FNB Varsity Cup All you need to know ahead of Thursday's decider at Davidson Rugby Field. MATCH TRIVIA – Only four of the previous 10 FNB Varsity Shield finals were won by double digits, with five decided by seven points or less. – This will be the first time that FNB UFH and FNB CPUT face each other in an FNB Varsity Shield knockout game. – This will be Fort Hare's second FNB Varsity Shield final. Their only previous final appearance was a 45-2 defeat against FNB UWC in 2017. – FNB UFH are undefeated this season, winning all seven of their matches. – Fort Hare are on a seven-game winning streak in the FNB Varsity Shield, which is their longest in FNB Varsity Shield history. The record is 14 by FNB UWC between 2017 and 2018. – FNB UFH have beaten FNB CPUT twice in the FNB Varsity Shield, with a one-point victory in 2018 and a two-point victory earlier this season. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB CPUT vs FNB UFH Blues (Round 5) – FNB UFH have a 42.9% winning record at home in the FNB Varsity Shield. – If Fort Hare win on Thursday night, they will become the sixth different FNB Varsity Shield champion. – FNB CPUT are the two-time defending FNB Varsity Shield champions, having won the previous two titles. – This will be FNB CPUT’s third consecutive FNB Varsity Shield final. They won both previous finals, against the FNB Madibaz in 2019 and the FNB WSU All Blacks in 2021. – FNB CPUT have never lost an FNB Varsity Shield final, winning both their previous finals, with both victories coming away from home. – FNB CPUT are on a two-game winning streak in the FNB Varsity Shield. – FNB CPUT have a 70.8% winning record away from home in the FNB Varsity Shield, which is the third-best road record in FNB Varsity Shield history. – If FNB CPUT win on Thursday night, they will equal FNB CUT Ixias’ record of three FNB Varsity Shield titles. PLAYER TRIVIA – Six players have scored a pair of tries in a final, but there has never been a hat-trick scored in an FNB Varsity Shield final. – Flyhalf Keith Chiwara is the all-time leading point-scorer for FNB UFH in the FNB Varsity Shield with 113. – Chiwara has scored 63 points this season, which is the fourth most by an FNB UFH player in an FNB Varsity Shield season. – Chiwara needs 14 points to break the record for most points scored by an FNB UFH player in an FNB Varsity Shield season. The current record is 76 points set by Jeandre Christian in 2017. – Centre Ryan Maree needs one try to equal the record for most tries scored by an FNB UFH player in a Varsity Shield season. The current record is six, set by Chiwara in 2021. – Hooker Kamvelihle Fatyela needs two tries to equal the record for most tries scored by an FNB UFH player in an FNB Varsity Shield season. The current record is six, set by Chiwara in 2021. – Chiwara scored 11 points (one conversion, three penalties) against FNB CPUT earlier this season. – FNB CPUT flyhalf Feghon-Leigh Snyders scored 13 points (one try, one conversion, one drop goal and one penalty) in the 2021 FNB Varsity Shield final against the FNB WSU All Blacks. – Snyders is the all-time leading point-scorer for FNB CPUT in the FNB Varsity Shield with 137. – Snyders has scored 58 points this season, which is the second-most by an FNB CPUT player in an FNB Varsity Shield season. The record is 96 set by Ralton October in 2019. – Snyders is the fifth-highest point-scorer in FNB Varsity Shield history with 137. He needs 13 points to move above Aidynn Cupido (FNB UWC) to fourth on the all-time list. Vote for your FNB Varsity Shield tournament award winners! FNB VARSITY SHIELD FINAL RESULTS 2011: FNB CUT Ixias 25 FNB Wits 18 2012: FNB Wits 19 CUT Ixias 17 2013: FNB CUT Ixias 29 FNB UWC 19 2014: FNB CUT Ixias 35 UKZN Impi 26 2015: FNB UKZN Impi 29 FNB Wits 24 2016: FNB Wits 39 FNB UWC 2 2017: FNB UWC 45 FNB UFH Blues 2 2018: FNB UWC 55 FNB WSU All Blacks 10 2019: FNB CPUT 32 FNB Madibaz 28 2021: FNB CPUT 30 FNB WSU All Blacks 26

FNB Varsity Cup You can help decide who wins the overall 2022 FNB Varsity Cup Player That Rocks award, as well as the Forward That Rocks and Back That Rocks awards. After the league stage of the tournament, the FNB Varsity Cup head coaches all nominated three players in the three categories (excluding their own players), ranked from first to third place. The votes were then collated by the tournament organisers, with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The three players with the most points in each category are now being put forward to the public, whose combined votes will determine the overall winners in the three categories. The public can cast their votes on the Varsity Cup Facebook page and Instagram page from Wednesday, 20 April until 12:00 on the day of the FNB Varsity Cup final at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday, 25 April. The public can only vote once on Facebook and once on Instagram. The total combined votes will determine the winners in each category. The three award winners will be announced after the final, with the Overall Player That Rocks driving away in a Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS AT courtesy of preferred supplier Hertz Car Rental. ‘We’re really excited that the Overall Player That Rocks in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup will again win a car courtesy of Hertz,’ says Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi, Tournament Manager for FNB Varsity Cup. ‘The players nominated for this award are the future of South African rugby, so it’s great that the public, who support the FNB Varsity Cup, will have a say in who wins it.’ 2022 FNB Varsity Cup awards nominees: FNB Back That Rocks Facebook (all) Nevaldo Fleurs (Instagram) Suleiman Hartzenberg (Instagram) George Lourens (Instagram) FNB Forward That Rocks Facebook (all) Thabo Ndimande (Instagram) Johannes Terblanche (Instagram) Sean Swart (Instagram) FNB Overall Player That Rocks Facebook (all) André Fouche (Instagram) George Lourens (Instagram) Suleiman Hartzenberg (Instagram)

