FNB Varsity Cup FNB UP-Tuks fullback Zander du Plessis will join Griquas after Monday night's FNB Varsity Cup final at Tuks Stadium (19:00, SuperSport Rugby channel 211). It's no surprise that the 21-year-old points machine has been snapped up by a provincial union after a sensational run in this year's FNB Varsity Cup that saw him break former Ikeys flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis' record of 136 points in a season (in 2012). He will go into the final looking to add to his 145-point haul. The ever-humble Du Plessis credits the Stripe Generation for giving him the platform to be able to perform like he has this year. "Breaking a record is always nice," he tells VarsityCup.co.za. "It wasn’t something I focused on, though. I took each game as a new opportunity to do my best and luckily for me I had a great team that gave me opportunities to get points on the board. "Playing alongside my teammates just makes my life so much easier. We obviously have a game plan and everyone buys into it, because if that wasn’t the case, we wouldn't have got this far. "It is a massive privilege to play for Tuks in the Varsity Cup," he adds. "If you look at all those who have played for the university, including several World Cup winners, you realise what an honour it is." Du Plessis says this year's FNB Varsity Cup was one of the toughest. "Not only because of the short turnaround between matches, but also the quality of the teams this year," he explains. "All the teams made a massive step up and I'm delighted that we have made it to the final." It will be the first meeting between FNB UP-Tuks and FNB UCT this year after their Round 6 clash was cancelled following three Covid-19 positive tests in the hosts’ camp. "The fact that we didn’t play Ikeys in the league stage makes this final more exciting," says Du Plessis. "I think if we can keep calm and stick to our game plan, we will be victorious." Du Plessis, who can also slot in at flyhalf, is excited to be heading to Kimberley after the FNB Varsity Cup. "I've always wanted to make a career in rugby and signing my first senior professional contract with Griquas is the first step in making that dream a reality," says the BCom Business Management student. "I'm looking forward to representing them as there are several former Tukkies players on their books. I will definitely give my all." Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup Cohen Jasper drove away in a Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5Xi courtesy of Hertz Car Rental after winning the Overall Player That Rocks award in the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup. The FNB CUT Ixias fullback saw off the challenge of FNB UWC flank Tinotenda Mavesere and FNB UCT Ikeys flyhalf/fullback James Tedder in a public vote on the FNB Varsity Cup App and Facebook page. Jasper scored seven tries in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup, including the winner in their first-ever win against FNB Maties. The 20-year-old posed the biggest attacking threat in the tournament, drawing comparisons with Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe from Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie. Jasper is set to play for the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup later this year. Meanwhile, Mavesere won the FNB Forward That Rocks award, seeing off the challenge of FNB Maties lock Ben-Jason Dixon and FNB UCT Ikeys flank Niel Otto. The FNB UWC flank scored seven tries in the tournament, including a hat-trick against the FNB Madibaz. FNB Maties wing Munier Hartzenberg was named FNB Back That Rocks, for which FNB UCT Ikeys centre Evardi Boshoff and FNB UP-Tuks fullback Zander du Plessis were also nominated. Hartzenberg was his team’s leading try-scorer this year, with five. 2021 FNB Varsity Cup award winners: Overall Player That Rocks: Cohen Jasper (FNB CUT Ixias) Forward That Rocks: Tinotenda Mavesere (FNB UWC) Back That Rocks: Munier Hartzenberg (FNB Maties)

FNB Varsity Cup FNB UP-Tuks dethroned FNB Maties before FNB UCT dominated FNB NWU in the FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals at Tuks Stadium on Friday. The Ikey Tigers and Tuks will meet at the same venue on Monday (19:00, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) in a repeat of the 2011 final. It will be the teams' first meeting this season after their Round 6 clash was cancelled. FNB UCT will be looking to lift the FNB Varsity Cup for the third time, while FNB UP-Tuks are chasing their fourth title. FNB MATIES 35 (3) FNB UP-TUKS 44 (18) Zander du Plessis broke the record for most points scored in an FNB Varsity Cup season as FNB UP-Tuks ended FNB Maties’ reign as champions, writes Dan Lombard. The fullback surpassed former FNB UCT flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis’ haul of 136 points from the 2012 season and will go into Monday’s final with his tally on 145. The Stripe Generation had a score to settle with their old foe, especially after losing out to them in the league stage. Winger Stefan Coetzee opened their account in the fifth minute and while Du Plessis missed two early shots at goal, he then landed two penalty goals and converted flyhalf David Coetzer's five-pointer. The Maroon Machine only had a solitary penalty goal via flyhalf Adriaan van der Bank for their first-half contribution to the scoreboard. The second half proved to be a points fiesta as FNB Maties wing Munier Hartzenberg touched down a converted try