FNB Varsity Cup FNB UCT Ikeys wing Ntokozo Makhaza reflects on lessons from Cheslin Kolbe, his decision to pick rugby over soccer, and his dream to represent the Springboks at the World Cup. Where are you from originally? I was born in Bethlehem, but raised in Harrismith. I moved to Durban when I was 11 years old and completed the rest of my primary and high school education there. Which sports did you play at school? I got a scholarship to attend Northwood High School, where I played rugby, soccer, basketball and athletics. I got to a stage where I had to choose between soccer and rugby, and I chose rugby because it had contributed a lot to me as an individual and I really enjoyed it. In a sense, it was a difficult choice because soccer is played worldwide. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about rugby. But I chose it. What made you fall in love with rugby? The bonds with my teammates, the friendships and the travelling too. The opportunities the sport created for me made me fall in love with it even more. How has your family responded to your decision to pursue rugby? My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. They always ensured that I had proper equipment and I'm really grateful for that. They continue to motivate me. I want to make myself and them proud. Do you have any heroes or people you look up to? My role models are my parents. I really admire their character and values, and I'd like to follow that lead in future. Is there anyone in rugby who inspires you? There have been a number of rugby players over the years who have motivated me to keep going. More recently, I can't look further than Cheslin Kolbe. We are very similar in size [Kolbe is 1.75m and 75kg, and Makhaza is 1.68m and 80kg]. Cheslin has proved that rugby is a sport for people of all sizes. That said, you still need to have the power for a high work rate and the dedication to make it in the sport. That's what keeps me going to reach and achieve my goals. What's it like to play for the FNB UCT Ikeys, a club steeped in history that has provided so many stars with their initial opportunity? I feel privileged and blessed to be part of a club like UCT. It's a very healthy environment for me and it really helps me grow as an individual and a rugby player. We have great coaches, who guide us, and everything about it is healthy, competitive and professional. What are you studying? I'm in my third year of a Bachelor of Social Science degree, majoring in psychology and social development. What do you hope to achieve in rugby? My goal is to play professional club rugby and to get a pro contract. Beyond that, I want to play for the Springboks and represent them at a World Cup. I also want to use that opportunity to give back to society. Interview by Ayanda Frances Felem Photo: Zaahid Appoles/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup The team lineups for Monday's much-anticipated FNB Varsity Cup final. FNB MATIES vs FNB UP-TUKS (Monday, 19:00, Danie Craven Stadium, SuperSport channel 211) FNB Maties – 15 Adriaan van der Bank (c), 14 Mike Mavovana, 13 Waqar Solaan, 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Anton du Toit, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Simon Miller, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Matt Gray, 4 Juan Beukes, 3 Matimu Manganyi, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Vernon Matongo. Subs: 16 Chris Rossouw, 17 Rhynhardt Rijnsburger, 18 Corné Weilbach, 19 Jesse Johnson, 20 Siyabonga Matanda, 21 Mckyle Volmoer, 22 Jurie Mathee, 23 Ghaalieb Kenny. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Kabelo Mokoena, 13 Lincoln Daniels (c), 12 Pierre Fourie, 11 Tharquinn Manuel, 10 Walter Visser, 9 Bernard van der Linde, 8 Orateng Koikanyang, 7 Stephan Smit, 6 Dian Schoonees, 5 Divan Venter, 4 Mihlali Stamper, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Allister Williams, 1 Ethan Burger. Subs: 16 Werner Fourie, 17 André van der Merwe, 18 Daniël Wessels, 19 Justice Nkombua, 20 Hilton Gie, 21 Chad-Lee Valentine, 22 Keane Galant, 23 Ambesa Zenzile. 