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UFS Shimlas’ running game will be put to the test against a more pragmatic FNB UP-Tuks outfit, while the expansive FNB UCT Ikeys will be similarly challenged by rivals FNB Maties. FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB UCT Ikeys have been the strongest teams over the course of the tournament and deserved to finish the league stage at one and two on the log. If all goes to plan, the two most expansive sides in the FNB Varsity Cup will meet in next week’s final. It would be interesting to see if both sides persisted with their respective game plans in a decider, or whether they attempted to play with more balance in order to clinch a trophy. Perhaps we will receive some answers this week when both teams compete in the semi-finals. The result, rather than the quest for four tries, is all that matters at this stage of the tournament. The Ikey Tigers made a statement when they beat FNB Maties 44-27 on the Green Mile in round seven and may feel like they’re the favourites heading into a semi-final showdown with their archrivals. They’ve produced many spectacular come-from-behind performances over the course of the 2022 season – which is a testament to their character as well as their conditioning – and have cause to believe that they can chase a game, no matter the situation. And yet, one has to ask why they have struggled to control so many games in the initial stages, and why they find themselves in these positions so often. Their forwards in particular will have a big point to prove in the coming playoff. ALSO READ: 'Winning the Varsity Cup would be something special' SEMI-FINAL TRIVIA: FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB Maties FNB Maties will look to their pack to pressure the hosts. They boast an impressive scrum and maul, and have been accurate in the red zone – as illustrated by hooker Sean Swart’s tally of nine tries in 2022. The students from Stellenbosch will also have a point to prove. They weren’t at their best in the recent clash against FNB UWC and will need to make a step up on defence if they’re going to contain a multi-faceted Ikey Tigers attack. They will be mindful of what transpired in the last fixture on the Green Mile. At one point, they appeared on course for a victory. In the blink of an eye, the Ikey Tigers scored two tries and FNB Maties failed to claim so much as a losing bonus point. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB Maties (Round 7) Flyhalf Adriaan van der Bank was one of the star performers during the first half of that derby. Unfortunately for FNB Maties, Van der Bank will be unavailable for the semi-final rematch. Nevaldo Fleurs will be tasked with implementing a kicking game that can put FNB UCT under pressure. If the FNB Maties pack fails to fire, and if the visitors kick poorly, they will be chasing Tiger tails for 80 minutes. ALSO READ: My kicking ability is a gift from God – FNB Maties fullback FNB UCT IKEYS vs FNB MATIES (Monday, 16:30, UCT Rugby Fields, SuperSport channel 211) FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Duran Koevort, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Rethabile Louw, 11 Ntokozo Makhaza, 10 David Hayes, 9 William Rose, 8 Taariq Kruger, 7 Thomas Meyer, 6 Sipho Dyonase, 5 Reynhardt Crous, 4 Conor Evans, 3 Keagan Glade, 2 Keagan Blanckenberg, 1 Luthando Woji (c). Subs: 16 Alex Castle, 17 Lukhanyiso Bomela, 18 Alizwa Mngqeta, 19 Mika Schubert, 20 Jason MacLeod Smith, 21 Imad Khan, 22 Kian Davis, 23 Athi Gazi. FNB Maties – 15 Sibabalwe Xamlashe, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Waqar Solaan, 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Anton du Toit, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Simon Miller, 7 De Wet Marais, 6 Gift Dlamini (c), 5 Matt Gray, 4 Juan Beukes, 3 Matimu Manganyi, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Vernon Matongo. Subs: 16 Chris Rossouw, 17 Rhynardt Rijnsburger, 18 Friedrich Weilbach, 19 Jesse Johnson, 20 Louw Nel, 21 Mckyle Volmoer, 22 Brendan Venter, 23 Mike Mavovana. Will the FNB Varsity Cup title change hands? It seems likely, given the performances across the round-robin stage. FNB UP-Tuks have been victims of their own success. Shortly after they won the 2021 final, a host of top players were contracted by professional teams at home and abroad. The class of 2022 is younger and inexperienced, and the performances have been far from clinical. And yet, they have the template to win big games where the result rather than the quest for four-try bonus points is the priority. Over the past few weeks, their pack has started to find form. ALSO READ: Visser hopes to follow in Blitzbok brother's footsteps They boast strong kicking options at scrumhalf, flyhalf and fullback, and will be looking to maximise those strengths in the coming clash against FNB UFS Shimlas. They also possess the finest defensive system in the tournament and have conceded only 172 points in nine matches. A good kicking game complemented by a strong defensive system is typically a recipe for success in knockout rugby. FNB UFS Shimlas, however, are not your typical team. SEMI-FINAL TRIVIA: FNB UFS Shimlas vs FNB UP-Tuks André Tredoux’s charges have relied on the skills of their forwards, the sharp decision-making of their halfbacks – George Lourens has been one of the stars of the tournament – and the speed of their back division to play an exhilarating brand of attacking rugby. ALSO READ: Cheetahs sign star FNB UFS Shimlas flyhalf The introduction of Swys de Bruin as the director of rugby has also had an impact on the team’s mindset. The FNB UFS Shimlas want to win the FNB Varsity Cup title by playing bold, adventurous rugby. To be fair, they wouldn't be such a potent attacking force without the efforts of their forwards. FNB UFS Shimlas have the means to boss FNB UP-Tuks at the scrum this Monday, and will contest fiercely from the lineouts. And when they start to counter-attack, the skills of forwards such as Thabang Mahlasi and Thabo Ndimande will come to the fore. WATCH: Steers Top 6 Tries (Round 