before FNB UP-Tuks struck back with a try to flank Stephan Smit and Coetzee's second, which was recorded as a point-of-origin try. The Maroon Machine woke up in the final 20 minutes as wing Siba Xamlashe scored two point-of-origin tries either side of FNB UP-Tuks scrumhalf Clyde Lewis’ simple support-running try. FNB Maties flank Mitchell Carstens’ 77th-minute converted try reduced the deficit to nine points, but it was FNB UP-Tuks who celebrated winning a late breakdown penalty and the match. FNB Player That Rocks: Zander du Plessis (FNB UP-Tuks) FNB Maties – Tries: Munier Hartzenberg, Siba Xamlashe (2x7), Mitchell Carstens. Conversions: Adriaan van der Bank, Nevaldo Fleurs (3). Penalty: Van der Bank. FNB UP-Tuks – Tries: Stefan Coetzee (1x5, 1x7), David Coetzer, Stephan Smit, Clyde Lewis. Conversions: Zander du Plessis (4). Penalties: Du Plessis (3). FNB Maties – 15 Juan Mostert, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 David Brits (c), 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Siba Xamlashe, 10 Adriaan van der Bank, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Thys Kitshoff, 7 Gift Dlamini, 6 Mitchell Carstens, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Simon Miller, 3 Duncan du Buisson, 2 HJ Luus, 1 Dian Bleuler. Subs: 16 Abri Coetzee, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 James Combrink, 19 Marco van Rhyn, 20 Jesse Johnson, 21 Tomas Bursey, 22 Waqar Solaan, 23 Nevaldo Fleurs. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Zander du Plessis, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Sango Xamlashe (c), 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 11 Tharquin Manuel, 10 David Coetzer, 9 Clyde Lewis, 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Eduan Lubbe, 5 Louis Meiring, 4 Mihlali Stamper, 3 Damien Swartz, 2 Werner Fourie, 1 Cebo Dlamini. Subs: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Dewald Donald, 18 Etienne Janeke, 19 Orateng Koikanyang, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 Enrique Oranje, 23 Ambesa Zenzeli. Vote for your FNB Varsity Cup award winners! FNB UCT IKEYS 54 (21) FNB NWU EAGLES 36 (22) FNB UCT fought back from 15-0 down to beat FNB NWU and book their place in the FNB Varsity Cup final, writes Bronwen Bain. The Eagles came into this semi-final as underdogs having finished fourth on the log, but made a superb start against the table-topping Ikey Tigers, who had top point-scorer James Tedder ruled out just before kick-off. However, FNB UCT soon rediscovered their form to take a 21-15 lead, and while the Eagles scored a try in first-half stoppage time to go back in front, they faded in the second half as a tough recent schedule took its toll. FNB NWU winger Keano Windvogel chased down a kick to score a point-of-origin try in the second minute of the match, with flyhalf Nivan Petersen kicking the conversion and adding two penalty goals. FNB UCT hit back with tries to lock Gary Porter, centre Le Roux Malan and No 8 Christian Stehlik, before FNB NWU hooker Gustav du Rand mauled his way over for his ninth try of the tournament. Petersen's conversion gave the Eagles a 22-21 advantage at the break. FNB UCT regained the lead when replacement hooker Josh van Vuuren scored off a driving maul early in the second half. David Hayes’ up-and-under then resulted in the flyhalf scoring a point-of-origin try and when winger Rihaz Fredericks dived over in the right corner, the Ikey Tigers led 40-22 after 59 minutes. Replacement Eagles prop Arno Gustafson forced his way over the whitewash, before Ikeys replacement scrumhalf Kyle Bowman scored at the other end. Van Vuuren’s second maul try took FNB UCT past the 50-point mark, with replacement scrumhalf Caleb Louw then scoring a late consolation try for FNB NWU. FNB Player That Rocks: David Hayes (FNB UCT) FNB UCT Ikeys – Tries: Gary Porter, Le Roux Malan, Christian Stehlik, Josh van Vuuren (2), Rihaz Fredericks, David Hayes (1x7), Kyle Bowman. Conversions: David Hayes (4), Kyle Bowman (2). FNB NWU Eagles – Tries: Keano Windvogel (1x7), Gustav du Rand, Arno Gustafson, Caleb Louw. Conversions: Nivan Petersen (2), Marco Donges, Riaan Genis. Penalties: Petersen (2). FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Le Roux Malan, 11 Rethabile Louw, 10 David Hayes, 9 William Rose, 8 Christian Stehlik, 25* Niel Otto, 6 Liam Greenhalgh (c), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Byron Cranswick, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Devon Arendse, 1 Luthando Woji. Subs: 16 Josh van Vuuren, 17 Seth Christian, 18 Jovan Bekker, 19 Byron Bowes, 20 Taariq Kruger, 21 Kyle Bowman, 22 Sibabalwe Mzanywa, 23 Duran Koevort. *Jersey worn on the day FNB NWU Eagles – 15 Shane van Rooyen, 14 Sylvester Hassien, 13 Lincoln Daniels (c), 12 Marco Donges, 11 Keano Windvogel, 10 Nivan Petersen, 9 Riaan Genis, 8 Didintle Sekati, 7 Ruben Dreyer, 6 André Fouché, 5 Jeandré Leonard, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Ruben du Plessis. Subs: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Rehann Baumann, 18 Arno Gustafson, 19 George van der Westhuizen, 20 Jandré de Beer, 21 Caleb Louw, 22 Kagiso Woodbridge, 23 Pienaar van Niekerk. DOWNLOAD THE NEW FNB VARSITY CUP APP! App Store Google Play