2022 FNB Varsity Cup final trivia YOUNG GUNS FINAL – FNB NWU EAGLES vs FNB UP-TUKS (Monday, 16:30, Danie Craven Stadium, SuperSport channel 211) FNB NWU Eagles Young Guns – 15 Luan van der Walt, 14 Sean Roulston, 13 Logan Janeke, 12 Arnoldus Vlok, 11 Simuthembile Ntleki, 10 Alec Vermaak, 9 Sanele Zungu, 8 Tshimollo Mogale, 7 Jacobus Eloff, 6 Hennie du Randt, 5 Robert-Andrew Adshade, 4 Tian van Zyl, 3 Lachance Tchokonte-Nana, 2 Brandon Beukes, 1 Khutso Tshisikhawe. Subs: 16 Angus Appollis, 17 Danial Theron, 18 Fernnin Arendse, 19 Ttsireletso Noko, 20 Schalk van Schalkwyk, 21 Ruben van der Merwe, 22 Christiaan Gates, 23 Damian Oosthuizen. FNB UP-Tuks Young Guns – 15 Emmanuel Bhiya, 14 Bayanda Ngubane, 13 Waldo Noeth, 12 Fredrick Malgas, 11 Buhlebethu Planga, 10 Jean-Pierre Wentzel, 9 Jayden Sam, 8 Marco Venter, 7 Haydn Kemp, 6 Esam Zamubuntu, 5 Roald Hattingh, 4 Johannes Maré, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Ruan van Blommestein, 1 Theodore Ferreira. Subs: 16 Sambesiwe Galada, 17 Richard Muller, 18 Barnard Nortje, 19 Hlomla Marenene, 20 Euan Groenewald, 21 Johan Muller, 22 Stephan Spies, 23 Lunga Ngwenyama. NOTE: Teams are supplied by the universities and are subject to change

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UWC coach Paul Treu knows his side has its back against the wall in this year’s edition of the FNB Varsity Cup. The Bellville-based team is in a race to stay up and miss the proverbial chop down to the FNB Varsity Shield. FNB Varsity Cup 2021-22 combined log Treu, now in his second year as the Udubs boss, has seen his side disappoint this season after they had a stellar 2021 campaign in which they entertained and even surprised many with their enterprising brand of rugby. FNB UWC must now win their remaining three games – at home against fellow strugglers FNB CUT as well as FNB UJ, and then create history by beating FNB Maties for the first time ever. What makes matters worse is that Udubs will travel to Stellenbosch for their final game but could very well be relegated by then. “Disappointing,” was Treu’s short but direct answer when VarsityCup.co.za asked him to describe their 2022 campaign. “We lost a lot of players from last year but even so we had a good pre-season. "We spent close to six weeks in Stellenbosch at SAS and Paul Roos where we had excellent training and gym facilities. I felt we were well prepared and would have a good start to the season but, unfortunately, things didn’t work out that way. “We also lost a few key players just before the competition, like Lundi Msenge, Tinotenda Mavesere, André Manuel and Branden de Kock, who were in demand at provincial level, and [hooker] Lukhanyo Vokozela was called up to the Western Province Currie Cup team last week on match day. "That being said, we saw the potential of this team against the Madibaz and it’s not as if they are a bad team. We are now fighting for relegation and have tough games coming up and must win those games." Udubs are up against FNB CUT on Monday in Bellville. A defeat to Braam van Straaten’s Ixias would all but seal UWC’s fate and mean them taking the plunge to the FNB Varsity Shield. However, should Treu’s charges beat FNB CUT and FNB UJ at the Operation Room on consecutive Mondays and FNB CUT come unstuck against FNB NWU (at home in Bloemfontein) and (away) against the FNB UCT Ikeys, the battle for relegation will reach heights of new proportions for everyone involved. Monday's match will kick off at 17:00 and be broadcast on SuperSport channel 211. By Shafiek Mouton Photo: Nasief Manie/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Shield FNB WSU All Blacks centre Sibusiso Hans on his rugby journey, playing in the FNB Varsity Shield and paying tribute to his late father. How did you start playing rugby? As a young boy, I used to go to a private school called Kideo Preparatory. I was literally the only kid there who was athletic. There was no sport there, though, so my dad decided to move me to a public school, Fort Beaufort Primary. I fell in love with rugby there. I played from U9 up and continued to do so at Winterberg