9) It remains to be seen whether FNB UP-Tuks will keep this threat at bay over a period of 80 minutes. When these teams last met in round eight, FNB UFS Shimlas scored four tries. What’s more, their attack managed to fire in spite of the wet and challenging conditions. FNB UP-Tuks will make a statement regarding their championship credentials if they contain that attack and emerge victorious. The smart money, however, is on FNB UFS Shimlas securing the result as well as home advantage for the final. FNB UFS SHIMLAS vs FNB UP-TUKS (Monday, 19:00, Shimla Park, SuperSport channel 211) FNB UFS Shimlas – 15 Litha Nkula, 14 Zane Bester, 13 Janco van Heyningen, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Asanda Kunene, 10 George Lourens, 9 Chadd Adams, 8 Ruwald van der Merwe, 7 Lourens Oosthuizen, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Thabang Mahlasi (c), 4 Pierre Uys, 3 Blaine Golden, 2 Carl Wijburg, 1 Melusi Mthabela. Subs: 16 Wihan Marais, 17 Loyiso Peteni, 18 Jan Meades, 19 Nathan Jordan, 20 Reinier Viljoen, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 Kwezi Dlamini, 23 Luthando Buthelezi. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Kabelo Mokoena, 13 Zander Reynders, 12 Lincoln Daniels (c), 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 Andre van der Merwe, 18 Daniël Wessels, 19 Kabasele Nkombua, 20 Hilton Gie, 21 Clyde Lewis, 22 Keane Galant, 23 Ambesa Zenzile. NOTE: Teams are supplied by the universities and are subject to change Fixtures, results and log 2021-22 combined log Photos: Zaahid Appoles/Hannes Naude/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup FNB Maties and FNB UP-Tuks won their respective semi-finals on Monday to advance to the FNB Varsity Cup final. FNB Maties secured their spot after thrashing rivals FNB UCT Ikeys in Cape Town. Reigning champions FNB UP-Tuks showed their class when they downed log-leaders FNB UFS Shimlas in Bloemfontein. The upshot is that FNB Maties – who finished the regular season at third in the standings – will host FNB UP-Tuks in the decider at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday, 25 April. Determined defence prevailed against all-out attack when FNB UP-Tuks beat FNB UFS Shimlas 29-21 in Bloemfontein. Fullback Stefan Coetzee kicked a penalty and then scored a try to give the visitors an 8-0 lead after seven minutes. FNB UFS Shimlas hit back to score three tries before the break. FNB UP-Tuks did well to punish the hosts’ mistakes, however, and to stay in touch on the scoreboard. Captain Lincoln Daniels ran through the FNB UFS Shimlas defence after half-time to reclaim the lead for his side. The visitors received another boost when Shimlas hooker Carl Wijburg was shown a yellow card for cynical play. The ambitious hosts persisted with their ball-in-hand tactics. The FNB UP-Tuks defence was more than equal to the task, though, and managed to keep the much-vaunted attack scoreless in the second stanza. When the visitors won a penalty in their own half in the 58th minute, Coetzee stepped up to slot the long-range goal. For the second time in the game, FNB UP-Tuks enjoyed an eight-point lead over their more fancied opponents. Excellent game management in the closing stages ensured that FNB UP-Tuks retained that lead, won the game, and marched on to yet another FNB Varsity Cup final. In the first semi-final in Cape Town, hooker Sean Swart scored a hat-trick as FNB Maties hammered the FNB UCT Ikeys 58-19. Swart equalled FNB CUT hooker Janus Venter’s record for the most tries in an FNB Varsity Cup season (12) and was named the FNB Player That Rocks. That award could have gone to the entire FNB Maties pack that dominated at scrum time or to flyhalf Nevaldo Fleurs, who was successful with eight of 10 goal kicks in windy conditions. The Ikey Tigers came into this semi-final as favourites, having beaten their arch-rivals 44-27 in the round seven clash at the Green Mile. But their discipline let them down (they conceded 18 penalties), they lost the forward battle and they had just 38% of the possession. The hosts were reduced to 14 men after just 12 seconds of the match when inside centre Rethabile Louw took out an FNB Maties player in the air from the kick-off. And the visitors made their numerical advantage count with a fifth-minute point-of origin try. Wing Anton du Toit burst down the left touchline, handed off Suleiman Hartzenberg and found scrumhalf Thomas Bursey, whose inside pass put captain Gift Dlamini away. No sooner had the Ikey Tigers been restored to their full complement of players than captain Luthando Woji scored a try next to the posts that was initially ruled a knock-on by the referee. Fortunately for the hosts, the TMO intervened. But FNB Maties regained the initiative when Swart scored from a lineout driving maul and fullback Sibabalwe Xamlashe dived over for a point-of-orgin try. Fleurs slotted both conversions and a penalty to give the visitors a commanding 31-7 lead at half-time. FNB UCT No 8 Taariq Kruger paid the price for repeated infringements by his team when he was yellow-carded early in the second half. Almost inevitably, FNB Maties kicked for the corner and Swart went over from the driving maul. The Ikey Tigers scored while down to 14 men through flank Sipho Dyonase, before Swart completed his hat-trick. FNB Maties lost lock Juan Beukes to the sin bin, but that didn’t prevent them from scoring another two tries to complete the rout. The Maroon Machine will contest their 10th FNB Varsity Cup final next Monday and be chasing a record-extending sixth title. FNB Varsity Cup semi-final results and scorers: FNB UCT Ikeys 19 (7) – Tries: Luthando Woji, Sipho Dyonase, Thomas Meyer. Conversions: Duran Koevort (2). FNB Maties 58 (31) – Try: Gift Dlamini (1x7), Sean Swart (3), Sibabalwe Xamlashe (1x7), Thomas Bursey, Anton du Toit. Conversions: Nevaldo Fleurs (5). Penalties: Fleurs (3). FNB Player That Rocks: Sean Swart (FNB Maties) FNB UFS Shimlas 21 (21) – Tries: Janco van Heyningen (1x7), Thabang Mahlasi, Ruwald van der Merwe. Conversions: Litha Nkula (2).