FNB Varsity Cup Fans can expect two epic battles when the FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals take place at Tuks Stadium on Friday. The North-South derby has been played 22 times in the FNB Varsity Cup, including three at the semi-final stage of the tournament. The Maroon Machine won all three, by an average score of 45-23. FNB Maties also won this year’s Round 4 clash between the teams, 31-24. In 2021, the five-time champions have not met the high standards they set for themselves, suffering two losses against FNB UCT and FNB CUT during the league stage, but they showed what they are capable of by thrashing FNB UFS Shimlas in their previous outing to finish second on the log, ahead of Tuks. "Reaching the semi-finals means we've stuck to our plan and it works,” says FNB Maties captain David Brits. “Friday’s match will be a different beast. If you want to be the best, you must beat the best, and Tuks in Pretoria is always a tough battle. Everyone is ready, so may the best team win.” FNB Maties coach Drikus Hancke expects both sides to "bring a lot of intensity and passion" to the semi-final. "And, like always, Tukkies will want to dominate the set-piece and dominate territory through a good kicking game," he added. FNB UP-Tuks have been consistent in their style of play, which is similar to that of the Bulls and Springboks. They tend to switch gears in the second half and employ a quality bench that generally overpowers their opponents in the last quarter. “We’ve put a lot of work into this campaign and we’re still only starting to reap the fruits of it,” says FNB UP-Tuks centre and captain Sango Xamlashe. “A lot of preparation has gone into the semi-final this week too and the boys are really excited about it.” FNB UP-Tuks coach Nico Luus says FNB Maties have hit form at the right time. “They played some brilliant rugby in the last bubble. They have a very good kicking game and very good forwards, so as a team we’re looking forward to proving ourselves against one of the best teams in the competition.” FNB UP-Tuks flyhalf Zander du Plessis, who has attracted interest from professional clubs off the back of his performances in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup, is the tournament’s top point-scorer with 128 (see table below), while flank Eduan Lubbe has scored five tries. FNB Maties hooker André-Hugo Venter has benefited from a strong forward display to cross the line six times, while flyhalf Christopher Schreuder is his team’s top point-scorer with 49. FNB Maties – 15 Juan Mostert, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 David Brits (c), 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Siba Xamlashe, 10 Adriaan van der Bank, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Thys Kitshoff, 7 Gift Dlamini, 6 Mitchell Carstens, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Simon Miller, 3 James Combrink, 2 HJ Luus, 1 Dian Bleuler. Subs: 16 Abri Coetzee, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Duncan du Buisson, 19 Marco van Rhyn, 20 Jesse Johnson, 21 Tomas Bursey, 22 Waqar Solaan, 23 Nevaldo Fleurs. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Zander du Plessis, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Sango Xamlashe (c), 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 11 Tharquin Manuel, 10 David Coetzer, 9 Clyde Lewis, 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Eduan Lubbe, 5 Louis Meiring, 4 Mihlali Stamper, 3 Damien Swartz, 2 Werner Fourie, 1 Cebo Dlamini. Subs: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Dewald Donald, 18 Etienne Janeke, 19 Orateng Koikanyang, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 Enrique Oranje, 23 Ambesa Zenzeli. This will be the third FNB Varsity Cup semi-final meeting between the teams, with FNB UCT having won by a point in 2008 and FNB NWU by two points in 2009. The Ikey Tigers beat the Eagles 42-36 in their Round 8 encounter this year, before going on to top the log for the first time since the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup in 2008. The Eagles snuck into the semi-finals after beating FNB CUT in their last league-stage fixture. FNB UCT have been the trendsetters this season from the moment they ended FNB Maties’ 25-match unbeaten run in the opening round. The Ikeys are ruthless on attack, as evident by the fact that they achieved seven try-scoring bonus points from the eight matches they played. Fullback Athi Gazi and wing Rethabile Louw both crossed the whitewash on six occasions, while the Ikey Tigers' energy has been effectively directed by flyhalf James Tedder, who has scored 105 points. FNB UCT will go into Friday’s semi-finals as favourites but will not underestimate their opponents. "NWU have a big, physical side that will want to bully us,” says FNB UCT coach Tom Dawson-Squibb. “They have a very strong maul, which they have made good use of throughout the tournament, and some really talented players. You can see that they’re a resilient and tight-knit side, and they will provide us with a good challenge.” Ikeys captain Liam Greenhalgh says reaching the semi-finals means a lot to his team considering what they have gone through. “It’s a testament to all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices we've had to make as group since last September. It's been a helluva journey that we've thoroughly enjoyed and I think we are going to express how much it means to us by producing our best possible performance in the semi-final.” Meanwhile, FNB NWU are happy to go into the playoffs as underdogs. “We don't have any pressure on us,” says Eagles coach André Pretorius. “The pressure is firmly on UCT as they're expected to win the semi-final. That gives us the freedom to play