VarsityCup.co.za content contributors Dan Lombard and Bronwen Bain select the standout players from Monday’s matches at Loftus Versfeld. JUAN MOSTERT (FNB MATIES) The fleet-footed fullback was in tip-top shape against the FNB Madibaz, scoring a brace of tries that included a sizzling point-of-origin effort in the last play of the first half. His performance duly earned him the FNB Player that Rocks award. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 10 Metres run: 151 Metres gained: 102 Line breaks: 1 General play kicks: 5 Tackles: 3/6 WATCH: FNB Maties vs FNB Madibaz highlights EVARDI BOSHOFF (FNB UCT IKEYS) The Ikey Tigers centre only played 56 minutes of their match against FNB UWC, but his performance was enough to earn him the Player That Rocks accolade. Boshoff is a strong ball-carrier with excellent handling skills. He scored a try and was instrumental in the build-up to others, with his brilliant offload putting scrumhalf Kyle Bowman away for the first of his hat-trick. Stratus stats Tries: 1 Ball carries: 10 Metres run: 95 Metres gained: 47 Offloads: 2 Tackles: 4/4 WATCH: UCT Ikeys vs UWC highlights LUNDI MSENGE (FNB UWC) Msenge scored two point-of-origin tries for Udubs, which more than made up for the yellow card he received early in the second half. The winger put his hand up whenever his team needed him during his 70-minute stint, making all eight of his tackles. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 11 Metres run: 157 Metres gained: 78 Offloads: 1 Tackles: 8/8 WATCH: FNB Impact Player (Round 7) ETIENNE JANEKE (FNB UP-TUKS) The replacement tighthead prop put in a solid 35 minutes against FNB UFS Shimlas, scoring two tries, the second of which helped FNB UP-Tuks to level the scores at 39-39 and set the stage for fullback Zander du Plessis’ match-winning penalty. He was also influential on defence, making all six of his tackles. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 5 Metres run: 105 Metres gained: 25 Tackles: 6/6 Dominant tackles: 1 WATCH: UFS Shimlas vs UP-Tuks highlights DANCO BURGER (FNB UFS SHIMLAS) The inside centre, who has played for Namibia U20, was in fine form as his effective running lines and devastating ability on defence caused a great deal of frustration for FNB UP-Tuks. Burger’s first try helped get his side back into the game, while his second was scored from halfway early in the second half. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 6 Metres run: 98 Metres gained: 59 Tackles made: 9/9 WATCH: Steers Top 6 Tries (Round 7) Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

FNB Varsity Cup VarsityCup.co.za content contributors Dan Lombard and Bronwen Bain select the standout players from Monday’s matches at Loftus Versfeld. JUAN MOSTERT (FNB MATIES) The fleet-footed fullback was in tip-top shape against the FNB Madibaz, scoring a brace of tries that included a sizzling point-of-origin effort in the last play of the first half. His performance duly earned him the FNB Player that Rocks award. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 10 Metres run: 151 Metres gained: 102 Line breaks: 1 General play kicks: 5 Tackles: 3/6 WATCH: FNB Maties vs FNB Madibaz highlights EVARDI BOSHOFF (FNB UCT IKEYS) The Ikey Tigers centre only played 56 minutes of their match against FNB UWC, but his performance was enough to earn him the Player That Rocks accolade. Boshoff is a strong ball-carrier with excellent handling skills. He scored a try and was instrumental in the build-up to others, with his brilliant offload putting scrumhalf Kyle Bowman away for the first of his hat-trick. Stratus stats Tries: 1 Ball carries: 10 Metres run: 95 Metres gained: 47 Offloads: 2 Tackles: 4/4 WATCH: UCT Ikeys vs UWC highlights LUNDI MSENGE (FNB UWC) Msenge scored two point-of-origin tries for Udubs, which more than made up for the yellow card he received early in the second half. The winger put his hand up whenever his team needed him during his 70-minute stint, making all eight of his tackles. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 11 Metres run: 157 Metres gained: 78 Offloads: 1 Tackles: 8/8 WATCH: FNB Impact Player (Round 7) ETIENNE JANEKE (FNB UP-TUKS) The replacement tighthead prop put in a solid 35 minutes against FNB UFS Shimlas, scoring two tries, the second of which helped FNB UP-Tuks to level the scores at 39-39 and set the stage for fullback Zander du Plessis’ match-winning penalty. He was also influential on defence, making all six of his tackles. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 5 Metres run: 105 Metres gained: 25 Tackles: 6/6 Dominant tackles: 1 WATCH: UFS Shimlas vs UP-Tuks highlights DANCO BURGER (FNB UFS SHIMLAS) The inside centre, who has played for Namibia U20, was in fine form as his effective running lines and devastating ability on defence caused a great deal of frustration for FNB UP-Tuks. Burger’s first try helped get his side back into the game, while his second was scored from halfway early in the second half. Stratus stats Tries: 2 Ball carries: 6 Metres run: 98 Metres gained: 59 Tackles made: 9/9 WATCH: Steers Top 6 Tries (Round 7) Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

Fullback Zander du Plessis kicked an 83rd-minute penalty goal to give FNB UP-Tuks a 42-39 win against FNB UFS Shimlas at Loftus Versfeld on Monday, while there were also Round 7 victories for FNB Maties and FNB UCT. FNB MATIES 44 (30) FNB MADIBAZ 14 (0) FNB Maties scored six tries to beat Gqeberha-based FNB Madibaz, writes Dan Lombard. It was rather unconvincing, considering the stellar heights the five-time FNB Varsity Cup champions usually operate at, but a win is a win and it saw them finish the day in third place on the log. The usually composed and clinical FNB Maties have not been at their best throughout the 2021 campaign and it showed against the winless FNB Madibaz, who frustrated the Maroon Machine with a hardy defensive line. However, one cannot win with defence alone and the cracks appeared in the ninth minute when FNB Maties flank Thys Kitshoff powered over for the opening try. His efforts were followed by five-pointers to fullback Juan Mostert and passionate captain and outside centre David Brits, before Mostert bagged his brace with a fantastic point-of-origin try after the FNB Madibaz failed to find touch with time up in the first half. Flyhalf Adriaan van der Bank kicked all four conversions to add to a 30-0 lead at the break, while the FNB Madibaz were left wondering why their intent had yet to be rewarded. The second half was much of the same as the men from Stellenbosch relied on the mistakes of their opposition as opposed to creating anything of real value. Brits secured his brace within five minutes, before another hiatus of points being scored caused the match to lose the remaining allure that was brimming before kick-off. Flank Gift Dlamini dotted down for a point-of-origin try in the 66th minute to cap off a strong showing, but Van der Bank could only convert Brits' try. It certainly didn't help FNB Maties' cause that they were served two yellow cards in the final 20 minutes to hooker JJ Kotze and replacement lock James Combrinck. The numerical advantage was seized by the FNB Madibaz as replacement utility backs Khakalethu Bophi (point of origin) and Likhona Dywili scored tries, with Tiaan Schutte adding a conversion. FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Mostert (FNB Maties) FNB Maties – Tries: Thys Kitshoff, Juan Mostert (1x5, 1x7), David Brits (2), Gift Dlamini (1x7). Conversions: Adriaan van der Bank (5). FNB Madibaz – Tries: Khakalethu Bophi (1x7), Likhona Dywili. Conversion: Tiaan Schutte. FNB UCT IKEYS 58 (31) FNB UWC 55 (22) FNB UCT edged FNB UWC in a 14-try thriller to become the first holders of the Chester Williams Memorial Trophy, writes Bronwen Bain. This was the first Udubs-Ikeys Cape derby to be played in honour of the former Springbok wing, who coached FNB UWC to their two FNB Varsity Shield titles, the second of which earned them promotion to the FNB Varsity Cup. It looked like FNB UWC might mark the occasion with an upset win when they led 15-3 after 13 minutes, and then fought back well late in the game to get to within three points of FNB UCT. But the log-leading Ikeys Tigers, who outscored their opponents by eight tries to six, were able to hang on for the win. FNB UWC made a great start to this match, with scrumhalf Branden de Kock slotting two penalties before winger Lundi Msenge scored a point-of-origin