 FNB UP-Tuks 29 (19) – Tries: Stefan Coetzee, Bernard van der Linde, Lincoln Daniels. Conversion: Coetzee. Penalties: Coetzee (4). FNB Player That Rocks: Bernard van der Linde (FNB UP-Tuks) FNB Varsity Cup final: FNB Maties vs FNB UP-Tuks (Monday, 25 April, Danie Craven Stadium, 19:00, SuperSport channel 211) Photos: Hannes Naude/Zaahid Appoles/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup The team lineups for Monday's much-anticipated FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals. FNB UCT IKEYS vs FNB MATIES (Monday, 16:30, UCT Rugby Fields, SuperSport channel 211) FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Duran Koevort, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Rethabile Louw, 11 Ntokozo Makhaza, 10 David Hayes, 9 William Rose, 8 Taariq Kruger, 7 Thomas Meyer, 6 Sipho Dyonase, 5 Reynhardt Crous, 4 Conor Evans, 3 Keagan Glade, 2 Keagan Blanckenberg, 1 Luthando Woji (c). Subs: 16 Alex Castle, 17 Lukhanyiso Bomela, 18 Alizwa Mngqeta, 19 Mika Schubert, 20 Jason MacLeod Smith, 21 Imad Khan, 22 Kian Davis, 23 Athi Gazi. FNB Maties – 15 Sibabalwe Xamlashe, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Waqar Solaan, 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Anton du Toit, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Simon Miller, 7 De Wet Marais, 6 Gift Dlamini (c), 5 Matt Gray, 4 Juan Beukes, 3 Matimu Manganyi, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Vernon Matongo. Subs: 16 Chris Rossouw, 17 Rhynardt Rijnsburger, 18 Friedrich Weilbach, 19 Jesse Johnson, 20 Louw Nel, 21 Mckyle Volmoer, 22 Brendan Venter, 23 Mike Mavovana. ALSO READ: Semi-final trivia – FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB Maties FNB UFS SHIMLAS vs FNB UP-TUKS (Monday, 19:00, Shimla Park, SuperSport channel 211) FNB UFS Shimlas – 15 Litha Nkula, 14 Zane Bester, 13 Janco van Heyningen, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Asanda Kunene, 10 George Lourens, 9 Chadd Adams, 8 Ruwald van der Merwe, 7 Lourens Oosthuizen, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Thabang Mahlasi (c), 4 Pierre Uys, 3 Blaine Golden, 2 Carl Wijburg, 1 Melusi Mthabela. Subs: 16 Wihan Marais, 17 Loyiso Peteni, 18 Jan Meades, 19 Nathan Jordan, 20 Reinier Viljoen, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 Kwezi Dlamini, 23 Luthando Buthelezi. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Kabelo Mokoena, 13 Zander Reynders, 12 Lincoln Daniels (c), 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 Andre van der Merwe, 18 Daniël Wessels, 19 Kabasele Nkombua, 20 Hilton Gie, 21 Clyde Lewis, 22 Keane Galant, 23 Ambesa Zenzile. ALSO READ: Semi-final trivia – FNB UFS Shimlas vs FNB UP-Tuks NOTE: Teams are supplied by the universities and are subject to change Fixtures, results and log 2021-22 combined log

FNB Varsity Cup All you need to know ahead of Monday's FNB Varsity Cup semi-final in Cape Town (16:30 kick-off). MATCH TRIVIA – Despite FNB Maties and FNB UCT playing in a combined 18 FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals, this will be only the second time that they face each other in an FNB Varsity Cup semi-final. – FNB UCT won the only previous FNB Varsity Cup semi-final between these two sides, a 20-8 victory at this venue in 2014. – FNB UCT will be playing in their eighth FNB Varsity Cup semi-final, winning five of the previous seven. – FNB UCT have won four of the previous five FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals at home. Their only defeat at home in an FNB Varsity Cup semi-final was a two-point loss against FNB NWU-Pukke (now the Eagles) in 2009. – This will be the first FNB Varsity Cup semi-final at home for FNB UCT since 2014. All five of their previous Varsity Cup semi-finals at home came between 2008 and 2014. – FNB UCT are on a two-game winning streak against FNB Maties in the FNB Varsity Cup. – FNB UCT beat FNB Maties 44-27 in round seven this season, which was their first victory against them at this venue since 2014. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB Maties (Round 7) – FNB UCT are on a three-game winning streak in the FNB Varsity Cup. – FNB UCT have a 57% winning record at home in the FNB Varsity Cup, which is the fifth-best home record in FNB Varsity Cup history. – The 44 points that FNB UCT scored against FNB Maties in round nine was the most points that FNB UCT have ever scored against FNB Maties in an FNB Varsity Cup match. – The 17-point victory for FNB UCT Ikeys against FNB Maties in round nine is tied for the biggest margin of victory for FNB UCT against FNB Maties in an FNB Varsity Cup match. They also won by 17 points in 2014. – FNB Maties are playing in their 12th FNB Varsity Cup semi-final, which is the most by any team in FNB Varsity Cup history. – FNB Maties will be playing in their 12th FNB Varsity Cup semi-final, winning nine of the previous 11. – Both of FNB Maties’ previous FNB Varsity Cup semi-final defeats came away from home, against FNB UCT at this venue in 2014, and against FNB UP-Tuks at the Tuks Stadium last season. – FNB Maties have not beaten FNB UCT in the FNB Varsity Cup since 2020. – FNB Maties have won five of the previous eight FNB Varsity Cup matches against FNB UCT at this venue, with their only defeats coming in the 2014 semi-final, and in round seven this season. They drew in 2015. – FNB Maties need 26 points to become the first team in FNB Varsity Cup history to score 4,500 points in the competition. – FNB Maties are on a two-game winning streak in the FNB Varsity Cup. – FNB Maties have a 67% winning record away from home in the FNB Varsity Cup, which is the best road record in FNB Varsity Cup history. – FNB Maties have led at half-time in 70% of their FNB Varsity Cup matches, winning 89% of those games. – FNB Maties have won 101 of their previous 130 FNB Varsity Cup matches, making them the only team in FNB Varsity Cup history to have won more than 100 matches. The next best team is FNB UP-Tuks with 77 victories. – If FNB UCT win, they will reach their sixth FNB Varsity Cup final and their second successive final after also reaching the 2021 Varsity Cup final against FNB UP-Tuks. – If FNB Maties win, they will reach their 10th Varsity Cup final and their first since 2019 when they beat FNB UP-Tuks. They would become the first team in FNB Varsity Cup history to play in 10 finals. 