and that's when we're the most dangerous. “We’re expecting a fierce contest at the breakdown,” Pretorius added. “UCT have shown time and time again throughout this competition that they are very effective at the breakdown, so we need to be clinical there to nullify that threat. Their kicking game has also worked really well for them, so patience will be key for us.” FNB NWU captain Lincoln Daniels says that having worked so hard to get into the semi-finals, his men aim to make the most of the opportunity. "We want to show what we are capable of and see it as another chance to lift the Varsity Cup.” Hooker Gustav du Rand and loose forward André Fouché have been stalwarts for the Eagles this season, with the former scoring eight tries, while flyhalf Keagan Fortune has contributed 62 points. FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Le Roux Malan, 11 Rethabile Louw, 10 David Hayes, 9 William Rose, 8 Christian Stehlik, 7 Niel Otto, 6 Liam Greenhalgh (c), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Byron Cranswick, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Devon Arendse, 1 Luthando Woji. Subs: 16 Josh van Vuuren, 17 Seth Christian, 18 Jovan Bekker, 19 Byron Bowes, 20 Taariq Kruger, 21 Kyle Bowman, 22 Sibabalwe Mzanywa, 23 Duran Koevort. FNB NWU Eagles – 15 Shane van Rooyen, 14 Sylvester Hassien, 13 Lincoln Daniels (c), 12 Marco Donges, 11 Keano Windvogel, 10 Nivan Petersen, 9 Riaan Genis, 8 Didintle Sekati, 7 Ruben Dreyer, 6 André Fouché, 5 Jeandré Leonard, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Ruben du Plessis. Subs: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Rehann Baumann, 18 Arno Gustafson, 19 George van der Westhuizen, 20 Jandré de Beer, 21 Caleb Louw, 22 Kagiso Woodbridge, 23 Pienaar van Niekerk. READ: World’s first smart rugby ball to be used in FNB Varsity Cup playoffs WHITE CARD EXPLAINED A white card referral may be used by coaches and captains to review a decision made by a referee. Each team will be allowed one referral per half. If the team is successful in their referral, they will keep their referral. If they are unsuccessful, they will lose it. The process will be as follows: 1. Each team will receive two cards marked ‘Half 1’ and ‘Half 2’. 2. If the captain wants to refer an incident, he will request the referee to show a white card. 3. He has to be specific in his referral. No general referral will be allowed. 4. If the coach wants to refer an incident, he will request the TMO to inform the referee of the white card request. The referee will show the white card. 5. The coach will then convey his referral to the TMO and this must be specific. 6. The TMO will then inform the referee and producer and the normal procedures will prevail. 7. Once a half or the game finishes, each team will have 15 seconds to indicate if they want to use a white card referral. READ: FNB Varsity Cup promotion/relegation 2021-2022 EXTRA TIME AND KICK-OUT EXPLAINED If the scores are level after full-time, 20 minutes of extra time (10 minutes each way) will be played with a one-minute break. The teams will toss ahead of extra time. If the scores are still level after extra time, a kick-out will be held. For the kick-out, each team chooses five players out of the matchday 23, whether they have played in the match or not, to place-kick from a designated point on the field as instructed by the tournament director or referee. The teams will toss for kicking first. If the score is still equal after the kick-out, it will continue on a sudden-death basis. The same five players will kick again in the same sequence that was used in the first round of the kick-out. Vote for your FNB Varsity Cup award winners! 2021 FNB VARSITY CUP TOP POINT-SCORERS Pos Name Team Points 1 Zander du Plessis FNB UP-Tuks 128 2 James Tedder FNB UCT Ikeys 105 3 JP Duvenage FNB UFS Shimlas 73 4 Charles Williams FNB CUT Ixias 71 5 Jurich Claasens FNB UJ 64 6 Keagan Fortune FNB NWU Eagles 62 7 Branden de Kock FNB UWC 60 8 Janus Venter FNB CUT Ixias 60 9 Christopher Schreuder FNB Maties 49 10 Gustav du Rand FNB NWU Eagles 40 2021 FNB VARSITY CUP TOP TRY-SCORERS Pos Name Team Points 1 Janus Venter FNB CUT Ixias 12 2 Gustav du Rand FNB NWU Eagles 8 3 Cohen Jasper FNB CUT Ixias 7 4 Tinotenda Mavesere FNB UWC 7 5 Athi Gazi FNB UCT Ikeys 6 6 Rethabile Louw FNB UCT Ikeys 6 7 André-Hugo Venter FNB Maties 6 8 Devon Arendse FNB UCT Ikeys 5 9 Thembekile Boltina FNB Madibaz 5 10 Eduan Lubbe FNB UP-Tuks 5

FNB Varsity Cup The 2021 FNB Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament will drive away in a Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5Xi courtesy of preferred supplier Hertz Car Rental. Three player awards – the Overall Player That Rocks, Forward That Rocks and Back That Rocks – will be presented after the FNB Varsity Cup final on Monday, 31 May. The Overall Player That Rocks is a prestigious award comparable to the Heisman Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in American college football. After Round 9 of the tournament, the FNB Varsity Cup head coaches all nominated three players in 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 via Facebook and the Varsity Cup App will determine the overall winners in the three categories. Fans can cast their votes on: The FNB Varsity Cup Facebook page from Thursday, 27 May until 12:00 on Monday, 31 May, the day of the FNB Varsity Cup final at Tuks Stadium (participants can only vote once). The FNB Varsity Cup App from Thursday, 27 May until 23:59 on Sunday, 30 May (participants can only vote once). Only fans who vote via the App stand the chance to win some cash prizes. To stand the chance to win one of three R1,000 cash prizes, fans need to download the Varsity Cup App from the App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions on the Fan Zone functionality. Fans need to submit a short video where they declare their choice of Player That Rocks. “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.” 