try in the left corner after chasing down a kick. FNB UCT turned to their forward pack to get them into the game, with hooker Devon Arendse and prop Robert Hunt both forcing their way over the whitewash. Hunt’s try came after FNB UWC flank Godfrey Muzanargwo had been sent to the sin bin. Winger Rethabile Louw and scrumhalf Kyle Bowman then ran in two point-of-origin tries to give the Ikey Tigers a 31-15 lead. But FNB UCT flyhalf James Tedder was yellow-carded and FNB UWC capitalised immediately through No 8 Tinotenda Mavasere. The tries continued to flow in the second half, with Bowman completing his hat-trick and centres Le Roux Malan and Evardi Boshoff also dotting down. Msenge atoned for his yellow card early in the second half by scoring another point-of-origin try for FNB UWC, before Mavasere scored his second, also a seven-pointer. With a minute remaining, FNB UWC centre André Manuel ran in yet another seven-point try and the conversion made it a three-point game. But FNB UCT were able to wind down the clock and retain their unbeaten record in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup. FNB Player That Rocks: Evardi Boshoff (FNB UCT Ikeys) FNB UCT Ikeys – Tries: Devon Arendse, Robert Hunt, Rethabile Louw (1x7), Kyle Bowman (1x7, 2x5), Le Roux Malan, Evardi Boshoff. Conversions: James Tedder (5). Penalties: Tedder (2). FNB UWC – Tries: Lungi Msenge (2x7), Tinotenda Mavasere (1x5, 1x7), penalty try, André Manuel (1x7). Conversions: Branden de Kock (3). Penalties: De Kock (3). FNB UFS SHIMLAS 39 (16) FNB UP-TUKS 42 (27) FNB UP-Tuks fullback Zander du Plessis held his nerve to kick a match-winning penalty goal in the 83rd-minute of their clash against FNB UFS Shimlas, writes Simon Borchardt. Du Plessis had missed a penalty from straight in front late in the game, but made no mistake when given the opportunity to make amends in stoppage time. It gave FNB UP-Tuks a somewhat fortunate win against an FNB UFS Shimlas team that fought back from 20-0 down after 29 minutes to take a 39-32 lead after 64 minutes. Shimlas centre Danco Burger and lock Pierre Uys both grabbed a double, while regular captain Rewan Kruger also scored in an impressive performance off the bench. However, FNB UP-Tuks levelled the scores at 39-39 when replacement prop Etienne Janeke went over for his second try of the night and Du Plessis added the conversion. FNB UFS Shimlas replacement hooker William Moffat was yellow-carded with four minutes to go, but his team continued to attack from inside their half well after the full-time hooter. Unfortunately for them, they conceded a breakdown penalty, for which Du Plessis made them pay. FNB UP-Tuks had looked set for a comfortable win after taking a 20-point lead, with prop Dewald Donald and centre Louritz van der Schyff crossing for tries, and Du Plessis adding two conversions to his two earlier penalties. But Burger’s first try – a seven-pointer – was followed by Uys’ first just before half-time, and when Burger scored again early in the second half it set up a thrilling battle that would be decided in dramatic fashion. FNB Player That Rocks: Rewan Kruger (FNB UFS Shimlas) FNB UFS Shimlas – Tries: Danco Burger (1x7, 1x5), Pierre Uys (1x5, 1x7), Rewan Kruger. Conversions: JP Duvenage (5). FNB UP-Tuks – Tries: Dewald Donald, Louritz van der Schyff, Eduan Lubbe, Etienne Janeke (2). Conversions: Zander du Plessis (4). Penalties: Du Plessis (3). 2021 FNB Varsity Cup teams (Round 7) The remaining two matches of Round 7 – FNB UJ vs FNB Wits and FNB CUT Ixias vs FNB NWU Eagles – will take place on Tuesday, 25 May, due to Covid-19 return-to-play protocols. All 10 FNB Varsity Cup teams will be in action on Thursday with five Round 8 matches at the University of Pretoria: FNB Wits vs FNB UFS Shimlas (14:00, Tuks B-Field, DStv Now channel 245) FNB Maties vs FNB UJ (15:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB Madibaz vs FNB UP-Tuks (16:00, Tuks B-Field, DStv Now channel 245) FNB UWC vs FNB CUT Ixias (17:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB NWU Eagles vs FNB UCT Ikeys (19:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB Varsity Cup fixtures and logs DOWNLOAD THE NEW FNB VARSITY CUP APP! App Store Google Play