Agricultural High School. What was it like at Winterberg Agricultural? It’s a small school in Fort Beaufort, which is a small town. Given the resources we had, we did our best. There were difficult circumstances but we gave our all. Attending a small school and being selected for the Eastern Province Country Districts Craven Week team meant a lot to me. How did your move to Walter Sisulu University come about? I was with Border U20 last year, but unfortunately we couldn’t play so I had to go to EP U20. The WSU coaches then reached out and I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity. They had seen me play before, so I knew they believed in me. What’s it like playing for FNB WSU? I feel honoured, it’s really huge for me. The Varsity Shield is a big step up from U20 rugby. Hopefully, I will grow as a player and make a name for myself. Who are your rugby heroes? Malakai Fekitoa and Rieko Ioane. There’s a saying ‘God bless the underdog’ and they are the underdogs. They are underrated, but whenever they get the ball they show what they can do. Do you have any rugby superstitions? Yes, every 10 or so minutes on the field I give a silent shoutout to my dad, who passed away in 2018. He was my biggest supporter and that’s what pushes me to give my best in each game. What are you studying? I’m studying IT and am going to open my own business one day. Interview by Lehlogonolo Ditshego Photo: Catherine Kotze/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Shield Feghon-Leigh Snyders talks about his successful run with FNB CPUT, his hunger for yet another title, and his admiration for England flyhalf Marcus Smith Tell us a bit about your junior career. My love for rugby started when I was in Grade 3. I’m originally from Saldanha Bay, but we moved to Wellington as I got older and I ended up going to New Orleans Secondary in Paarl. I played for the Western Province U19 side. How did you end up at Western Province and FNB CPUT? I got spotted at the Tony Stoops Festival and received a bursary for the Western Province Rugby Academy. I played for the Hamiltons Young Guns and won Backline Player of the Tournament. Our WP coach, Alastair Theys, moved to FNB CPUT the following year, so he took me with him. It’s my third season with the team and I'm happy. Who in your family has had the biggest influence on your career? My grandfather Francois Davids is the deputy president of SA Rugby. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shared any stories about his playing days. My father is the only guy who supported me in rugby. He would always advise me what to do and point out where I went wrong. I learned a lot from him. How proud are you to compete in a competition like the FNB Varsity Shield? Representing CPUT means there are plenty of opportunities for you. There is always someone watching, so you must take every game seriously and shine. I’m now in my third year studying public administration. I'm looking to advance that next year so I can play again for CPUT. What’s your best try and rugby moment? My best try was against WSU in last year’s tournament. My best moment came in the same match when I kicked a 40m drop goal. I’m still proud of that. If you didn't play rugby, what other sport would you play? Definitely cricket. I was a decent batsman when I was at school. Who's your rugby role model? England flyhalf Marcus Smith. He's my inspiration. I like his style of attacking. I like stepping guys myself and I like to dummy. Do you have a nickname? My teammates call me "Feezol". Occasionally they call me "DJ Feezol "because of my dance moves. Do you have any superstitions or rituals? I wear a wristband with the bible verse Philippians 4:13 [I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me]. My girlfriend bought me this wristband at the beginning of our relationship. I wear it at every game and practice. FNB CPUT won both matches in the recent bumper weekend at the University of Pretoria and remain undefeated. Do you believe you will go all the way to defend your title? We're in a good form, but we know there are big challenges ahead