Defending Varsity Shield champions FNB UFH had to endure a scoreless second half to scrape through with 14-13 against FNB WSU at the Davidson Stadium in Alice. The opening 15 minutes of the encounter between these two Eastern Cape rivals was somewhat of a scrappy affair, with handling errors ruining potential scoring opportunities. UFH managed to keep WSU under constant pressure though, keeping them pinned in their half of the field. This paid dividends when Ayabulela Xhosana powered through for the first try of the match in the 16th minute. Merlin du Plessis converted for a 7-0 lead. WSU immediately hit back with a try of their own as the ball went down the line for Simthembile Zozi to get his team on the board. Fana Uyathandwa’s yellow card for a dangerous tackle however dampened the visitors’ spirit somewhat. The defending champs went into the break 14-5 in the lead after Lukhanyiso Tosholwana scored from the back of a powerful rolling maul. Du Plessis was successful with his second conversion. The visitors were the first to strike in the second half when Sikho Gaushe went over in the corner for WSU’s second try, keeping within touching distance of UFH. A penalty by flyhalf Maxwell Klaasen minutes later narrowed the gap to a single point. WSU had to finish the game with 14 players after Thembalihle Njadu was shown a yellow card for head contact from a high tackle. FNB UFH 14 (14) – Tries: Ayabulela Xhosana, Lukhanyiso Tosholwana. Conversions: Merlin du Plessis (2). Penalties: FNB WSU 13 (5) – Tries: Simthembile Zozi, Siko Gaushe. Penalties: Maxwell Klaasen (1). FNB Player That Rocks: Lukhanyiso Tosholwana (FNB UFH) FNB Madibaz 34 -31 FNB TUT In the first match, FNB Madibaz got their campaign off to a winning start, prevailing 34-31 against a spirited FNB TUT at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha. The game ebbed and flowed throughout, with neither side able to dominate. Flanker Liyema Bobelo opened the scoring for the home side, rounding off a brilliant Madibaz move. Flyhalf Chadwyn November failed to convert, but he did land a penalty just minutes later. TUT got on the board thanks to a penalty by wing Mauritz Maritz after 12 minutes. Five minutes later, he slotted another three points for the visitors before a powerful rolling maul gave them the try that put them ahead. But Madibaz wing Kehan Myburg hit back with the first of his two tries four minutes before the halftime break. Only a minute into the second half Myburg crossed the whitewash again. Dieter Groenewald’s boot enabled TUT to claw their way back into the game, with hooker Jandre van Zyl eventually crossing over the line to put them on top again. November and Groenewald then traded penalties before Madibaz skipper Leon van der Merwe broke the game open by scoring from a fluid movement. Two more penalties by November put the match beyond TUT’s reach. FNB Madibaz 34 (13) - Tries: Liyema Bobelo, Kehan Myburg (2), Leon van der Merwe. Conversions: Chadwyn November (1). Penalties: Chadwyn November (4). FNB TUT 31 (13) - Tries: Jandre van Zyl, Daniel Franse, Team Try. Conversions: Mauritz Maritz (2), Dieter Groenewald (1). Penalties: Mauritz Maritz, Dieter Groenewald (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Leon van der Merwe (FNB Madibaz). FNB RHODES 5 - 87 FNB UWC FB UWC were the biggest winners on the first night’s action when they ran ragged at the home of FNB Rhodes for a massive 87-5 victory. UWC struck early after Rhodes afforded the opposition too much space on the left flank. The visitors continued to dominate in the early exchanges and got their bonus point try in the 19th minute after flank Romauld Nsombamanya stole possession and had acres of space to dot down. Rhodes’ home town crowd had something to cheer about before half-time after Sino Ralo went over the try line after a well-executed move. UWC crossed the try line another seven times in the second half to get their Varsity Shield campaign off to a flyer. FNB Rhodes 5 (5) - Tries: Sino Ralo. FNB UWC 87 (42) - Tries: Elkan Willemse, Mauritz Swart (2), Romauld Nsombamanya (2), Riaan Van der Merwe, Emile Silvis, Liam Tattesal, Keanuh Michaels, Almore Kuiders (2), Bryan Breda, Tasriq Mynhardt. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (8), Elkan Willemse (2) Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (FNB UWC) FNB CPUT 50 - 8 FNB UKZN After taking time to settle the nerves and a few handling errors at the start, FNB CPUT scored a comfortable 50-8 victory over FNB UKZN at the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology. The match was played at a frantic pace and in windy conditions. The home side dominated possession but could not execute their opportunities. The teams went into the half-time break tied at 8-all. In the second half, CPUT again dominated possession and territory. They scored four more tries to ensure a comfortable win. FNB CPUT 50 (8) - Tries : Che Olivier Klaasen, Keenan Solomons (2), Heinrico Keastin Hartogh (2), Caine Stadler, Sicelo Tole Conversions: Wiehan Kruger (6). Penalties: Wiehan Kruger (1) FNB UKZN 8 (8) - Tries : Jarryd Nicholls. Penalty: Khanya Kama. Player That Rocks: Wiehan Kruger (FNB CPUT) Round 2 fixtures – 23 February FNB WSU vs FNB CPUT (Sisa Dukashe Stadium) FNB UKZN vs FNB Madibaz (Peter Booysen Stadium) FNB TUT vs FNB Rhodes (TUT Stadium) FNB UFH vs FNB UWC (Davidson Stadium) All fixtures and logs HERE.

With a veteran coaching staff, experienced senior players and the Fortress Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch behind them, FNB Maties are looking to reclaim the FNB Varsity Cup crown in 2023. 2022 results: Played: 9, Won: 7, Lost: 2, Log position: 3rd/ Lost to FNB UP-Tuks in final (23-29) The masterstroke of appointing Proudfoot sees the Maties setup bolstered by someone who has walked the walk and can talk the talk. Coach Matt, as he is referred to by the players, has coached and played at every level - Springboks, England, Western Province, Stormers and Kobelco Steelers. Captain Gift Dlamini, who is leading the men in maroon for a second year, is hungry to reclaim the title in his final year playing in the Varsity Cup. “Words can't express how grateful I am for this opportunity and to be in this (leadership) position,” says Dlamini. “Five years ago, I was struggling to make the team and now I am very privileged to lead this group of special players.” Dlamini couldn't contain his excitement about working with Proudfoot and getting a taste of what it is like in the big leagues. This will serve the team well going into what is always a tough campaign against the top universities in South Africa. “The way coach Matt has driven us has been unbelievable and we were getting better by the day!” says Dlamini. Dlamini will be assisted by vice-captain Jurie Matthee, who will be pulling the strings from the flyhalf position, with flanker De Wet Marais, lock Matthew Grey and centre Aydon Topley also being in the leadership group. This means that there are experienced heads in vital positions and the team will be well served in terms of decision-making and composure. “We have tactical leaders, we have inspirational leaders, so we are very well balanced in terms of leadership,” says Dlamini. 2023 FIXTURES HERE. by Dorfling Terblanche

With the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup getting underway on Monday 20 February we spoke to some of the teams and found out which players we should be keeping an eye on in this year’s competition. Here's our selection for palyers to watch. FNB Maties: Waqar Solaan The all-most 24-year-old is a skilful and fleet-footed inside centre who creates space for his teammates on the outside while also being solid on defence and dominating in contact. Solaan went to school in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and thereafter played for Eastern Province at the U18 Craven Week. He subsequently signed for Western Province and represented the province at U19 and U21 levels. School: Greys Boys High School Position: Centre Born: 22 February 1999 Weight: 94kg Height: 1.74m FNB UP-Tuks: Kyle Cyster After scoring a hat-trick for Madibaz against CUT last year and helping them to their first Varsity Cup victory in three years, Cyster has made the move north to join the reigning champions for the 2023 tournament. The utility back represented Eastern Province at U20 and U21 levels and has credited his parents for his stellar performances on the field. This is remarkable for a youngster who only started playing rugby in Grade 8. School: Hottentots-Holland High Position: Fullback/wing Born: 1 August 1999 Weight: 71kg Height: 1.73m FNB UFS Shimlas: William Moffat When prompted for Shimlas players to watch in the 2023 campaign, coach André Tredoux