Who's playing in the three FNB Varsity Cup matches at Loftus Versfeld on Monday. FNB MATIES vs FNB MADIBAZ (15:00, Loftus Versfeld, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB Maties – 15 Juan Mostert, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 David Brits (c), 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Marcqiewn Titus, 10 Adriaan van der Bank, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Johan Strauss, 7 Matthys Kitshoff, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Dylan de Leeuw, 4 Simon Miller, 3 Duncan du Buisson, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Leon Lyons. Subs: 16 HJ Luus, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 James Combrinck, 19 Michell Carstens, 20 Jaco Nel, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Waqar Solaan, 23 Nevaldo Fleurs. FNB Madibaz – 15 Chadwyn November, 14 Nkoka Ngobe, 13 Aya Oliphant, 12 Stephan Botes, 11 Njabulo Toni, 10 Tiaan Schutte, 9 Yomelela Keswa, 8 Cameron Cato, 7 Jaco van der Walt, 6 Arnouw Nel, 5 Hardus van Eeden, 4 Luyolo Dapula (c), 3 Le-Kleu Stokes, 2 Corné Slabbert, 1 Robert Lyons. Subs: 16 Ruan Jonker, 17 Jordan Caraher, 15 Laken Gray, 19 Siyamthanda Jwacu, 20 Gavin Mills, 21 Tiaan Swanepoel, 22 Khakalethu Bophi, 23 Likhona Dywili. *Jersey worn on the day READ: Madibaz ready to test themselves against FNB Varsity Cup’s best FNB UCT IKEYS vs FNB UWC (17:00, Loftus Versfeld, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Rethabile Louw, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Le Roux Malan, 11 Duran Koevort, 10 James Tedder, 9 Kyle Bowman, 8 Taariq Kruger, 7 Neil Otto, 6 Liam Greenhalgh (c), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Matthew Grobler, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Devon Arendse, 1 Luthando Woji. Subs: 16 Alex Castle, 17 Ashwyn Adams, 18 Jovan Bekker, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Christian Stehlik, 21 Brandon Salomo, 22 Michael Brink, 23 Sibabalwe Mzanywa. FNB UWC – 15 Gilroy Lee Philander, 14 Tasriq Mynhardt, 13 André Manuel, 12 Lyle Hendricks, 11 Lundi Msenge, 10 Johannes van Biljon, 9 Branden de Kock, 8 Tinotenda Mavesere, 7 Godfrey Muzanargwo, 6 Romuald Nsombamanya, 5 Pieter-Steyl Swanepoel (c), 4 Jaen-Louis de Lange, 3 Justin Theys, 2 Jacques van Zyl, 1 Luvo Bazi. Subs: 16 Jason Alexander, 17 Ebrahiem Davids, 18 Bronlee Mouries, 19 Bradman Grove, 20 Conwill Conradie, 21 Jason Cloete, 22 Ethan Diston, 23 Riaan van der Merwe. READ: Chester Williams to be honoured in FNB Varsity Cup match FNB UFS SHIMLAS vs FNB UP-TUKS (19:00, Loftus Versfeld, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB UFS Shimlas – 15 Luyanda Mkhize, 14 Francois Agenbag, 13 Shayne Bolton, 12 Danco Burger, 11 Ayabonga Matroos, 10 JP Duvenage, 9 Chadd Adams, 8 Ruwald van der Merwe (c), 7 Uzile Tele, 6 Kamohelo Chabana, 5 Thabang Mahlasi, 4 Pierre Uys, 3 JW Meades, 2 Wihan Marais, 1 Johan Schutte. Subs: 16 William Moffat, 17 Henty Beukes, 18 Tshepo Nchabeng, 19 George Rossouw, 20 Gustav Meyer, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Shima Molepo, 23 Luthando Buthelezi. FNB UP-Tuks – 15 Zander du Plessis, 14 Ciaran Dayaram, 13 Sango Xamlashe (c), 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 11 Irvin Ali, 10 David Coetzer, 9 Clyde Lewis, 8 Hanru Sirgel, 7 Mihlali Stamper, 6 Eduan Lubbe, 5 Thomas Meyer, 4 Dawid Meiring, 3 Damien Swartz, 2 Werner Fourie, 1 Dewald Donald. Subs: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Cebolenkosi Dlamini, 18 Etienne Janeke, 19 Stephan Smit, 20 Divan Venter, 21 Ruhan Viviers, 22 Enrique Oranje, 23 Ambesa Zenzile. NOTE: The remaining Round 7 matches – FNB UJ vs FNB Wits and FNB CUT Ixias vs FNB NWU Eagles – will take place on Tuesday, 25 May. FNB Varsity Cup fixtures and logs

