boy with a big dream can make it to the big leagues”. by Aiden Daries

It has been a rollercoaster ride of note in the FNB Varsity Shield for FNB TUT for the last couple of years. From third on the log in 2021 to last in 2022, the Vikings are eager to get compete for top honours once again. There are six debutants in their squad this year, sure to learn a lot from experienced outside centre Malcolm Langa. The 2023 competition has so far yielded one win and one loss for TUT, and Langa reckons it’s a good start. “There are some things that we need to fix and I believe we can do better, we have a good team this season.” With Varsity Shield being one of the best platforms for young talent to showcase their capabilities, Malcolm says he moved to TUT in 2021 in a quest to further his studies and play the game he loves. “I started playing rugby in primary school when a friend of mine invited me for rugby practice. Playing for a team like the Vikings is an honour for me, it feels like home here. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after matric (Hoërskool Waterkloof) and I was approached to come and play for TUT. It is like a dream come true now for me to be able to play rugby and study here.” Boosted by the new coach, Kennedy Tsimba, the Vikings will be looking to turn around their fortunes following a disappointing campaign in 2022, says Langa. “Everything is different this year, there is a lot of pressure especially if you are new in the Varsity Shield tournament. This is my third season in Varsity Shield but I still feel the pressure.” by LehlogonoloDitshego

FNB CPUT 36 – 21 FNB UFH In a repeat of last year's FNB Varsity Shield final, FNB CPUT avenged their final-minute defeat when they beat defending champions FNB UFH36-21 at CPUT Sports Stadium. The home side trailed 10-13 at halftime. Both sides set up brilliant and creative attacking playin the opening ten minutes, but the defending opened the scoring courtesy of the boot of Merlin du Plessis. The flyhalf slotted two penalties in succession before CPUT's George Ryan pulled one back. A series of disciplined and relentless attacks started from inside their half allowing UFH to score the first try when Bantu Simani crashed over from close range. The first try for the home side sent the home crowd into a frenzy when Anenceba Salman muscled his way across the opponents’ try line. After a stern halftime speech from the CPUT coaches, the home side came out firing on all cylinders. The result was three tries in the opening 20 minutes, including a penalty try. A try apiece for both sides late in the second half kept a jovial and joyous crowd entertained for the full 80 minutes. The skill and attacking prowess of CPUT wing Heinrico Hartogh got his side over the advantage line at a few crucial moments throughout the match. His spatial awareness coupled with his lightning speed proved to be a deadly combination. FNB CPUT 36 (10) – Tries: Penalty Try, Anenceba Salman, Keanan Solomons, Dwayne Atkins, Oyitando Maseti. Conversions: Ryan George (3) Penalty: George (1). FNB UFH Blues 21 (13) – Tries: Bantu Simani, Mziyabulela Bathu. Conversion: Merlin du Plessis (1). Penalties: Du Plessis (3) FNB Player That Rocks: Oyitando Maseti (FNB CPUT) FNB TUT 0 – 31 FNB UWC Not even a home-ground advantage at the TUT Stadium and last week’s victory over FNB Rhodes could prevent FNB TUT from an agonising 0-31 defeat at the hands of FNB UWC. The visitors bullied the Pretoria-based team from the get-go with winger Will Vraagom crossing the try-line within five minutes after a strong scrum in the middle of the field. Hooker Mauritz Swart added his name to the score sheet in the 11th minute before he completed his brace with a cheeky run in the opposition’s 22. Conwill Conradie added two conversions for a comfortable half-time lead of 19-0. UWC picked up where they left off when Elkan Willemse slipped through the TUT defence and offloaded to Conradie who crossed over for the fourth try of the day. The visitors closed off their Pretoria party with Ramauld Nsombamanya’s try in the 73rd minute. FNB TUT: 0 FNB UWC: 31 (19) – Tries: Will Vraagom, Mauritz Swart (2), Conwill Conradie, Ramauld Nsombamanya. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (3) Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (FNB UWC) FNB RHODES 17 – 33 FNB UKZN FNB UKZN got their first taste of victory in 2023 when they beat FNB Rhodes 33-17 at the Rhodes Great Field. The home side started the stronger of the two teams and was rewarded with two penalties in the opening 10 minutes but failed to capitalize as both kicks went wide of the poles. Callum Momberg however managed to put over their third penalty of the night as the team from Makhanda opened the scoring. UKZN soon found their rhythm when Ntlankanipho Mathonsi and Jarred Nicholls went over in quick succession after well-worked moves to put the visitors 14-3 in front at the half-time interval. And then it was the turn of outside centre Trent Coetzee who dotted down twice in the space of 15 minutes to open a 23-point margin. Rhodes added a consolation try in the 79th minute through Samkelo Maisela after a 10-phase move. FNB Rhodes 17 (3) – Tries: Bradley Garth van Heerden, Samkelo Maisela. Conversions: Callum Momberg (2). Penalties: Momberg (1). FNB UKZN 33 (14) – Tries: Ntlankanipho Mathonsi, Jarred Nicholls, Trent Coetzee (2), Zamokuhle Zulu. Conversions: Jarred Nicholls (4). FNB Player That Rocks: Russel Fick (FNB UKZN) FNB WSU 12 – 34 FNB Madibaz FNB Madibas reigned supreme over FNB WSU All blacks to claim a dominant 34-12 victory at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. Great teamwork from Madibaz after a lineout and subsequent maul resulted in a try for Kyle Erasmus that was converted by Ronaldo November. It wasn’t long before Kevin Hlupheko crossed the try-line to put the visitors further in front. The hosts increased their intensity and were rewarded with their first try when Ovayo Mhlonyana dotted down, with Valisi Lisolethu slotting the conversion. Lithemba Ngcetane’s try for WSU reduced the deficit at half-time to three points (12-15). In the last 40 minutes, Madibaz pressed on towards an impressive away victory with tries by Umna Tokwe and two tries by Dladla Yolisa. FNB WSU 12 (12) – Tries: Ovayo Mhlonyana; Lithemba Ngcetane. Conversions: Valisi Lisolethu (1). FNB Madibaz 34 (15) – Tries: Dladla Yolisa (2); Kyle Erasmus; Kevin Hlupheko; Umna Tokwe. Conversions: Ronaldo November (3). Penalties: November (1). FNB Player That Rocks: Dladla Yolisa (FNB Madibaz)

FNB Wits have had a superb start to the 2023 Varsity Cup with two wins from the first two matches. Varsity Cup recently had a chance to chat with Wits backline coach Jamie de Bruin, son of respected South African coach Swys de Bruin. Jamie has been coaching since 2014 and has been involved with Valke Schools Rugby as a coach for three years in various roles. Now in his first year in Varsity Cup with Wits, he looks to bring more passion and impact to the team. What motivated you to start coaching? Rugby has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in a home where rugby was always the main topic and with my dad and brother both coaching at the time, I was hooked on the prospect of doing that full-time as well. What role has your father played in your rugby career so far? My father has been my biggest role model and I have been blessed to be able to learn from him. I often take for granted the chats we have about the game and it has inspired my way of seeing the modern game, especially attacking rugby. What’s the best advice your father has shared with you that’s had a big impact on you? In life, he taught me the importance of manners and respect. In rugby, he taught me that no matter what the cost, always stand for something. What do you want to bring that’s different this season for Wits? I would say passion. My biggest goal this year is to add as much value to the system as possible. The backs are working hard and hopefully, we can show our fans something special when we get the opportunity. What are you hoping to achieve with your current role? I would love to make an impact on and off the field in the players’ lives by sharing the knowledge I have acquired. We are determined to have a great season and hopefully score some tries along the way. By S’fisoNyawo