2021 FNB Varsity Cup awards nominees: Overall Player That Rocks Cohen Jasper (FNB CUT Ixias) Tinotenda Mavesere (FNB UWC) James Tedder (FNB UCT Ikeys) Vote on Facebook Forward That Rocks Ben-Jason Dixon (FNB Maties) Tinotenda Mavesere (FNB UWC) Niel Otto (FNB UCT Ikeys) Vote on Facebook Back That Rocks Evardi Boshoff (FNB UCT Ikeys) Zander du Plessis (FNB UP-Tuks) Munier Hartzenberg (FNB Maties) Vote on Facebook

FNB Varsity Cup It’s time to vote for the Players That Rocks! After Round 9 of the tournament, the FNB Varsity Cup head coaches all nominated three players in 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 via Facebook and the Varsity Cup App will determine the overall winners in the three categories: Overall Player That Rocks Back That Rocks Forward That Rocks Fans can cast their votes on: The FNB Varsity Cup Facebook page from Thursday, 27 May until 12:00 on Monday, 31 May, the day of the FNB Varsity Cup final at Tuks Stadium (participants can only vote once). The FNB Varsity Cup App from Thursday, 27 May until 23:59 on Sunday, 30 May (participants can only vote once). Only fans who vote via the App stand the chance to win some cash prizes. To stand the chance to win one of three R1,000 cash prizes, fans need to download the Varsity Cup App from the App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions on the Fan Zone functionality. Fans need to submit a short video where they declare their choice of Player That Rocks. The three award winners will be announced after the final, with the Overall Player That Rocks driving away in a Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5Xi 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.” 2021 FNB Varsity Cup awards nominees: Overall Player That Rocks Cohen Jasper (FNB CUT Ixias) Tinotenda Mavesere (FNB UWC) James Tedder (FNB UCT Ikeys) Vote on Facebook Forward That Rocks Ben-Jason Dixon (FNB Maties) Tinotenda Mavesere (FNB UWC) Niel Otto (FNB UCT Ikeys) Vote on Facebook Back That Rocks Evardi Boshoff (FNB UCT Ikeys) Zander du Plessis (FNB UP-Tuks) Munier Hartzenberg (FNB Maties) Vote on Facebook Player That Rocks Fan Challenge on Varsity Cup App Competition Terms and Conditions FNB Varsity Cup fans can vote for their choice of Player That Rocks via social media or the Varsity Cup App. To vote via social To cast your vote via social media fans must go to the FNB Varsity Cup Facebook page and vote for the nominees in each category from Wednesday, 26 May until 12:00 on Monday, 31 May, the day of the FNB Varsity Cup final (participants can only vote once). To vote on the Varsity Cup App Only votes submitted via the Varsity Cup App will be entered into a lucky draw, with three fans each winning R1,000. To stand a chance to win, fans need to record a short video where you nominate a player in each of the following categories Overall Player That Rocks Forward That Rocks Back That Rocks Once your video is recorded, download the Varsity Cup App and sign in Tap on the Fan Zone and respond to the Player that Rocks Challenge Add YOUR name to the title, attach your video and submit. Fans can only submit one video entry. Fans can nominate one player in each of the three categories. All their nominations will count as an individual entry. One winner will be chosen via random draw from all entries received. Three fans stand a chance to win R1,000 each. Video submission on the Varsity Cup App closes on Sunday, 30 May at 23:59. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, 1 June 2021. The promoter is ASEM Varsity Sports (Pty) Ltd whose registered office is 58 Jan Smuts, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa. This competition is open to all residents of the Republic of South Africa except any person who is- a director, member, partner, employee or agent of, or consultant to the promoter or any other person who directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by, the promoter; or a supplier of goods or services in connection with the competition. The winner will be contacted via phone or email and their prize delivered electronically or via registered mail, whichever is relevant for the type of prize. The winner will be announced on Varsity Cup social media. The prize is non-transferable and may not be exchanged. JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL AND NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO. ASEM Varsity Sports reserves the right to vary, suspend, postpone or terminate the competition and any prizes, or any aspect thereof, for any reasons whatsoever and without notice. In such event, you hereby waive any rights or expectations which you may have against ASEM Varsity Sports and acknowledge that you will not have any recourse or claim of any nature against ASEM Varsity Sports. 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ASEM Varsity Sports will not charge you a fee to update this request on its systems. ASEM Varsity Sports will give effect to any changes requested by you as soon as reasonably possible.