FNB UWC and FNB UCT will play for the Chester Williams Memorial Trophy when they meet in the FNB Varsity Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Monday. Williams coached FNB UWC to the 2017 and 2018 FNB Varsity Shield titles, the second of which earned them promotion to the FNB Varsity Cup. The 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok legend tragically passed away on 6 September 2019 at the age of 49. However, his legacy lives on, particularly at the University of the Western Cape where he made such a massive contribution. It’s therefore fitting that UWC will play for a trophy bearing Williams’ name in a tournament that meant so much to him. “Following engagements with the Chester Williams Foundation and family, UWC and the UCT Ikeys have resolved to play our Varsity Cup derbies in honour and memory of Chester Williams,” UWC Director of Sport Administration, Mandla Gagayi, tells VarsityCup.co.za. “The reason for this collaboration is that Chester was always enthusiastic and looking forward to playing against the UCT Ikeys, whether in the WP league or Varsity Cup, because he always believed that UCT is the only club that could give UWC an honest measure of their progress. “Our players’ familiarity also provides a perfect platform to create good competition, while also honouring Chester’s memory," Gagayi adds. The floating trophy, provided by UWC, will be competed for on an annual basis in the FNB Varsity Cup. Should one of the teams fall out of the tournament, their WP league encounter would become the memorial match. Monday’s FNB Varsity Cup clash between FNB UWC and FNB UCT at Loftus will kick off at 17:00 and be broadcast live on the SuperSport Rugby channel (211). FNB Varsity Cup fixtures and logs

The FNB Varsity Cup played an important role in Rasta Rasivhenge’s development as a professional rugby referee. Rasivhenge began refereeing rugby matches in 2008 when he was a teacher at Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg and continued to do so while at Wits University. After being encouraged by the Lions to take up the whistle at a provincial level, he blew his first Vodacom Cup match in 2010 and his first Currie Cup match the following year. Rasivhenge was a referee in the FNB Varsity Cup from 2011 to 2013 and officiated the 2012 final between FNB UP-Tuks and FNB Maties in Pretoria at the age of just 26. “I had refereed in the National Club Championships but the Varsity Cup took me to the next level where you are refereeing semi-professional players,” Rasivhenge tells VarsityCup.co.za. “It was such a thrill, with big crowds for every game creating such a great vibe. I just loved it.” Rasivhenge says it was a pleasure to referee FNB Varsity Cup players during his three-year stint in the tournament. “That was our next generation, our future stars. They used the Varsity Cup to show their skills and talent.” Rasivhenge has fond memories of the 2012 final, which saw FNB UP-Tuks beat FNB Maties 29-21 at Tuks Stadium to claim their first FNB Varsity Cup title. One of the hosts’ try-scorers that night, lock Franco Mostert, went on to win the 2019 World Cup with the Springboks, while winger Courtnall Skosan would also wear the green and gold. “The majority of the players from both sides are currently playing provincial and franchise rugby in South Africa or for European clubs,” says Rasivhenge, who himself has gone to achieve great things. He refereed 264 matches in the World Rugby Sevens Series across 37 tournaments, including 18 finals. He was also in charge of two Sevens World Cup finals and the Olympic Games final in 2016. In fifteens, Rasivhenge has refereed 36 Super Rugby matches, two Pro14 matches, one Rainbow Cup match, more than 35 Currie Cup Premier Division clashes, 21 Currie Cup First Division games, and six Tests. In 2015, as part of a referee exchange programme, he refereed Top 14 and Pro D2 matches in France. Rasivhenge was named SA Rugby Referee of the Year in both 2015 and 2016, and won the World Rugby Referee Award in 2016. The 35-year-old is grateful for the role the FNB Varsity Cup played in his refereeing career and has some good advice for the young whistle-blowers in this year’s tournament. “What’s so great about the Varsity Cup is that you are afforded a lot of opportunities to showcase your talent as a referee, while refereeing players who are going to go on to play professional rugby. “My advice to referees would be to enjoy the moment, embrace the experience, learn as much as you can and use it as a stepping stone to get to the next level.” – This is the 10th instalment in a series of FNB Varsity Cup Changing Lives articles focusing on those whose lives were forever changed by Rugby That Rocks.