didn’t want to single out individuals, but did make mention of William Moffat. The burly hooker was a standout in his team’s eight-try victory over CUT during last year’s Varsity Cup, ending a four-year losing streak against their Bloemfontein rivals. He represented Free State at U20 and U21 levels. School: Framesby High Position: Hooker Born: 9 September 2000 Weight: 110kg Height: 1.87m FNB CUT Ixias: Ulrich Stander Stander’s wealth of experience is part of the package and something CUT will properly utilise in what will probably be the last Varsity Cup tournament for the former U18 Craven Week and Free State U20 and U21 player. This is the word from coach Melusi Mtethwa. “I am excited to see him expressing himself on the field while he also understands the stage that we will be playing on. He looked good when we played some friendly games, so I'm hopeful that he is going to have a massive one." School: Welkom Gimnasium Position: Flank/lock Born: 14 May 1999 Weight: 1.88m Height: 107kg FNB UCT Ikeys: Bryan le Roux The youngster’s CV makes for impressive reading - U16 Grant Khomo Week, U18 Craven Week, SA Schools and Western Province U20 and U21. Le Roux has however been hampered by injuries, something UCT coach Tom Dawson-Squibb hopes is now behind the 21-year-old prop. “I'm hoping and praying that he gets to show the country what he can do this year. He's a special guy with, I believe, a special story ahead of him." School: RBHS Position: Prop

The FNB Varsity Cup captains look ahead to this year’s tournament that kicks off on 20 February. FNB UJ Buhle Qaba/Kelvin Kanenungo What does it mean to be captain of your team this year? It means a lot to be in a position of leadership and it is something we cherish. It’s a lot for one person and that’s why we share the responsibilities as co-captains. What are your expectations for this year’s tournament? It is quite simple – we want to win it and we are prepared to go the extra mile to do so. Who will score the most tries for your team? Prince Nkabinde. Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards? Mpho Kubheka. Which player in the team should we be following on social media? Kayden Kiewit. What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign? I believe in action and doing more instead of just speaking about it. So, it is good to get involved as a university and as a team. FNB UP Tuks Lincoln Daniels What does it mean to be captain of your team this year? As a young boy growing up, I never thought I’d be captaining a team. So, I’m proud of myself and I enjoy the responsibilities that come with captaining. It’s a proud moment for me. What are your expectations for this year’s tournament? There’s a huge target on our backs as one of the teams that have won the Varsity Cup the most. We want to win this again and make history. Who will score the most tries for your team? Kyle Cyster. Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards? Hopefully me, otherwise Kyle Cyster. Which player in the team should we be following on social media? The whole backline. What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign? It is an eye-opener and an encouragement to help the local community. FNB WITS Dameon Venter What does it mean to be captain of your team this year? I’ve been part of the system for a while and it’s a great honour to be captain. It’s my hometown and it’s a place I cherish, so it’s a huge honour for me. What are your expectations for this year’s tournament? We’ve set huge expectations for ourselves, and it is to go all the way. And I think our preparation can get us there. Who will score the most tries for your team? I’m the hooker, so from mauls probably me. But we’ve got expanse backs and great speedsters and we want to play exciting rugby. We don’t want to maul every try, we want to score exciting tries and get some guys on the highlight reels. Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards? I think we’ve got a lot of talent from the front to the back with a lot of skill. Which player in the team should we be following on social media? FNB Wits. What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign? This year there’s a lot of effort by the Varsities and I think it’s important to play a part in making a change. It is a great initiative. It is better than talking about what you can do, it’s showing you care about people.