2022 FNB Varsity Cup teams (Semi-finals) PLAYER TRIVIA – FNB UCT fullback Duran Koevort has scored 74 points this season, which is the sixth-most points scored by an Ikey Tigers player in an FNB Varsity Cup season. – There have only been two FNB Varsity Cup semi-final hat-tricks, with both being scored by FNB UCT players in the same match. Pete Haw and Therlow Pietersen both scored a hat-trick for the Ikey Tigers against FNB UFS-Shimlas in the 2011 Varsity Cup semi-final. – Sibabalwe Xamlashe, who will start at fullback on Monday, scored two tries for FNB Maties in the 2021 Varsity Cup semi-final against FNB UP-Tuks. – FNB Maties hooker Sean Swart has scored nine tries this season. He needs one more try to equal the record for most tries scored by an FNB Maties player in a Varsity Cup season (10 by Duncan Saal in 2018). – Swart needs three more tries to equal the FNB Varsity Cup record for most tries by a player in a season (12 by FNB CUT Ixias hooker Janus Venter in 2021). – FNB Maties fullback/flyhalf Nevaldo Fleurs has scored 81 points this season, which is the second-most in the FNB Varsity Cup this year. He needs three points to surpass Christian Humphries (FNB Wits) as the top point-scorer in the FNB Varsity Cup this season. – FNB Maties flyhalf Jurie Mathee scored 27 points against the FNB Madibaz in round eight, which is tied with Henoe Stoffberg for the most points scored by an FNB Maties player in an FNB Varsity Cup match. – Mathee's 27 points against the FNB Madibaz is tied for the eighth-most points scored by a player in an FNB Varsity Cup match. – FNB Maties hooker Chris Rossouw is the son of 1995 World Cup-winning hooker Chris Rossouw. – Sibabalwe Xamlashe is the younger brother of Griquas and former FNB UP-Tuks centre Sango Xamlashe. – FNB Maties wing Anton du Toit is the younger brother of Springbok flank Pieter-Steph du Toit and Stormers flank Johan du Toit.

FNB Varsity Cup All you need to know ahead of Monday's FNB Varsity Cup semi-final in Bloemfontein (19:00 kick-off). MATCH TRIVIA – Despite FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB UP-Tuks playing in a combined 15 FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals, this will only be the second time that they face each other in a FNB Varsity Cup semi-final. – FNB UP-Tuks won the only previous FNB Varsity Cup semi-final between these two sides, a 28-21 victory at Tuks Stadium in 2017. – FNB UFS Shimlas will be playing in their sixth FNB Varsity Cup semi-final, winning one of their previous five, a 21-10 victory against the FNB UCT Ikeys at this venue in 2015. – This will be only the second time that FNB UFS Shimlas host a Varsity Cup semi-final at Shimla Park. They beat the FNB UCT Ikeys on their way to winning their only FNB Varsity Cup title in 2015. – FNB UFS Shimlas are playing in their first FNB Varsity Cup semi-final since 2019 when they lost to FNB Maties. – FNB UFS Shimlas finished on top of the league table for the first time in FNB Varsity Cup history. In 2015 they finished second, tied on points with the FNB UCT Ikeys. They went on to win the title that year. – FNB UFS Shimlas scored 398 points in the regular season this year, which is the most points scored by a team during the regular season in FNB Varsity Cup history, breaking the previous record of 385 set by FNB Maties in 2019. – FNB UFS Shimlas scored 59 tries in the regular season this year, which is the most tries scored by a team during the regular season in FNB Varsity Cup history, breaking the previous record of 52 set by FNB Maties in 2019. – FNB UFS Shimlas became only the second team in FNB Varsity Cup history to score a try bonus point in every league match in a season. The only other team to achieve this feat was FNB UP-Tuks in 2015. – FNB UFS Shimlas are on a three-game winning streak in the FNB Varsity Cup. – FNB UFS Shimlas beat FNB UP-Tuks 26-15 at this venue in round eight. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB UFS Shimlas vs FNB UP-Tuks (Round 8) – FNB UFS Shimlas have a 63% winning record at home in the FNB Varsity Cup, which is the fourth-best home record in FNB Varsity Cup history. – FNB UP-Tuks are playing in their 11th FNB Varsity Cup semi-final, which is the second-most by any team in FNB Varsity Cup history behind FNB Maties (12). – FNB UP-Tuks are playing in their 11th FNB Varsity Cup semi-final, winning six of the previous 10 they appeared in. – FNB UP-Tuks have only won one of their previous four FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals away from home, beating FNB UJ in 2011. – FNB UP-Tuks’ defeat to FNB UFS Shimlas in round eight snapped a three-game winning streak for them against Shimlas in the FNB Varsity Cup. – FNB UP-Tuks’ last victory against FNB UFS Shimlas at Shimla Park was a 27-14 victory in 2019. – FNB UP-Tuks have a 56% winning record away from home in the FNB Varsity Cup, which is the second-best in FNB Varsity Cup history behind FNB Maties (67%) – FNB UP-Tuks have won 83% of their FNB Varsity Cup matches when leading at half-time. – If FNB UFS Shimlas win, they will reach their second FNB Varsity Cup final and their first since 2015 when they beat FNB NWU-Pukke (now Eagles). – If UP-Tuks win, they will reach their seventh FNB Varsity Cup final and their second successive final after reaching the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup final where they beat the FNB UCT Ikeys. 