in the next set of matches against Fort Hare and UKZN. We have to remain positive and confident. We are aiming to win the title again, but we are focused on those two matches for now. I believe the team can do it. Interview by Lehlogonolo Ditshego Photo: Deryck Foster/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Cup FNB Maties captain Adriaan van der Bank speaks about leadership, balancing rugby and his studies, and the advantage of playing a final at the Danie Craven Stadium. How does it feel to captain FNB Maties? It's a massive honour and privilege. This is a special place for me and I'm grateful for the opportunity. It's also a massive responsibility but I'm enjoying every second of it. How do you keep the team focused? We set a goal at the beginning of the season and we constantly remind each other about it and what the processes are to achieve it. Coach Norman Jordaan usually says we're all captains in our position. So everyone takes ownership of their own actions which makes the job a lot easier. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB UFS Shimlas vs FNB UP-Tuks (Semi-final) How did the team feel after the semi-final win against FNB UCT Ikeys? We were very happy with the result. We stuck to our plan and processes and it paid off at the end. We still made a few mistakes that we can improve on. The final is a sell-out. Are you excited to play it at the Danie Craven Stadium? Definitely. There's no better place to play than the Danie Craven. I still get goosebumps every time I run on. Neethling Fouche [the Stormers prop who represented FNB Maties in 2018] said at a team talk that one day when he goes to heaven he's sure there will be a Danie Craven Stadium up there. I don't think there's a better way to sum it up. ALSO READ: 2022 FNB Varsity Cup final trivia Do you have a message for the loyal Maties fans? Thank you to everyone who believed in us and supported us through the ups and downs of this season. You all make this experience so much more enjoyable, you drive us when times are tough to be better and give a bit extra. We see and appreciate all your messages of support. How do you balance rugby and academics? This year I'm doing my honours degree in education and it's fully online which makes it a lot easier. Vote for your FNB Varsity Cup tournament award winners! Interview by Dorfling Terblanche

FNB Varsity Cup Watch the three non-televised FNB Varsity Cup matches LIVE on SuperSport Schools (19:00 kick-off). Click on the links below or download the SuperSport Schools App. FNB UP-Tuks vs FNB CUT Ixias FNB UFS Shimlas vs FNB UCT Ikeys FNB Madibaz vs FNB UJ

FNB Varsity Cup FNB Maties rebounded from a poor start to beat the FNB NWU Eagles 20-12 in round six of the FNB Varsity Cup in Stellenbosch on Monday night. The contest was an arm-wrestle for much of the first quarter. Eagles captain Sampie Swiegers converted an early opportunity before the hosts responded with a converted try of their own through hooker Sean Swart. In the 25th minute, outside centre Waqar Solaan seized the initiative for his side when he broke the line and set up fullback Nevaldo Fleurs for a stunning try. Fleurs slotted the conversion and then two subsequent penalties. Suddenly, FNB Maties were out to a commanding 20-7 lead. FNB NWU’s attack was hampered by a series of handling errors over the course of the game. Their lineout misfired and their discipline let them down at key moments. Their scrum, however, kept them in the contest. After earning some reward from this set piece, and after addressing their lineout and mauling woes, they scored another try through Swiegers in the 61st minute. Replacement flyhalf Martin Venter missed the ensuing conversion and a late penalty attempt. As a result, the Eagles failed to claim so much as a losing bonus point from the fixture. FNB NWU will be hard-pressed to make the playoffs from here. FNB Maties, however, remain in the hunt for a home semi-final. Earlier in the day, FNB Wits romped to a 51-12 bonus-point win against FNB UWC in Johannesburg to move out of the relegation zone. Several teams face