The FNB Varsity Cup captains look ahead to this year’s tournament that kicks off on 20 February. FNB CUT IXIAS Xavier Swartbooi What does it mean to be captain of your team this year? It is an enormous opportunity for me, and I am very grateful for this opportunity to captain this amazing side. What are your expectations for this year’s tournament? We will be doing a lot better this year than last year. We are just looking forward to playing a brand of rugby that excites everybody. Who will score the most tries for your team? It will be me or Ricoman Titus. Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards? I think it will be Charles Williams. Which player in the team should we be following on social media? Jaquin van Wyk, he’s the clown of the team. What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign? It has opened my eyes for when I go back home to give back to the community and try and show up for the people that need us the most. FNB Maties Gift Dlamini What does it mean to be captain of your team this year? It means a lot. I’ve been in the system for five years and to be able to lead the guys is a true honour and it feels great to carry their hopes and dreams. What are your expectations for this year’s tournament? I don’t think we’ll dwell too much on last year’s final. We are expecting to go all the way and play some great rugby. Who will score the most tries for your team? I’ll have to go between JurieMatthee and WaqarSolaan. Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards? Juan Beukes and Waqar Solaan. Which player in the team should we be following on social media? WaqarSolaan. What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign? It is about raising awareness and being involved in the fight against GBV and child trafficking, making sure that the community is aware and that we are part of it. FNB NWU Eagles Ruan Swiegers What does it mean to be captain of your team this year? It is a huge privilege for me to lead the team in this year’s Varsity Cup tournament. It’s been a dream of mine since I can remember and now being captain, makes it even more special. What are your expectations for this year’s tournament? We want to win the tournament. That is our main goal. Everything we do is towards our main goal and that is to win. I believe we can do it with the squad we have. Who will score the most tries for your team? The whole NWU team. We’ve got a big pack of forwards and a few speedsters in the backline. Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards? Riaan Genis. He is a special talent as a fullback. Which player in the team should we be following on social media? All of us. Calvin Clack has a few sideshows. What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign? It is important to show what we as a team and as individuals can do in a positive way to help the community and give back. FNB UCT Ikeys Luthando Woji What does it mean to be captain of your team this year? It is a big responsibility to lead the team and especially the Ikey Tigers, an institution I’ve wanted to go to my whole life. It is something I’m willing to take head-on. What are your expectations for this year’s tournament? We want to take it came by game, the most important game is your next one and for us, it’s against Maties in the first match. And then we go from there. Who will score the most tries for your team? Duran Koevort. Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards? Enos Ndiao. Which player in the team should we be following on social media? Enos Ndiao. What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign? I think it’s important to bring attention to gender-based violence and everything that’s happening in the country. I think it’s vitally important to make our voices heard.

FNB Wits bring a younger team to this year’s FNB Varsity Cup under the stewardship of coach Hugo van As. 2022 results: Played: 9, Won: 4, Lost: 5, Log position: 7th The team will be led by hooker Dameon Venter who is appearing in his fourth Varsity Cup campaign. The 2023 Wits squad have an array of recruits, which brings plenty of excitement for the upcoming season. Van As says their preparations were hampered somewhat towards the end of last year as players were involved with exams. “We certainly got out the blocks a lot slower compared to other years but did eventually manage to regroup quite nicely over December and January, seeing us picking things up quite well.” According to Van As the format of the 2023 competition will make this year a tough one. “This year will certainly be tough due to the eight-team format meaning it will be strength against strength in the competition. The ten-team format often allowed us a bit of a breather in between but now the competition will be a lot more demanding and closer. We will however be taking it one game at a time, which in the end we hope will work out well for us.” Van As says losing some players from last year’s squad won’t hold them back as it is an opportunity for the new players to step up and help the team succeed. “We have a younger team this year and we will be looking to play as a team which we feel will help us achieve our goals. We do still fortunately have several experienced players that we will be looking towards to steer the team in the right direction.” 2023 fixtures HERE. by S’fisoNyawo