2022 FNB Varsity Cup teams (Semi-finals) PLAYER TRIVIA – Flyhalf George Lourens (FNB UFS Shimlas) kicked seven successful conversions against the FNB Madibaz in round nine, which is tied for the fifth most successful conversions by a player in a FNB Varsity Cup match. The record is 11 by Theuns Kotze for FNB UJ against FNB TUT in 2012. – Fullback Litha Nkula needs 11 points to break the FNB UFS Shimlas re – Nkula (FNB UFS Shimlas) has kicked 27 successful conversions this season, which is tied for the fifth-most by a player in a FNB Varsity Cup season. The current record is 32 by Zander du Plessis for FNB UP-Tuks in 2021 and Schalk Hugo for FNB NWU-Pukke in 2019. – Nkula needs six more conversions this season to break the FNB Varsity Cup record for most successful conversions by a player in a FNB Varsity Cup season. – Nkula has scored points in all eight of his previous FNB Varsity Cup appearances. – Stefan Coetzee (starting at fullback on Monday) scored two tries for FNB UP-Tuks in the 2021 Varsity Cup semi-final against FNB Maties. – Scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde has scored five tries for FNB UP-Tuks this season, which is tied for the fifth-most tries by a Tuks player in a FNB Varsity Cup season. – FNB UP-Tuks tighthead prop Daniël Wessels made 12 FNB Varsity Cup appearances for FNB UFS Shimlas (2018-2021). – Clyde Lewis (UP-Tuks) has played at scrumhalf, flyhalf and fullback this season. Photos: Hannes Naude/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Shield You can help decide who wins the overall 2022 FNB Varsity Shield Player That Rocks award, as well as the Forward That Rocks and Back That Rocks awards. The seven FNB Varsity Shield head coaches all nominated three players in each category (excluding their own players), ranked from first to third place. The votes were then collated by the tournament organisers, with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The three players with the most points in each category are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winners. The public can cast their votes on the Varsity Cup Facebook page and the Varsity Shield Instagram page from Friday, 15 April until 12:00 on the day of the FNB Varsity Shield final on Thursday, 21 April. The public can only vote once on Facebook and once on Instagram. The total combined votes will determine the winners in each category. The winners will be announced after the FNB Varsity Shield final. The Overall Player That Rocks will receive R20,000, with the Forward and Back That Rocks each walking away with R7,500. ‘Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield are tournaments for the people,’ says Varsity Cup Tournament Director Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi. ‘We have a passionate following and want to involve the public in how we decide the category award winners. The amazing thing this year is that all but one of the matches have been televised, so the public have seen all these amazing players in action.’ 2022 FNB Varsity Shield awards nominees: FNB Back That Rocks Facebook (all) Lwandile Mapuko (Instagram) Feghon-Leigh Snyders (Instagram) Keith Chiwara (Instagram) FNB Forward That Rocks Facebook (all) Siyasanga Ngubelanga (Instagram) Menzi Mabasa (Instagram) Ché Klaasen (Instagram) FNB Overall Player That Rocks Facebook (all) Feghon-Leigh Snyders (Instagram) Ché Klaasen (Instagram) Keith Chiwara (Instagram)

FNB Varsity Cup Prop Melusi Mthabela speaks about the unity within the FNB UFS Shimlas squad, his admiration for Springbok legend Beast Mtawarira and the opportunity to play in the FNB Varsity Cup playoffs. What about rugby attracted you to the game? I come from a small community where the game of rugby is foreign, but my oldest brother went to a high school that plays rugby. During the 2007 World Cup, he made us watch the semi-finals and final. From those games, my interest grew. It’s a game that can unite, bring joy and make a whole nation proud. Who had the biggest influence on your game? I was a big boy growing up. When I decided to try out at the age of 12, the only suitable position for me was in the front row. At the time, Beast Mtawarira was playing for the Springboks and he definitely had an influence on my rugby. He was my Idol. How did you end up playing for FNB UFS Shimlas? After the 2020 Varsity Cup campaign, I felt like I needed a bigger platform to showcase my rugby talent. At that time, I had a couple of offers but Shimlas just felt like the right choice. I couldn't play in 2021 due to studies but I made the choice to come back again and it was one of the soundest decisions I've ever made in my life. I love it here. Earlier in the season, you came on as a sub. More recently, you've worn the No 1 on your back. How much have you enjoyed the campaign? I've always believed in the coaches, and when I was given the opportunity, I knew that they believed in me too. It made it easy for me to wear the starting jersey, but it also gave me a great sense of responsibility. I have enjoyed it to the point that I don't want it to end. This is your last FNB Varsity Cup campaign. What has made the journey special? It has to be the band of brotherhood that we've formed this year. The team has a lot of cultural diversity, which can be a stumbling block for others, but not for us. We have embraced it. We've come together to form a great team that has mutual respect for one another, and that has formed a sense of belonging for all. I can confidently say I've made some brothers for life. There are possibly two more games left in the tournament for yourself and FNB UFS Shimlas. How emotional is it going to be, especially when you hear the national anthem in the build-up? It's always an emotional feeling for us to stand there and sing the national anthem. During that moment, I definitely feel grateful for my God-given talent. I always envision my family watching from home and think how proud they must be to see me singing the national anthem on TV. For my parents to say, 'That's my son' – that always makes me emotional. What are your plans for the future? That’s a question that's still in my head, but I do