a fight for survival in the latter stages of this year’s competition. At the end of the current season, the two-lowest ranked sides on the combined 2021-22 log will be relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield. FNB Wits will breathe easier after securing a crucial result at Wits Rugby Stadium on Monday. Meanwhile, the pressure will mount on FNB UWC, who remain in the relegation zone. FNB Wits absorbed a lot of early pressure and then struck from turnover ball. Two point-of-origin tries and two successful conversions boosted the hosts into a commanding 18-0 lead after 20 minutes. Scrumhalf Hlumelo Ndudula scored a second try thereafter, while halfback partner Chris Humphries secured the team’s four-try bonus point on the stroke of half-time. The tempo of the FNB Wits attack wreaked havoc upon the visitors’ defence. The hosts maintained their intensity after the break to surpass the half-century mark. Humphries finished the contest with a haul of 20 points. In Gqeberha, FNB UJ recorded a well-deserved 24-9 win against the FNB Madibaz. Two early converted tries by hooker Darnell Osuagwu gave the visitors a 14-0 lead, which is how it stayed until the start of the third quarter when flyhalf Jonathan Viljoen kicked a penalty goal. Replacement flank Philip Apea-Adu scored the Orange Army’s third try of the night in the 64th minute but they were unable to get another for the bonus point. Instead, it was fullback Kyle Cyster who got the FNB Madibaz on the board with a consolation point-of-origin try. In Pretoria, No 8 Divan Venter scored two of FNB UP-Tuks’ nine tries as they thrashed the winless FNB CUT Ixias 61-12. The defending FNB Varsity Cup champions are fourth on the log, with four wins from six matches, while FNB CUT remain last. On Tuesday, FNB UFS Shimlas scored eight tries in their 58-7 demolition of the FNB UCT Ikeys. This clash was postponed due to bad weather in Bloemfontein on Monday night. While the skies cleared on Tuesday morning ahead of the 9am kick-off, the field was wet and players on both sides struggled to adapt to the conditions. FNB UFS Shimlas were the first to adjust, though, and a sustained assault yielded three tries in the first half alone. The Ikey Tigers had little possession during this period. Poor handling and passing, however, resulted in several promising plays breaking down. The hosts maintained their intensity into the second half. No 8 Ruwald van der Merwe crashed over to secure the bonus point and put his side firmly in charge of the contest. From there, Shimlas moved into high gear and added a further four tries. A consolation score for FNB UCT at the end added little respectability to the scoreline. Varsity Cup Round 6 results and scorers: FNB Wits 51 (35) – Tries: Hlumelo Ndudula (1x7, 1x5), Luhle Matyolweni (2x7), Chris Humphries, Wian de Lange. Conversions: Humphries (6). Penalty: Humphries.
 FNB UWC 12 (3) – Try: Romuald Ntumba (1x7). Conversion: Lyle Hendricks. Penalty: Hendricks.
 FNB Player That Rocks: Azi Afrika (FNB Wits) FNB Maties 20 (20) – Tries: Sean Swart, Nevaldo Fleurs. Conversions: Fleurs (2). Penalties (2).
 FNB NWU Eagles 12 (7) – Tries: Sampie Swiegers (2). Conversion: Nivan Petersen. FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Beukes (FNB Maties) FNB UP-Tuks 61 (33) – Tries: Ethan Burger, Divan Venter (1x5, 1x7), Kabelo Mokoena, Stephen Smit, Tharquinn Manuel (1x7), Werner Fourie, Orateng Koikanyang, Mihlali Stamper (1x7). Conversions: Clyde Lewis (2), Walter Visser (3). FNB CUT Ixias 12 (7) – Tries: Jan Kotze, Matthew Sekele. Conversion: Zinedene Booysen. FNB Player That Rocks: Kabelo Mokoena (FNB UP-Tuks) FNB Madibaz 9 (0) – Tries: Kyle Cyster (1x7). Conversion: Siphosethu Dlongodlongo. FNB UJ 24 (14) – Tries: Darnell Osuagwu (2), Philip Apea-Adu. Conversions: Jonathan Viljoen (3). Penalty: Viljoen. FNB Player That Rocks: Mpho Kubheka (FNB UJ) FNB UFS Shimlas 58 (17) – Tries: Lourens Oosthuizen, Zane Bester (1x5, 1x7), Pierre Uys, Ruwald van der Merwe, Litha Nkula (1x7), Janco van Heiningen (1x7), Blaine Golden. Conversions: Nkula (4), George Lourens (2).