The 2021 FNB Varsity Cup will resume on Monday with three Round 7 matches at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The third FNB Varsity Cup bubble – comprising Rounds 7-9, the semi-finals and the final – was pushed out by a week to allow for more Covid-19 testing of participants to take place, while also giving injured players more time to recover. On Thursday, the Varsity Cup Board approved slight adjustments to the schedule, with two Round 7 matches being moved to Tuesday, 25 May, due to Covid-19 return-to-play protocols. The three Round 7 matches to be played at Loftus on Monday, 17 May are: FNB Maties vs FNB Madibaz (15:00, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB UWC (17:00, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB UFS Shimlas vs FNB UP-Tuks (19:00, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) The two Round 7 matches to be played on the Tuks B-Field on Tuesday, 25 May are: FNB UJ vs FNB Wits (14:00, DStv Now channel 245) FNB CUT Ixias vs FNB NWU Eagles (16:00, DStv Now channel 245) “We are all looking forward to getting Varsity Cup back on, and reaching the business end of the competition,” said Varsity Cup Tournament Director Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi. “We had a special Varsity Shield final that will go down in the history books and are confident the Cup competition will serve up its own magic. “We’re thankful that our member universities could make the adjustments work in order to ensure player health and safety remains paramount.” The Varsity Cup Board also confirmed the times and venues for the Round 8 matches on Thursday, 20 May: FNB Wits vs FNB UFS Shimlas (14:00, Tuks B-Field, DStv Now channel 245) FNB Maties vs FNB UJ (15:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB Madibaz vs FNB UP-Tuks (16:00, Tuks B-Field, DStv Now channel 245) FNB UCT UWC vs FNB CUT Ixias (17:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) FNB NWU Eagles vs FNB UCT Ikeys (19:00, Tuks Stadium, SuperSport Rugby channel 211) The times and venues for the Round 9 matches will be confirmed in due course. FNB Varsity Cup fixtures and logs

Until recently, the North-West University had been known as NWU-Pukke for as long as they had been playing rugby. The name 'Pukke' came from Potchefstroom Universiteit Kampus (PUK). However, the North-West University now comprises three campuses – in Potchefstroom, Mafikeng and the Vaal Triangle – so, at the beginning of 2018, the university rebranded to purple to unite all three. All NWU sports teams are now referred to as the NWU Eagles. The name derives from the university mascot, Eagi, who represents a unitary institution. "The eagle symbolises NWU’s brand attributes," says university spokesperson Bertie Jacobs, "which are value-driven, promotion of relevant graduates, vibrant students, socially responsive, as well as academic excellence. “The eagle has many positive meanings across many cultures and it represents the university’s traits," he adds. "These include vision, success, aspiration, courage, expansion, leadership, and freedom. Eagles focus on the ultimate goal and disregard any potential obstacles and fear.” In sport, Jacobs says the name 'NWU Eagles' is a representation of the university and a reflection of the university’s drive to make students, staff, society and every one of their stakeholders soar.