have several qualifications under my belt for me to explore [Bachelor of Public Administration degree, Bcom Honours in Supply Chain Management, and a post graduate diploma in Public Administration]. I would also like to go back home and help with the family farming business, but my heart is still with rugby. I always pray that the Lord grants me the opportunity to go pro. But for now, my main focus is the Varsity Cup. What is it that makes Melusi Mthabela a unique player? I'm a very level-headed person. I can handle pressure very well, on and off the field. People have always thought my height [1.68m] is a bit of a disadvantage [at the scrum], but I feel like it's actually an advantage for me as a prop. Also, I'm a player who can play both the tight game and running rugby. For me, that is very important. Interview by Morgan Piek Photo: Hannes Naude/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Shield The FNB UFH Blues will go into their clash with the FNB WSU All Blacks as massive favourites, while the playoff between FNB CPUT and the FNB UKZN Impi could swing on one or two big moments. Fort Hare have been the form team of this year’s FNB Varsity Shield. A pragmatic yet devastating approach earned them six consecutive wins across the round-robin phase. The balance in their game is best illustrated by their attack and defence stats. They finished the league with the second-most points scored (158) and the fewest points conceded (42). Defence wins tournaments and Fort Hare will rely on their formidable system to do the business in the coming semi-final. ALSO READ: Five FNB Varsity Shield players who impressed That said, they do have a powerful set piece – the front row of Edwin Nxumalo, Kamvelihle Fatyela and Mnkani Sibabalo have dominated all comers at the scrum – and a strong kicking game, not to mention some dangerous ball-carriers in the wider channels. What’s more, they will be playing this fixture at home. One would expect them to win and strengthen their bid for the title. ALSO READ: Relegated FNB DUT 'devastated and heartbroken' FNB WSU have blown hot and cold this season, as their record of three wins and three losses confirms. It’s important to note that the All Blacks haven’t beaten the other three semi-finalists in 2022. They will be hard-pressed to do so in a playoff. Fort Hare will endeavour to keep the game structured in order to maximise their set-piece and defensive strengths. The All Blacks, however, will want to play from broken field as much as possible. If they are still in the contest at half-time, and if the game opens up in the dying stages, they may be in with a chance of an upset victory. FNB UFH BLUES vs FNB WSU ALL BLACKS (Thursday, 19:15, 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 Ayabulela 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 Avuzwa Noko, 21 Merlin du Plessis, 22 Senanelo Ndlazi, 23 Liyema Tyali. FNB WSU All Blacks – 15 Tebogo Madigoe, 14 Sibusiso Hans, 13 Scelo Tole, 12 Thembani Kori, 11 Soyama Mini, 10 Lwandile Mapuko, 9 Lithemba Ngcetane, 8 Bubele Gongqa, 7 Uyathandwa Fana, 6 Ayabulela Zono, 5 Asekho Marubelela (c), 4 Miyelani Ngobeni, 3 Thembalihle Njadu, 2 Zanokuhle Nkabi, 1 Lindokuhle Seteni. Subs: 16 Ovayo Mhlonyane, 17 Anda Matshoba, 18 Dayton Berndt, 19 Kamva Tetani, 20 Khanya Solani, 21 Eric Mcaphukana, 22 Yamkela Nyembe, 23 Lisolethu Valisi. The first semi-final of the day promises to be a more intense and dramatic affair. In the league stage, the FNB UKZN Impi beat FNB CPUT 20-18 thanks to a try and conversion after the final hooter. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB CPUT vs FNB UKZN Impi (Round 6) How much have FNB CPUT learned over the league phase and will they take those lessons to heart? They were the most potent attacking side on show (184 points scored) and their defence conceded the second-fewest points (61). However, their game management let them down at times, as was witnessed in the last-gasp losses to the Impi and the Blues. FNB CPUT have dominated the FNB Varsity Shield in recent years and will be looking to secure a third title in 2022. They will need to meet the physicality of the Impi at the gainline on Thursday, and maintain their intensity, in order to progress to the final. FNB CPUT have been particularly impressive at the breakdowns. They have competed fiercely to force many turnovers and have launched many successful counterattacks. They possess the best attacking flyhalf in the tournament in Feghorn-Leigh Snyders and some clinical finishers in the wider channels. The Impi will need to be at their accurate best if they are going to dethrone the champs. FNB CPUT vs FNB UKZN IMPI (Thursday, 17:00, Davidson Rugby Field, SuperSport channel 207) FNB CPUT – 15 Caine Stadler, 14 Christopher Andrews, 13 Iwaan Bloys, 12 Philasande Ngcobo, 11 Keenan Williams, 10 Feghon-Leigh Snyders, 9 Duran Alexander, 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 Onika Mgijima, 18 Masivuye Mafenyana, 19 Lungelo Kubheka, 20 Leano Haupt, 21 Hugan Engelbrecht, 22 Keano Cookson, 23 Darren Alexander. FNB UKZN Impi – 15 Jarryd Nicholls, 14 Zamakuhle Zulu, 13 Singele Mkhize, 12 Gacula Poswa, 11 Devandre Adendorf, 10 Dawro Kock, 9 Johan Maritz (c), 8 Menzi Mabaso, 7 CJ Osode, 6 Sinamava Ntsinde, 5 Wilhelm Fenske, 4 Nhlakanipho Mathonsi, 3 Ulrich Walker, 2 Tristan Trollip, 1 Bambolunye Dlamini. Subs: 16 Qhawe Nxumalo, 17 Benjamin Maseko, 18 Muzomuhle Ncanana, 19 Tinotenda Mazhindu, 20 Sbongokuhle Ngubane, 21 Thando Cele, 22 Marcello Flemmer, 23 Khanya Kama. FNB Varsity Shield 2021-22 combined log