 FNB UCT Ikeys 7 (0) – Try: Matthew Hamilton. Conversion: Duran Koevort. FNB Player That Rocks: George Lourens (FNB Shimlas) FNB Varsity Cup teams (Round 6) FNB Varsity Cup Round 7 fixtures (28 March): FNB UWC vs FNB CUT (17:00, UWC Stadium, SuperSport channel 211) FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB Maties (19:00, UCT Rugby Fields, SuperSport channel 211) FNB UP-Tuks vs FNB Wits (19:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport Schools App) FNB NWU Eagles vs FNB Madibaz (19:00, Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds, SuperSport Schools App) FNB UJ vs FNB UFS Shimlas (19:00, UJ Stadium, SuperSport Schools App) Fixtures, results and log Photos: Luigi Bennett/Abbey Sebetha/Catherine Kotze/Ian Fairley/ASEM Engage

FNB Varsity Shield The FNB UFH Blues beat FNB CPUT 28-27 in the FNB Varsity Shield final in Alice on Thursday. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of a season for the Blues. Last month, the players and coaches were rocked by the death of their director of rugby, Elliot Fana. And yet, they managed to pick themselves up and finish the league phase at the top of the standings. The players appeared nervous in the lead-up to the final, yet managed to maintain their composure against a fiercely competitive FNB CPUT outfit, who had won the previous two titles. FNB CPUT held their own at the scrums and generated significant momentum from their maul. Fort Hare still managed to launch from their set piece, though, and a powerful drive by No 8 Yamkela Mzozyana culminated in a try for lock Ayabulela Xhosana. FNB CPUT continued to attack via their powerful maul and forced yet another infringement by the hosts. Xhosana was shown a yellow card and Fort Hare finished the stanza with 14 men. The defending champions would not be denied for long, though. Scrumhalf Hugan Engelbrecht touched down after half-time, while yet another maul resulted in a try for No 8 Roland van der Heever. Flyhalf Feghon-Leigh Snyders converted to give FNB CPUT a 22-16 lead as the game moved into the final quarter. Fort Hare responded immediately, with Xhosana grabbing a second try, but flyhalf Keith Chiwara’s missed conversion left the hosts trailing by a single point. While Fort Hare tired, FNB CPUT appeared to grow stronger as the final whistle approached. Fullback Caine Stadler finished after an impressive build-up by the visitors, and suddenly the game – and the trophy – was FNB CPUT’s to lose. But there was more drama to come. Snyders overcooked a clearing kick and the players went back for a scrum deep in FNB CPUT territory. The visitors defended for all they were worth, but made a couple of mistakes that allowed the Blues one final shot at glory. In the end, it was the Fort Hare scrum that had the decisive say. After forcing a couple of penalties, the hosts called for yet another set piece. When FNB CPUT brought that scrum down, the referee raced towards the posts to award a penalty try – and Fort Hare the title. The result marks the Blues’ eighth consecutive win of the season. FNB UFH Blues 28 (13) – Tries: Ayabulela Xhosana (2), penalty try. Conversion: Keith Chiwara. Penalties: Chiwara (3). FNB CPUT 27 (8) – Tries: Matthew Coenraad, Hugan Engelbrecht, Roland van der Heever, Caine Stadler. Conversions: Feghon-Leigh Snyders (2). Penalty: Snyders. FNB Player That Rocks: Yamkela Mzozoyana (FNB UFH Blues) FNB Varsity Shield tournament award winners: FNB Player That Rocks: Keith Chiwara (FNB UFH Blues) FNB Back That Rocks: Keith Chiwara (FNB UFH Blues) FNB Forward That Rocks: Menzi Mabaso (FNB UKZN Impi) FNB Young Guns final: FNB NWU Eagles vs FNB UP-Tuks (Monday, 25 April, Danie Craven Stadium, 16:30, SuperSport channel 211) FNB Varsity Cup final: FNB Maties vs FNB UP-Tuks (Monday, 25 April, Danie Craven Stadium, 19:00, SuperSport channel 211)