FNB UJ is looking forward to the start of this year's FNB Varsity Cup after failing to qualify for the knock-out stage of the 2022 competition. 2022 results:  Played: 9, Won: 4, Lost: 4 ,Draw: 1, Log position: 6th "I believe the many weeks we have spent in preparation have been on point so far. We have had a few disappointments with a few players not being able to come through but that is part of coaching, and it allows the next players to prove themselves. Generally, we are happy with where we are and hopefully, with time, we will see a few new stars emerge out of UJ rugby," says UJ head coach Jonathan Mokuena. Mokuena says he doesn’t see players who have moved on to bigger and better things as a loss, but rather as a result of the platform the Varsity Cup has provided. "Ilunga Mukendi is with the Lions’ Currie Cup side while Musawenkosi Tshabalala and Ruben Liebenburg are with the Valke. Keegan Joubert is playing in Italy. We do have some new faces and we look forward to seeing them run out in the orange jersey.” According to Mokuena the goal is to play competitive rugby and possibly reach the playoffs. They will however take it game by game. UJ will take on FNB NWU Eagles in Potchefstroom in their opening game before playing the Johannesburg derby against FNB Wits. Mokuena says his team need home support. "The fans are what makes the team and without them, we have no one to play for. The 23-man squad will weekly represent thousands of students and employees of the University of Johannesburg. "We love to see a packed UJ Stadium, we love the chanting and the continuous support. So, we know #TheHeatIsOn and we are looking forward to seeing our fans from UJ.” The orange army starts off their campaign with an away game in Potchefstroom against FNB NWU on the 20 April. 2023 fixtures HERE. by Gontse Hlophe

Home ground advantage in round one of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup will be key for FNB CUT Ixias and they will target a much better showing this time round. 2022 results: Played: 9, Won: 0, Lost: 8, Draw: 1, Log position: 10th This is according to new head coach Melusi Mthethwa. After failing to secure a single win last year, it will no doubt be a tough first game this year, against FNB Wits in Bloemfontein. However, Mthethwa feels the ball is certainly in their court and the onus is on his team to make it count. “The first game is at home and we are excited about that. It's important to win your home games. You've got to do the right things first, and if you are winning your home games, you've got a chance.” Mthethwa comes in to try to turn the team’s fortunes around in what is his first outing as the head coach of a team. That said, Mthethwa is an astute coach with a wealth of experience with time spent at the Ixias city rivals, UFH Shimlas, as well as the Cheetahs. He is also an assistant coach to Pieter Bergh at the Currie Cup runners-up, the Griquas. The Ixias’ rivalry with Wits goes back to the Varsity Shield competition before both teams earned a promotion to the Varsity Cup. According to Mthethwa, they are going into this year’s Varsity Cup without looking too far ahead. “You don't want to focus on things that are way ahead in the future. We are going to take it one game at a time, but winning a home game in round one will bring a lot of confidence to the team.” 2023 fixtures HERE. by Varsity Cup

It is time for full-capacity stadiums once again as the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup kicks off on 20 February. For more than two months, campuses across South Africa will come alive with the sizzling action of the 16th edition of the country’s premier student rugby competition on Monday nights. “The heat is on in 2023 and we can’t wait to see the rugby that rocks returning to packed stadiums at campuses around the country! Brace yourself for hot rugby, hot fans and hot entertainment where rivalry is celebrated, memories are made and new champions will be crowned” says FNB Varsity Cup founder Francois Pienaar. Defending champions FNB UP Tuks and FNB UFS Shimlas clash in the opening round at 5pm on 20 February. At 7pm the always heated Cape derby between FNB Maties and FNB UCT Ikeys takes place in Stellenbosch. Both games will be broadcast live on SuperSport. For the rest of the tournament, two selected matches will also be shown live by the broadcaster. For the first time in the tournament’s history eight of the best university teams across the country will be competing to see who will be crowned 2023 champions. After seven round-robin stages of the tournament, the top four sides on the log will advance to the semi-finals. The final will be played on 17 April. Big news is that women’s rugby will form part of the competition for the first time ever in 2023, with the first match on 20 March. For all the 2023 fixtures click HERE. Ticketing and match details to be released soon.