Riaan Genis didn’t expect to lead the FNB NWU Eagles in the 2023 Varsity Cup competition. However, a pre-season injury to Ruan Swiegers meant he had to step up and assume the leadership role. Varsity Cup caught up with Genis. How will Ruan’s absence affect the team? We will miss his leadership skills and he’s been playing here for 3 or 4 years so losing that kind of experience is tough. He’s a quality player but this is part and parcel of rugby because it’s a physical game, he has to deal with it and overcome it. After Ruan’s injury you were appointed captain, how do you feel about it? It’s a proud moment for me and my family. When I got here I wasn’t really in the mix to play and I had to work my through so this is a proud moment for me. What leadership skills do you bring to the team? I think I bring a lot of calmness when we’re under pressure as we did in our first game against FNB UJ when we were trailing at halftime. There’s also been a lot of senior guys who help me to lead the team and that’s going to be vital for us to go further in the competition. Are the responsibilities different from when you weren’t the captain? Yes, they’re a bit different because you have to look at the game from an outside perspective, you have to make calls about whether to make a pass or when to go for the line, so there are more responsibilities but I’m up for it. What is the goal for the Eagles this year? To win it. We said it from the first day we got here that time for talking is done. We lifted the trophy in 2016 and that’s a few years ago so I think it’s time to give the people of Potchefstroom something to celebrate because they’re always at the Fanie du Toit Sportground supporting us. They deserve it. by Lesiba Dikhoba

Justin Theys, better known as Jubba, has been a pillar of strength for FNB UWC for the last couple of years. The front-rower has featured prominently during a period which also saw the likes of World Cup-winning scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies and Springbok speedster Kurt-Lee Arendse make their mark. Theys recently signed a professional contract with Femi-CZ Rugby Rovigo in Italy. Since matriculating from Grootte Schuur High in Cape Town, he has made a few detours and his story is one he hopes will inspire and motivate young players to keep on pushing to accomplish their dreams. After the 2022 FNB Varsity Cup competition, Theys joined the SWD Eagles for the Currie Cup season before heading off to Israel to play in a few matches for the country’s newly formed first professional rugby side, Tel Aviv Heat. Theys was recruited by the late rugby legend Chester Williams to play for UWC. Initially starstruck, he recollects those first few training sessions back in 2016. "At first, I could not believe the legendary Chester Williams would be my coach. I was starstruck at least for a few months into our training programme." While Theys was a strong rugby player throughout UWC's most successful Varsity Rugby (Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield) period, it was in his final year that he turned things around to become a more focused and driven individual, not just a rugby player. He made full use of the financial support he got while playing for the 2018Varsity Shield champions. Theys graduated in 2017 with a Diploma in Economic Development. In 2021 he completed a B.Ed. (majoring in English and Life Orientation) - and is currently studying towards an honours degree. Theys knows adversity and how to bounce back from it, much like his playing style. He never backs down from a challenge. "Once I had completed my studies, I received my first professional offer abroad and I was so ready for it. I had invested all of my time, money, and energy into preparing my mind and body for the upcoming journey. Unfortunately, I was ineligible for a specific sporting visa because of my lack of professional experience. I was broken by the news." True to his nature, Theys got back up, dusted himself off and set out to achieve his dream of landing that professional contract. He re-joined UWC, and the rest, as they say, is history. "I reached out to coach Paul Treu very late in the preparation for the Varsity Cup in 2022, asking if I could join in the hopes of landing another professional contract." by Lyndon Julius