FNB Varsity Shield A clash of styles is expected when the FNB UFH Blues host defending champions FNB CPUT in Alice on Thursday night. Fort Hare have won seven matches on the bounce and earned the right to host the FNB Varsity Shield final. It remains to be seen, however, whether they can go one step further and claim their first title. FNB CPUT, of course, have been in this position before. Alistair Theys' charges won the title in 2019 and 2021. Many of the players in the current setup know what it takes to clinch a decider. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB CPUT vs FNB UFH Blues (Round 5) The Blues beat FNB CPUT during the league phase thanks to a last-gasp intercept try by centre Migcobo Bovu. Lumumba Currie's charges will be aiming for a more complete performance on this occasion and will be looking to their scrum and kicking game to create pressure and scoring chances. FNB CPUT have the means to strike from anywhere on the park. Flyhalf Feghon-Leigh Snyders will be a threat, whether he is searching for a linebreak at close quarters or linking up with his wingers via a well-aimed cross-kick. Vote for your FNB Varsity Shield tournament award winners! Both sides boast excellent defensive systems and have been particularly aggressive around the collisions and breakdowns. Discipline will be crucial in a clash of this nature, though. Both sets of players will be wary of conceding penalties and yellow cards for cynical play. Synders and opposite number Keith Chiwara will be under pressure to make all goal-kicking opportunities count. Chiwara will be looking to bounce back after his wayward performance from the tee in the semi-final against the FNB WSU All Blacks. Snyders, who missed a late penalty attempt in the loss to Fort Hare earlier this season, will also have a point to prove. TRIVIA: FNB Varsity Shield final FNB UFH BLUES vs FNB CPUT (Thursday, 19:00, Davidson Rugby Field, SuperSport channel 207) FNB UFH Blues – 15 Apiwe Sidloyi, 14 Mziyabulela Bathu, 13 Ryan Maree, 12 Migcobo Bovu, 11 Lilitha Mdladlana, 10 Keith Chiwara, 9 Lwazi Madiba, 8 Yamkela Mzozoyana, 7 Rodney Chikamhi, 6 Langalethu Susela, 5 Walter Moyo, 4 Ayabulel Xhosana, 3 Mnkani Sibabalo, 2 Kamvelihle Fatyela (c), 1 Edwin Nxumalo. Subs: 16 Bulela Magopeni, 17 Mesuli Nzima, 18 Mbasa Sonkosi, 19 Cinga Nqotyana, 20 Zimi Ngetu, 21 Merlin du Plessis, 22 Liyema Tyali, 23 Yamkela Mahintsho. FNB CPUT – 15 Caine Stadler, 14 Christopher Andrews, 13 Iwaan Bloys, 12 Philasande Ngcobo, 11 Keenan Williams, 10 Feghon-Leigh Snyders, 9 Hugan Engelbrecht, 8 Roland van der Heever, 7 Ché Klaasen, 6 Keanan Solomons, 5 Moegamat Toffar, 4 Joshua Paris, 3 Matthew Coenraad, 2 Siyasanga Ngubelanga (c), 1 Jacques-Lynn Josephus. Subs: 16 Duke Shasha, 17 Masivuye Mafenyana, 18 Onika Mgijima, 19 Lungelo Kubheka, 20 Leano Haupt, 21 Duran Alexander, 22 Keano Cookson, 23 Darren Alexander.