FNB Varsity Cup After losing out on a spot in the playoffs last year, the FNB NWU Eagles are eager to rise to the top of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup competition. And coach Burger van der Westhuizen believes it starts with making the Eagles’ jersey “expensive” so that there can be competition for positions in the team. “Every player has to know that there are two or three guys that can play the same position, so the players need to understand that they must play well on both sides of the field; in attack and on defence.” The Eagles start their 2023 campaign on home soil with a tricky fixture against FNB UJ at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground. Van der Westhuizen says they are going with the mindset of winning. “There’s no second place. We also want to play a brand of rugby that is part of the NWU DNA, to broaden what the previous NWU Eagles have always done and stick to what has been working for us.” According to the Eagles’ coach experience will be vital in the 2023 tournament. “We still have the majority of our players and their experience is going to be huge as you need guys that have been there and done it before.” Statistics from their previous Varsity Cup campaigns show the Eagles conceded more points in the second half in the majority of their games after having a good start. However, matches are played on grass and not on a computer, says Van der Westhuizen. “It’s important to be emotionally and physically prepared to play 80 minutes to the best of our ability, and game management will also be essential. There are other influences like the bounce of the ball, we have to be ready for anything.” 2023 FIXTURES HERE. by Lesiba Dikhoba

FNB Varsity Cup Defending champions FNB UP Tuks are on the hunt for a record sixth FNB Varsity Cup title when the 2023 competition gets going on 20 February. If they managed to lift the coveted trophy again, it will be for the third consecutive time. 2022 results: Played: 11, Won: 8, Lost: 3 Log position: 4th / Beat FNB Maties in the final (29-23) Nico Luus’ troops had an inconsistent start to the 2022 Varsity Cup with a loss against five-time champions FNB Maties but he believes his side has what it takes to go all the way once again. “I think the most important thing is to put new structures in place, which is important to get through this phase without injuries. We have one or two niggles but I am very happy with where we are currently.” The success of Tuks in the Varsity Cup is evident in a handful of their players – Kabelo Mokoena, Francois Klopper, Bernard van der Linde - taking a massive leap up via the Bulls to the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup. Tuks only have three home games this season. The Pretoria-based outfit resume their title defence against FNB UFS Shimlas, a side they lost to in the first round-robin round match last year but managed to overcome in the semi-finals. “It’s a big one, I think they’re up for revenge after the game last year in the semi-final. They ended last year number one in the pool stages, for us it is the only game we are focusing on. “You can only control what you can control, that’s what we got, three home games and we need to make the best of it and win one or two away games. But if you want to be champions of this competition you need to be consistent in your performances,” says Luus. FNB UP-Tuks kick-off the defence of their title at home against Shimlas on 20 February. 2023 fixtures HERE. by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UFS Shimlas are confident they have sharpened aspects of their game that needed to be addressed ahead of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup. This after topping the log after the round-robin matches but stumbling when it mattered the most in the semi-final against FNB UP Tuks who went on to be crowned the 2022 Varsity Cup champions. 2022 season - Played 10, Won: 7, Lost: 3. Log position: 1st / Lost in semi-final to FNB UP Tuks (21-29) UFS coach André Tredoux says they learned a lot from their experience last year. “The takeaway from last year is that we want to be a bit more adaptable in terms of tactics. The players need to be able to adjust to any circumstances.” Shimlas have lost several key players, but the team will be able to count on the valuable experience gained by influential captain Thabang Mahlasi and fleet-footed fullback Litha Nkula after they signed contracts with the Cheetahs. While neither enjoyed game-time at the professional outfit, a lot was learnt and both are still eligible to play in the Varsity Cup. There is always room for improvement and Tredoux feels that it’s the finer details that needed a bit of honing. He says better communication and decision-making is important. “We've also been working hard on our principal five and six, in terms of our decision-making and communication. The players are keen to get going and we are looking forward to a great competition.” The FNB UFS Shimlas kick-off their season in the opening game of the tournament against the defending champs FNB Tuks on 20 February and will no doubt be looking for revenge. 2023 FIXTURES HERE.