FNB Varsity Cup FNB NWU Eagles loose forward André Fouché is putting in 80-minute performances just like 2018 captain Tiaan Bezuidenhout, who tragically passed away in a car accident on 8 May. The Eagles opted to retire their No 8 jersey in memory of Bezuidenhout for their Round 8 match against FNB UCT, with eighthman Ruben Dreyer wearing the No 24 jersey instead. The occasion was even more special for Fouché, who has been best friends with Tiaan’s 21-year-old brother, Francois, since primary school. Tiaan and Fouché both grew up in the North West and attended Hoërskool Rustenburg, matriculating in 2013 and 2017 respectively. One of Fouché’s fondest memories is a December holiday in Hibberdene, KwaZulu-Natal, with the Bezuidenhout family at his cousin (and future Springbok loose forward) Marcell Coetzee’s home. Whenever Bezuidenhout trained, Fouché was his shadow and followed what he was doing. They would often jog from the sugarcane farms to the beach, with Bezuidenhout’s mother, Lazelle, driving behind them in the car. Fouché always idolised Bezuidenhout because he played for FNB NWU and they both played eighthman. As a Grade 11 pupil when Bezuidenhout was a second-year university student, Fouché regarded him as a mentor. In Fouché’s matric year, Bezuidenhout returned to the school to give a speech to the rugby boys before a game and Fouché sat in awe of him. Choosing a university was easy for Fouché, having grown up 150km away from Potchefstroom and representing the Leopards at the U16 Grant Khomo Week and U18 Craven Week. However, he only chose his hostel after hearing Bezuidenhout speak about it. “I went to Soetdorings because Tiaan was there,” Fouché tells VarsityCup.co.za. “When they played at the Fanie [Fanie du Toit Stadium], we were next to the field as first-year students doing push-ups every time they scored. Tiaan was captain and after the game I went straight to him and asked him for a photo. That’s the last rugby photo we have together.” Although Bezuidenhout moved out of Soetdorings and into a flat with his brother, Fouché still got to spend time with him. “No matter how busy Tiaan got, he was always there for me,” he says. “It was nice to have a mentor and a friend, and my very own NWU hero.” Fouché says playing for Bezuidenhout during that Round 8 match against FNB UCT motivated him to perform. “It was very emotional for me, especially having gone through that week with the family,” he recalls. “I couldn’t do much, just give my support and acknowledge how much he meant to us. “Even though the younger generation didn’t know Tiaan, we can always take him with us as a team. Everyone will know that he was the Varsity Cup captain in 2018, and the stories will be carried down with the No 8 jersey.” Besides his leadership skills, Bezuidenhout was a player who left it all on the field every time he played. “He was always an 80-minute man, so I decided I was going to be like him,” says Fouché. “I’ve played 80 minutes every game this season and I know he would have been proud of me.” The last message Fouché sent to “Big T” was on his 26th birthday on 28 ApriI and he had that nickname written on his wrist when he played against FNB UCT. “I learned a lot from him, and it wasn’t always about rugby. His mother was his life, and vice versa. "I used to play like Tiaan, but now I’ll play for him,” Fouché concludes. By Bronwen Bain

FNB Varsity Cup The FNB Varsity Cup has partnered with Sportable to bring the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball to Africa. The FNB Varsity Cup, which has earned a strong reputation for innovation, will use the Smart Ball during Friday’s semi-finals at Tuks Stadium as well as the final at the same venue on Monday. The ball, which has received rave reviews in the UK and Europe, took five years to develop. Fans can expect insightful statistics throughout SuperSport’s live broadcasts as well as awesome in-game graphics on the FNB Varsity Cup’s social media platforms. With existing data capture technologies having hit their ceiling, ball tracking data creates a digital impression of the most meaningful on-field events. This digital blueprint is far more complex than the event data currently produced for rugby. “We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to work with Varsity Cup and SuperSport to bring our solutions to fans and coaches in South Africa,” says Dugald Macdonald, Sportable founder and CEO. “Varsity Cup’s reputation for pioneering new developments in the game is second to none, so we view the introduction of the Smart Ball on Friday as just the start of a long, exciting partnership.” The device inside the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball tracks the following key events during a rugby match: Kicks in play Goal kicks Restart kicks Lineouts Passes Possession Territory Ruck speed In future competitions, the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball will be used to instantly detect and alert referees to forward passes. The data metrics include: Distance Speed Trajectory Hang-time Spin rate Spiral efficiency Reload time (time from catching to passing) Start/end time Start/end coordinates Angle to posts Kick difficulty and success – For more information on the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball, visit www.sportable.com