FNB Varsity Cup FNB Maties will have the chance to strengthen their log position while the FNB NWU Eagles will be desperate for any sort of victory when these teams clash on Monday night. The Stellenbosch students have won four of their five fixtures and currently sit in second place on the FNB Varsity Cup log. FNB Maties will go into the match against the Eagles – staged at the fortress-like Danie Craven Stadium – as favourites to win and strengthen their bid for a home-semi-final. ALSO READ: FNB Maties' try-machine targets title triumph FNB NWU need a win to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. While they boast some talented players and have performed well in patches, they sit in seventh position on the table and have a paltry 13 log points to show for their efforts. A big battle is expected at the set pieces. While the Eagles have the players to dominate at scrum-time, they have blown hot and cold over the course of the season. FNB Maties have a strong lineout and maul, and have harnessed their strengths to devastating effect. ALSO READ: 'FNB NWU Eagles can beat any team' An equally fierce scrap is expected at the breakdown. The Eagles possess one of the most powerful back rows – and one of the tournament’s form players in No 8 André Fouché. FNB Maties will have their hands full at the rucks and collisions. The game may well witness a clash of styles. FNB Maties are ranked second in the tournament for points scored (176). That attack will face off against an FNB NWU defence that has conceded the second-fewest points (119) in 2022. Monday's match will kick off at 19:00 and be broadcast on SuperSport channel 211. STATS & FACTS FNB Maties have scored a four-try bonus point in each of their last four matches FNB Maties have won 13 of the previous 17 FNB Varsity Cup matches between these two sides FNB Maties have only lost five of their 63 FNB Varsity Cup matches at the Danie Craven Stadium The FNB NWU Eagles have only beaten FNB Maties twice in this tournament (in 2008 and in the 2016 final) FNB Maties – 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Waqar Solaan, 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Sibabalwe Xamlashe, 10 Adriaan van der Bank (c), 9 Eduan Smit, 8 De Wet Marais, 7 Gift Dlamini, 6 Hendrik du Toit, 5 Matthew Gray, 4 Juan Beukes, 3 Matimu Manganyi, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Rhynardt Rijnsburger. Subs: 16 Francois Breytenbach, 17 Wian van Zyl, 18 Vernon Matongo, 19 Marco van Rhyn, 20 Siyabonga Matanda, 21 Mckyle Volmoer, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Mike Mavovana. FNB NWU Eagles – 15 Heinrich Botha, 14 Keano Windvogel, 13 Tino Swanepoel, 12 Seita Phatudi, 11 Naiden Jaarts, 10 Nivan Petersen, 9 Riaan Genis, 8 André Fouché, 7 Heinz Bertram, 6 Chris Vermaak, 5 Ruben Dreyer, 4 Wihan Nel, 3 Sampie Swiegers (c), 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Jason Jansen. Subs: 16 Chyle van Zyl, 17 Ruben du Plessis, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 20 Gustav Erlank, 21 Sylvester Hassien, 22 Martin Venter, 23 Pienaar van Niekerk. 2022 FNB Varsity Cup teams (Round 6)

FNB Varsity Shield The team lineups for Thursday's FNB Varsity Shield decider in Alice. 2022 FNB Varsity Shield final trivia FNB UFH BLUES vs FNB CPUT (Thursday, 19:00, Davidson Rugby Field, SuperSport channel 207) FNB UFH Blues – 15 Apiwe Sidloyi, 14 Mziyabulela Bathu, 13 Ryan Maree, 12 Migcobo Bovu, 11 Lilitha Mdladlana, 10 Keith Chiwara, 9 Lwazi Madiba, 8 Yamkela Mzozoyana, 7 Rodney Chikamhi, 6 Langalethu Susela, 5 Walter Moyo, 4 Ayabulel Xhosana, 3 Mnkani Sibabalo, 2 Kamvelihle Fatyela (c), 1 Edwin Nxumalo. Subs: 16 Bulela Magopeni, 17 Mesuli Nzima, 18 Mbasa Sonkosi, 19 Cinga Nqotyana, 20 Zimi Ngetu, 21 Merlin du Plessis, 22 Liyema Tyali, 23 Yamkela Mahintsho. FNB CPUT – 15 Caine Stadler, 14 Christopher Andrews, 13 Iwaan Bloys, 12 Philasande Ngcobo, 11 Keenan Williams, 10 Feghon-Leigh Snyders, 9 Hugan Engelbrecht, 8 Roland van der Heever, 7 Ché Klaasen, 6 Keanan Solomons, 5 Moegamat Toffar, 4 Joshua Paris, 3 Matthew Coenraad, 2 Siyasanga Ngubelanga (c), 1 Jacques-Lynn Josephus. Subs: 16 Duke Shasha, 17 Masivuye Mafenyana, 18 Onika Mgijima, 19 Lungelo Kubheka, 20 Leano Haupt, 21 Duran Alexander, 22 Keano Cookson, 23 Darren Alexander. Vote for your FNB Varsity Shield tournament award winners! NOTE: Teams are supplied by the universities and are subject to change