FNB CUT 41 FNB UP-TUKS 39 FNB CUT Ixias pulled off another sensational win in the 2023 Varsity Cup with a hard-fought 41-39 victory over defending champions FNB UP-Tuks in Bloemfontein. The win meant back-to-back victories for the team that can no longer be considered a pushover while for Tuks the alarm bells will be ringing as it was their third straight defeat. Tuks winger Zander Reynders opened the scoring but the home team struck back two minutes later with a try by Jandré de Beer who was later name the Player that Rocks. For the rest of the first half, it was a see-saw battle with Ulrich Stander dotting down for CUT and Ethan Burger and Zenzile Ambesa for Tuks, giving the visitors a 23-16 lead at the halftime break. In the second 40 minutes, the home team managed to outmuscle the defending champions thanks to two tries by Francois Bester and another one by Daniel Venter. This led to the Ixias taking a slender 41-39 lead, and from there it was a matter of defending like crazy for the final ten minutes, which they successfully managed to do. FNB CUT 41(16) – Tries: Jandré de Beer, Ulrich Stander, Francois Bester (2), Daniel Venter. Conversations: Tylor Sefoor (5). FNB UP-TUKS 39 (23) – Tries: Zander Reynders, Ethan Burger, Zenzile Ambesa, Daimon O'Connell. Conversatons: Walter Visser (4). FNB Player That Rocks: Jandre de Beer (CUT). FNB CUT: 15 Titus Ricoman, 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 Augustyn Zéan, 2 Drotske Tiaan, 1 Venter Albertus Bernard Human. FNB UP-Tuks: 15 Cyster Kyle Edward, 14 Reynders Zander, 13 Daniels Lincoln Liam, 12Fourie Gerrit Christo, 11Lewis Clyde Alfurdo, 10Visser Walter, 9Cloete Rowan, 8Venter Divan, 7Gie Hilton, 6 Tlome Kamohelo, 5Meiring Dawid H. Lukas (Louis), 4 Kabasele Justice, 3 Coetzee Dian Stephan, 2Williams Allister Noel, 1Burger Ethan. FNB MATIES 31 FNB NWU EAGLES28 FNB Maties overcame a ten-point deficit at halftime to beat FNB NWU Eagles 31-28 in Potchefstroom to get their 2023 Varsity Cup campaign back on track. It took the home team just three minutes to open the scoring when Vernon Paulo went over the line after a driving maul. Two more tries for the Eagles, including a second by Paulo, and three penalties by Maties flyhalf Jurie Mattheetook the scoreboard to 19-9 at halftime for NWU. Maties came back firing on all cylinders in the second half with a beautiful try from Waqar Solaan. The home team responded with a try by Arminn Posthumusbut a yellow card for Paulo left them wanting. A late try by Louw Nel sealed an emphatic win for Maties over NWU. FNB NWU Eagles28(19) – Tries: Vernon Paulo (2), Zinedine Robinson, Arminn Posthumus. Conversations: Robinson (3). FNB Maties 31 (9) – Tries: Louw Nel, Waqaar Solaan. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (2). Penalties: Matthee (5). FNB Player That Rocks: Louw Nel (Maties). FNB NWU Eagles: 15 Genis Riaan, 14 Windvogel Keano Ricardo, 13 Pretorius Theunis Gerhardus, 12 Phatudi Isrome, 11 Jaarts Naiden, 10 Robinson Zinedine, 9 Hassien Sylvester, 8 Erlank Gustav Zacharias, 7 Bertram Karl-Heinz Henlein, 6 Posthumus Arminn, 5 Nel Wihan, 4 White Junior, 3 Shezi Ntobeko Thabiso, 2 Paulo Vernon, 1 du Plessis Ruben. FNB Maties: 15 Croy Cade Martin, 14 Van Schalkwyk Matthew Emile, 13 Topley Aydon Colin, 12 Solaan Waqar Bradwell, 11 PooeMaselino Alberto Neo, 10 Matthee Jurie Johannes, 9 VolmoerMckyle, 8 Marais De Wet, 7 Miller Simon, 6 Schoeman Camden, 5 Beukes Juan, 4 Kitshoff Matthys, 