With just three rounds remaining before the all-important semi-finals of the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield, there is a clear picture of which teams likely will make it through.
FNB UWC remains unbeaten while FNB Madibaz and FNB CPUT have just lost one match each. Defending champions FNB UFH and FNB TUT are also still in with a chance.
Here are our standout players from round 5.
Mauritz Swart (FNB UWC)
The take-no-prisoners attitude of the UWC hooker made an impact with the ball in hand, keeping the FNB CPUT defenders busy. His defence also couldn’t be faulted. Swart played a pivotal role in the build-up to his team’s first try which led to them seizing the momentum for two tries in quick succession.
Ayabulela Xhosana (FNB UFH)
It took a while, but the defending champions finally have their season on track and the comprehensive victory over FNB UKZN came at just the right time. The UFH eight-man
was a standout in all facets of play. Not only did Xhosana score a try, but he was also named the FNB Player That Rocks.
Khakalethu Bophi (FNB Madibaz)
Madibaz took a massive step towards their goal of winning this year’s Varsity Shield running in ten tries against a hapless FNB Rhodes. Two of those belonged to Bophi who was simply in sublime form. The fleet-footed winger’s field positioning was excellent, and his attacking play was deadly.
Lithemba Ncithane (FNB WSU)
With WSU already out of the running for this year’s playoffs, the victory over TUT was a small consolation. But they had to wait till the last minutes of the match to get the win. Ncithane’s tenacity and never-say-die attitude led to a very important try to seal the deal and his team’s first win in the competition.