FNB Varsity Shield The FNB UFH Blues and FNB CPUT won their respective semi-finals on Thursday to progress to the FNB Varsity Shield decider. The Blues remain unbeaten after seven matches in 2022. They will host FNB CPUT – the reigning champions – in Alice on Thursday, 21 April. In the first of two semi-finals staged at the Davidson Rugby Field on Thursday, FNB CPUT were pushed to the brink in their 26-24 win against the FNB UKZN Impi. FNB CPUT won the territorial battle in the initial stages and their abrasive approach at the gainline forced the Impi to concede possession and penalties. They took control of the contest after captain Siyasanga Ngubelanga scored from the back of a well-executed maul right before the strategy break. Six minutes later, Impi flyhalf Dawro Kock was sent to the sin bin for a reckless challenge. FNB CPUT punished the 14-man side immediately, with hulking lock Moegamat Toffar swooping on a loose ball and crashing over the line. The Impi conceded another try right before the break. Feghorn-Leigh Synders converted Darren Alexander’s score to extend FNB CPUT’s lead to 19-10 at half-time. When Roland van der Heever powered through the defence in the 48th minute, the result appeared to be in the bag. The Impi refused to give up, though, and struck back through their talismanic winger Zamakhule Zulu. FNB CPUT began to lose focus. Reserve scrumhalf Hugan Engelbrecht was shown a yellow card for cynical play in the 56th minute. The Impi punished the transgression when they drove upfield and scored. In the space of 10 minutes, they had reduced the deficit from 16 points to two. Both teams enjoyed opportunities to score in the closing stages, but failed to convert. FNB CPUT repelled the Impi’s final surge, and then cleared the ball upfield. From there, they hung on to secure their place in the final. In the second playoff on Thursday evening, the FNB UFH Blues beat the FNB WSU All Blacks 19-16 in a fiercely contested Eastern Cape derby. The game marked a tribute – and a fitting one at that – to the late Fort Hare director of rugby Elliot Fana. The opening quarter was particularly physical. The Blues hurled themselves into the collisions, while the All Blacks refused to give an inch at the gainline. FNB WSU lacked control, though, and replacement centre Yamkela Nyembe was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle after nine minutes. They conceded a penalty try after pulling down a Fort Hare maul and lock Miyela Ngobeni received his team’s second yellow card of the game. Despite their poor discipline and the resultant loss of personnel, the All Blacks outmuscled the Blues and went to the break with an 11-7 lead. FNB UFH scrummed their way back into the contest. After winning a series of set-piece penalties on the FNB WSU tryline, they were awarded a penalty try. The All Blacks continued to attack. Lwandile Mapuko linked up with Sibusiso Hans to earn a 16-14 lead. Mapuko – who had an excellent game in general play yet a poor night in front of goal – went on to miss a crucial conversion attempt. Fort Hare lost a number of lineouts in good field positions over the course of the game. In the 74th minute, however, they secured possession from a set piece deep in FNB WSU territory. From there, they patiently recycled the ball through the phases. Lock Walter Moyo eventually breached the defence to score the game-winning try. FNB Varsity Shield semi-final results and scorers: FNB CPUT 26 (19) – Tries: Siyasanga Ngubelanga, Moegamat Toffar, Darren Alexander, Roland van der Heever. Conversions: Feghorn-Leigh Snyders (3). FNB UKZN Impi 24 (10) – Tries: Menzi Mabaso, Zamakuhle Zulu, Johan Maritz. Conversions: Jarryd Nicholls (3). Penalty: Dawro Kock. FNB Player That Rocks: Roland van der Heever (FNB CPUT) FNB UFH Blues 19 (7) – Tries: Penalty try (2), Walter Moyo. FNB WSU All Blacks 16 (11) – Tries: Soyama Mini, Sibusiso Hans. Penalties: Lwandile Mapuko (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Lwandile Mapuko (FNB WSU All Blacks) FNB Varsity Shield final: FNB UFH Blues vs FNB CPUT (Thursday, 21 April, Davidson Rugby Field, 19:00, SuperSport channel 207) Photo: Dane Fortein/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UWC may have been relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield, but lock Jaen-Louis de Lange believes they will be back in the top flight sooner rather than later. Paul Treu’s troops led FNB Maties 31-28 at the Danie Craven Stadium after 61 minutes on Monday but couldn’t hold on for a famous victory. As a result, Udubs finished ninth on the 2021-22 combined log and were relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield along with the 10th-placed FNB Madibaz. HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Maties vs FNB UWC The 22-year-old De Lange scored Udubs’ second of four tries on the night and put in a typical workmanlike performance. He says it’s 'very sad' that his team has been relegated, three years after winning the FNB Varsity Shield and winning promotion to the FNB Varsity Cup. 'We played one of our best games of the season [on Monday] but still couldn’t manage to beat Maties for the first time in the history of the competition,' he adds. 'We find solace in the fact that we gave it our all, left everything out on the pitch and gave ourselves a chance to pull it off. In the end, we couldn’t – there were so many factors that didn’t go our way in this campaign. 'We had a great pre-season, we had a great squad, but suddenly we were depleted because we lost crucial players at various times of the season, some even before a ball was kicked. We couldn’t build the depth required for the competition because we had injuries and guys were called up to provincial duty on match days. 'Coach Paul instilled a new belief and culture in this team and he has a long-term plan for rugby at UWC – an institution that has shown in the past that we defeat the notion that we can’t stand up and be counted. 'So I have no doubt that we’ll be back in the Varsity Cup where we belong.' – From the 2023 season, there will be eight teams in the FNB Varsity Cup and eight in the FNB Varsity Shield. The team ending bottom on the Cup log will be automatically relegated to the Shield, while the team finishing top of the Shield log will be automatically promoted to the Cup. By Shafiek Mouton Photo: Luigi Bennett/Varsity Cup