Sango and Siba Xamlashe played against each other for the first time during last month's FNB Varsity Cup match between FNB UP-Tuks and FNB Maties, much to the delight of their family. Sango (23) captained the hosts at outside centre, with Siba (20) starting on the left wing for Stellenbosch, who won 31-24. "Our support squad [family] enjoy supporting both of us and consider themselves both Tukkies/Bulls and Maties/WP fans, so their rugby calendar is always full!" says Sango, a BCom General student at the University of Pretoria." "In all honesty, there is no bad blood between us despite our opposing rugby cultures," says Siba, whose primary position is fullback. "There's a lot of banter, though, which always makes for good conversation around the family table!" The Xamlashe brothers are both products of Selborne College in East London. Siba has always looked to Sango for advice, even though they play different positions, and regarded him as a role model. "From a young age, I’ve sort of been chipping off of his skills and rugby knowledge without him actually knowing," says Siba with a smile. "Sango helped mould me into the player I am today. He helped me to always be a step or two ahead of the other kids in my age group. I’ve learnt most of the things I know from him including, most importantly, the lessons of life – to work hard and always fight for what you want," he adds. WATCH: Brotherly banter after FNB Varsity Cup clash One can feel the love between the two when they are asked about each other's rugby careers. "I don’t doubt for a minute that Sango will become a professional rugby player," says Siba, a third-year BAgric student. "There’s a lot more in store for him and it’s only a matter of time before he makes it if he continues to work hard and push himself. I know he’s also fascinated about going overseas and I'd back him 100% if he did." Sango is just as complimentary towards his brother. "Siba is a well-rounded player and an asset to Western Province," he says. "He's standing on the edge of greatness and definitely has the skill-set to make it. "I felt for him last year, as he would have played for the Junior Springboks if not for the Covid-19 pandemic. I played for the Junior Boks in 2018 and the competition does sharpen your ability and prepare you for senior rugby. "I'm looking forward to facing him again and hopefully playing alongside him in the future," Sango adds. – Catch the Xamlashe brothers in action when the FNB Varsity Cup resumes on Monday, 17 May. Photo: Bronwen Bain

The FNB Madibaz will be up for the challenge of facing some of the top teams in the FNB Varsity Cup when the final block of matches gets underway on Monday. Coach André Tredoux knows it will not be easy as they will be up against three of the top four teams on the table in FNB Maties, FNB UP-Tuks and log-leaders FNB UCT. “As a team, we want to grow and improve,” he says. “We have three very tough games coming up and would like to fight for everything. "We want to measure ourselves against the best. Maties are a quality side, combining speed and power; Tukkies are all about physicality; and Ikeys play a brand of fast running rugby, combined with an experienced pack of forwards. “We realise that we will have to protect our possession much better and be prepared to man up at the set-pieces and on defence. We know it will be hard, but we look forward to this challenge.” Tredoux says the week’s delay in the competition created an opportunity to regroup after the tough start. “It has given a few players the opportunity to recover from the niggles that come with playing three games in a week. It’s also given the coaches the opportunity to keep improving on our various systems. “We are constantly working on our set-piece and defence, while also trying to focus on a fast, attacking game.” The FNB Madibaz are playing in the FNB Varsity Cup for the first time since 2018, having earned promotion from the FNB Varsity Shield last year, and the coach says the fighting spirit of the players has been outstanding. “As coaches, we can’t fault the efforts of the players. They have never given up and that can be seen in the fact that we have picked up the most bonus points in the competition.” The team came within a whisker of recording their first win in their most recent game, losing 24-20 to FNB UFS Shimlas after conceding a stoppage-time try. Tredoux said the match was typical of the courage his players had shown. “The Shimlas match was a game we targeted and the boys were in it to the end. Our defence was immense against them and we even outscored them three tries to two. “We just have to keep improving on our systems and play for each other. I know the boys will give everything in the last three games. “As we enter the final week, we would like to thank Varsity Cup for putting on such a good tournament and all the support and encouragement we have received.” FNB Varsity Cup fixtures and log – Article courtesy Full Stop Communications

Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie says FNB CUT fullback Cohen Jasper has shown his class during this year’s FNB Varsity Cup. The 20-year-old has scored five tries for the Ixias, who have won five of their six fixtures, including the match-winner against FNB Maties. Jasper signed a contract with the Cheetahs last year, in conjunction with FNB CUT, which saw him play for the Free State U20 team in the SA Rugby U20 Championship before joining the Ixias squad for their FNB Varsity Cup campaign. Jasper will start training with the Cheetahs senior side from 1 June and is set to make his debut in the double-round Currie Cup Premier Division later this year. “Cohen has played really well for CUT,” Fourie tells VarsityCup.co.za. “He’s showed his class. He’s an excellent attacking fullback, runs very good support lines whenever there’s a line break and is a superb finisher. “Cohen is in the Cheslin Kolbe mould,” Fourie adds. “He’s not a big guy [at 77kg and 1.74m] but he has a lot of skill and the ability to score tries. He has that X-factor. “Once he starts training with us we will decide where and when to give him playing opportunities, but fullback is his primary position so he will be competing with the likes of Clayton Blommetjies and Malcolm Jaer.” Fourie also confirmed that the Cheetahs had signed FNB Madibaz No 8 Mihlali Mosi. “Mihlali’s ball-carrying ability is exceptional,” he says. “He’s really explosive with ball in hand and his lineout work is excellent. He has a few things to work on, but he has a lot of attributes that will fit in with the way we play.” Jasper and Mosi’s Cheetahs contracts both run until the end of October but, based on their FNB Varsity Cup performances, are likely to be extended well beyond that. Photos: Brendan Croft/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

Jonathan Mokuena took the life-changing opportunity to coach FNB NWU in the FNB Varsity Cup with both hands. During his seven-year career as a professional rugby player, Mokuena represented the Leopards, Cheetahs, Griquas and Lions. The loose forward also played for a Royal XV against the British & Irish Lions when they last toured South Africa in 2009. After hanging up his boots in 2012, Mokuena decided that with a young family to support, he needed to find a “real job” away from rugby. “I went into the medical field as a sales rep, selling implants, like for hips and knees,” he tells VarsityCup.co.za. “But during that three-year period, I got involved in coaching, first with the U14C team at St Stithians, and then with the UJ and Lions sevens teams.” Mokuena admits “the rugby bug never stopped biting me”, so when he heard that FNB NWU coach Robert du Preez would be joining the Sharks, he decided to throw his name into the hat. “When I walked out of the interview, I knew the job was mine,” he says. “I was blessed to get the opportunity and grateful that NWU took a chance on someone they wouldn’t normally.” Mokuena achieved instant success with FNB NWU-Pukke (now known as the Eagles) as they won the FNB Varsity Cup for the first – and only – time in 2016. “While that was a memorable year, all four years that I spent at NWU were special,” he says. “I think about our former captain, Tiaan Bezuidenhout, who passed away over the weekend … Working with young men like him, Chucky van der Westhuizen and Christwill September was a wonderful experience.” In 2016, FNB NWU-Pukke finished third on the FNB Varsity Cup log – with five wins from seven matches – one point behind FNB UJ and three behind FNB Maties. Pukke then beat FNB UJ 35-7 in their semi-final in Johannesburg, while FNB Maties thrashed FNB UP-Tuks 49-11 in Stellenbosch. The final was held at the Danie Craven Stadium and to say that FNB NWU were underdogs would be a massive understatement. No one gave them a hope in hell. However, outstanding defence from both teams saw the scores locked at 0-0 at half-time. FNB Maties flyhalf Chris Smith kicked two second-half penalty goals but the visitors kept on coming and thought they had scored a try through replacement wing Dean Stokes in the corner with two minutes remaining. But the TMO ruled the ball had been knocked on. There was plenty more drama to come. FNB NWU won a penalty from the resultant FNB Maties scrum, which was followed by several reset scrums and penalties. During this period, the hosts copped two yellow cards, and Pukke took full advantage with flank Marno Redelinghuys forcing his way over from close range. Fullback Ryno Smith kicked the simple conversion and FNB NWU celebrated a famous win. “Maties had thrashed us during the league stage of the tournament, so all the pressure was on them going into the final,” Mokuena recalls. “We knew we had to be clinical and take the try-scoring opportunities that came our way, and while we did miss a couple, we took that one at the end.” The 39-year-old remains grateful for the platform given to him by the FNB Varsity Cup. “I don’t think people would have known about my capabilities as a coach were it not for the Varsity Cup,” he says. “It gave me great confidence and I believe if I am put in charge of a professional team – Currie Currie, Super Rugby or higher – I know what it takes to be successful. “The Varsity Cup puts you into that space when week in, week out you have to coach a team to win while dealing with the pressures of the job. It really prepares you for rugby at a higher level.” – This is the ninth instalment in a series of FNB Varsity Cup Changing Lives articles focusing on those whose lives were forever changed by Rugby That Rocks.