3 Weilbach Friedrich Cornelius (Corne), 2 Breytenback Francois, 1 Matongo Vernon Tadiwa. FNB UFS SHIMLAS 26 FNB WITS 25 FNB UFS Shimlas returned to winning ways in the Varsity Cup, edging FNB Wits 26-25 in a tense and exciting clash at in Bloemfontein. This was Wits’ first loss of the season. Kwezi Dlamini opened the scoring in the 4th minute, however, it wasn’t too long before Wits struck with a try courtesy of hooker Dameon Venter. Despite another try for the home team by Nkoka Ngobe, it was the visitors who were leading 20-14 at halftime courtesy of a long-range try by flyhalf Christian Humphries. He also landed two penalties. Dlamini completed his brace early in the second half and another try by Pierre Uys gave the Shimlas a reasonably comfortable lead. Wits replacement Gerswin Mouton went over for a try with two minutes left on the clock but a missed conversion by Humphries denied the team from Johannesburg a third straight victory. FNB UFS Shimlas26 (14)– Tries: Kwezi Dlamini (2), NkokaNgobe, Pierre Uys. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (3). FNB Wits 25 (20) – Tries: Dameon Venter, Christian Humphries, Gerswin Mouton. Conversations: Humphries (1). Penalties: Humphries (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Kwezi Dlamini Kwezi (UFS). FNB UFS Shimlas: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Javier Farmer, 13 Nkoka Ngobe, 12 William Moffat, 11 Siviwe Zondani, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Hlumelo Klaas, 8 Kwezi Dlamini, 7 Lohan Potgieter, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen (captain), 5 Dylan Sjöblom, 4 Pierre-Raymond Uys, 3 Gerrit Viser, 2 Liyema Mgwigwi, 1 Johan Schutte. FNB Wits: 15 LwandileMapuko, 14 Wian de Lange, 13 Luhle Matyolweni, 12 Setshaba Mokoena, 11 Azi Afrika, 10 Christian Humphries, 9 Kabelo Mokhethi, 8 Ziyanda Msipha, 7 Lindokuhle Ncusane, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Kyle van Eyssen, 4 Cal Smid, 3 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2 Dameon Venter, 1 Banele Mthenjane. FNB UJ 43 FNB UCT 24 FNB UJ scored their first victory of this year’s tournament when they beat FNB UCT 43-24 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Johannesburg. The match got off to a cracking start with Prince Nkabinde scoring the home team’s first try. UJ continued to dominate with Tengimgene Likhayaalso crossing the try line. The Ikey Tigers fought back with Alex Castle scoring a try from a driving maul. At halftime, UJ had the upper hand with a 14-10 lead. The Orange Army continued their impressive play in the second half, at one point building up a ten-point cushion. UCT however fought back with back-to-back tries by Enos Ndiaoto levelthe scores at 24-24 with 20 minutes left on the clock. UJ then switched to the highest gear with tries by Francois Pretorius and Mpho Kubheka while Viljoen added insult to injury with another penalty, securing a comprehensive victory. FNB UJ 43 (14) – Tries: Prince Nkabinde, TengimgeneLikhaya, Buhle Qaba, Francois Pretorius, Mpho Kubheka. Conversions: Joshua Viljoen (5).Penalties: Viljoen (2). FNB UCT IKEYS24 (10) – Tries: Alex Castle, Keagan Blanckenberg, Enos Ndiao . Conversions: Notokozo Makhaza (3). Penalties: Makhaza(1). FNB Player That Rocks: Kelvin Kanenungo(UJ) FNB UJ: 15 Malgas Rowan Hafeni, 14 Nkabinde Prince, 13 Radebe Nkondlokamthimkhulu, 12 Tyeda Indiphile, 11 Tengimgene Likhaya, 10 Viljoen Jonathan Joshua, 9 Kubheka Mpho Vincent, 7 Ncusane Ngwekazi Khanya, 8 Qaba Buhlebenkosi (Peach), 6 Kanenungo Kelvin, 5 Pretorius Francois Christiaan, 4 Bali Sinovuyo Sibabalwe, 3 Pohlmann Heiko Peter Eugene, 2 Osuagwu Darnell Jerry-Fred, 1 Kiewit Kayden Nicklo. FNB UCT Ikeys: 15 Koevort Duran Ryan, 14 Louw Rethabile Donovan, 13 Boulle Joshua Michael, 12 Hendricks Lyle Victor, 10 Cross Justin Charles, 9 Moos Asad, 11 Makhaza Ntokozo Sibusiso, 8 MacLeod Smith Jason, 7 Ndiao Kyle Enos, 6 van der Walt Jac, 5 van Rhyn Johan, 4 Crous Reynhardt Wouter, 3 Glade Keagan, 2 Castle Alex A., 1WojiLuthando Solomon.