FNB Varsity Cup There will be no promotion or relegation after the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup tournament. As confirmed before the start of the 2021 season, at the end of the 2022 season, the two teams at the bottom of the combined 2021-2022 FNB Varsity Cup log will be automatically relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield, while the team at the bottom of the combined 2021-2022 FNB Varsity Shield log will be automatically relegated from that competition. No team will be promoted from the FNB Varsity Shield to the FNB Varsity Cup at the end of the 2022 season. From the 2023 season, there will be eight teams in the Cup and eight in the Shield. From the 2023 season, the team ending bottom on the FNB Varsity Cup log will be automatically relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield, while the team finishing top of the FNB Varsity Shield log will be automatically promoted to the FNB Varsity Cup. There will be no promotion/relegation match between the seventh-placed FNB Varsity Cup team and the second-placed FNB Varsity Shield team. This automatic promotion and relegation will occur on an annual basis, and not a two-year cycle. The Varsity Cup Board of Directors will review the system annually. FNB Varsity Cup and Shield logs

FNB Varsity Cup Who's playing in the two rescheduled FNB Varsity Cup Round 7 matches on Tuesday. FNB UJ vs FNB WITS (14:00, Tuks B-Field, DStv Now channel 245) FNB UJ – 15 Nqubeko Mkwanazi, 14 Nkondlo Radebe, 13 Tyreeq February, 12 Indiphile Tyeda, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Jurich Claasens, 9 Mpho Kubheka, 8 Franco Schutte, 7 Peter-John Steenkamp, 6 Kelvin Kanenungo, 5 Brendon Pawson, 4 Lunga Ncube (c), 3 Herman Agenbag, 2 Pierre Rabie, 1 Nkosikhona Masuku. Subs: 16 Lehlohonolo Mphuthi, 17 Kayden Kiewit, 18 Chergin Fillies, 19 Philip Apea-Adu, 20 Tristan Dullisear, 21 Matthew van Huyssteen, 22 Boldwin Hansen, 23 Enrique Franks. FNB Wits – 15 Setshaba Mokoena, 14 Sthsaba Mqhatu, 13 Liyema Matyolweni, 12 Siyabonga Xulu, 11 Matthew Mcdonald, 10 Keagan Lailvaux, 9 Hlumelo Ndudula, 8 Lindokuhle Ncusane, 7 Alexander Skudder, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 William Thomson, 4 Junior White, 3 Ebot Buma, 2 Dameon Venter (c), 1 Banele Mthenjane. Subs: 16 Mulalo Sadiki, 17 Jason Cloete, 18 Keagan Glade, 19 Kyle van Eyssen, 20 Golden Msipha, 21 Dylan Meyer, 22 Jared Fuller, 23 Lwazi Monakali. WATCH: FNB Impact Player (Round 9) FNB CUT Ixias vs FNB NWU Eagles (16:00, Tuks B-Field, DStv Now channel 245) FNB CUT Ixias – 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Tsepo Malumane, 13 Niell Stannard, 12 Heino Bezuidenhout, 11 Emilio Adonis, 10 Charles Williams, 9 Zinedine Booysen, 8 Ulrich Stander, 7 Luvuyo Ndevu (c), 6 Francois Bester, 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Brendon Fortuin, 3 Wandré Nortjé, 2 Janus Venter, 1 Eddie Davids. Subs: 16 Thabiso Msiza, 17 Tebogo Masemola, 18 Raynard Esterhuizen, 19 Matthew Sekele, 20 Hardus Nel, 21 Xander Botha, 22 Tiaan Venter, 23 Jandré de Beer. FNB NWU Eagles – 15 Shane van Rooyen, 14 Sylvester Hassien, 13 Lincoln Daniels (c), 12 Marco Donges, 11 Keano Windvogel, 10 Nivan Petersen, 9 Riaan Genis, 8 Didintle Sekati, 7 Ruben Dreyer, 6 André Fouché, 5 Jeandré Leonard, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Ruben du Plessis. Subs: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Rehann Baumann, 18 Arno Gustafson, 19 George van der Westhuizen, 20 Jandré de Beer, 21 Caleb Louw, 22 Kagiso Woodbridge, 23 Pienaar van Niekerk. WATCH: Steers Top 6 Tries (Round 9)

FNB Varsity Cup VarsityCup.co.za content contributors Bronwen Bain and Dan Lombard select the standout players from Sunday's matches in Pretoria. MICHAEL BRINK (FNB UCT IKEYS) The inside centre had a mammoth 71 minutes against the FNB Madibaz as his two tries and three conversions helped the Ikey Tigers secure top spot on the log. He was not only outstanding on attack but his defence was impenetrable too. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 11 Metres run: 176 Metres gained: 95 Offloads: 1 Line breaks: 1 Tackles: 6/6 PRINCE NKABINDE (FNB UJ) FNB UJ were trailing 23-3 before Nkabinde powered over for a try three minutes into first-half stoppage-time. The winger scored another in the 58th minute as their comeback continued, this time a seven-pointer that showcased his speed, while he was also solid on defence. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 6 Metres run: 183 Metres made: 31 Tackles: 5/6 WATCH: FNB Impact Player (Round 9) KEAGAN LAILVAUX (FNB WITS) The flyhalf commanded his backs with precision, picking out players in space or taking it up himself. He also provided FNB Wits with the territory needed by kicking for space and turning FNB UWC around when required. Stratus stats Conversions: 4/5 Ball carries: 8 Metres run: 67 Metres gained: 43 Tackles: 6/9 General play kicks: 7 ANDRÉ FOUCHÉ (FNB NWU EAGLES) The 21-year-old loose forward is a menace at the breakdown. Despite playing every minute of the Eagles’ 2021 campaign, Fouché is showing no signs of fatigue as he continues to put in dominant performances. Stratus stats Ball carries: 11 Metres run: 134 Metres gained: 74 Offloads: 2 Tackles: 13/15 Attacking breakdown arrivals: 11 JANUS VENTER (FNB CUT IXIAS) The Ixias hooker scored four tries from driving mauls in their crucial win against FNB UP-Tuks to move to the top of the 2021 try-scoring charts with 10. Venter also made 12 tackles and got stuck into the breakdown. Stratus stats Tries: 4 Lineouts won: 12/15 Tackles: 12/14 Attacking breakdown arrivals: 11 Defending breakdown arrivals: 4 WATCH: Steers Top 6 Tries (Round 9) Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup Having represented Scotland U20 two years ago, FNB UJ captain Kwagga van Niekerk still hopes to play Test rugby for his adopted nation. Van Niekerk passionately led FNB UJ during this year's FNB Varsity Cup, with his performances as a player attracting attention from the rugby community. The 22-year-old utility forward – who can play lock, flank and No 8 – credits his improvement to a stint with Scotland U20 in 2019. "Playing in the U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship was a turning point for me," he told VarsityCup.co.za. "The level of professionalism and quality of player is extremely high, so I had no choice but to get stuck in and work hard." Van Niekerk, who qualifies to play for Scotland through his grandfather, earned three caps in the U20 Six Nations and a further four in the U20 Championship. That included meetings against the Junior Springboks and New Zealand U20s, with the former being an emotional experience for the ex-Hoërskool Monument scholar. "I was a bit taken aback when I wasn't selected for Junior Springbok preparation camps, so when Scotland unexpectedly came knocking, I jumped at the opportunity," explains the second-year Diploma in Transport student. "Lining up against my countrymen was tough as I love South Africa, its people and its rugby, but the moment the first whistle blew I had to get out of that mindset and focus on my teammates. It was not an easy thing to do." Van Niekerk returned to South Africa last year, as he was still contracted to the Lions, but has not given up on his dream of playing Test rugby for Scotland. "I'm grateful to the Scottish Rugby Union for the U20 opportunity," he says. "Their faith in me has changed my career trajectory as I want to move up the Scottish club ranks and hopefully become a fully-capped international for them one day. For now, though, I'm focused on my studies." Van Niekerk's promising start to his professional career, which also saw him represent the Lions in the U19 and U21 SA Rugby Championships and earn senior caps in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, was almost curtailed in September last year. "I was training with the Lions U21s and during a flush-out gym session, while squatting, I heard an ominous pop in my back and hip," he recalls. "The pain was intense and I could barely walk to the car. "The diagnosis was a herniated lower back disc and torn hip labrum. The rehabilitation that followed was intense and it was a dark time in rugby for me. I couldn't really do anything. I was struggling to sleep and tieing my shoes was a mission. I wasn't in a good space at all. "My faith got me through it," he adds. "Trusting in a bigger plan with the love and support of my family and girlfriend Nicole Spangenberg all contributed to my positivity and ability to bounce back while UJ Rugby was incredible in keeping me goal-focused." With a full FNB Varsity Cup season completed, it's safe to say that Van Niekerk's career is firmly back on track.