The FNB Varsity Cup 2025 season has kicked-off with a bang as FNB Maties avenge their semi-final loss to FNB UFS last year with a nail-biting victory over the defending champs at the Danie Craven in Stellenbosch. FNB CUT claimed crucial points away from home and newly promoted FNB UP-Tuks pick up a bonus point win on their return to the competition. In Cape Town the Ikey Tigers match against the NWU Eagles was postponed as the teams were warming up after a student protest at the Green Mile.
FNB Maties 41-37 FNB Shimlas
FNB Maties marked their 150th anniversary in spectacular fashion, securing a thrilling 41-37 victory over the defending Varsity Cup champions, Shimlas, at a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
The home side led 22-16 at halftime in a fast-paced, action-packed match.
From the first minute, both teams produced exciting, end-to-end rugby. Every time Maties scored, the Shimlas responded quickly, making for an entertaining contest.
However, the intense humidity and heat caused several handling errors, with Maties struggling more due to the sweaty ball, while Shimlas fell off a number of tackles in the first half.
Despite these challenges, Maties’ five tries, and a penalty try two minutes before the final whistle were enough to withstand the Shimlas' relentless pressure. Coach Andre Tredoux’s team, with their never-say-die attitude, pushed hard until the end but couldn’t break through.
Maties head coach Kabamba Floors can be particularly pleased with the character displayed by his youthful squad, which included 17 debutants and had an average age of just 21.
SCORERS
FNB Maties 41 (22)
Tries: Elridge Jack, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Luan Botha, Armand Combrink, Joel Leotlela.
FNB Shimlas 37 (16)
Tries: Kirwin du Preez 2, Henri Van Heerden, Dubs Dhlamini, Stiaan Genis.
FNB Player That Rocks: Ezekiel Ngobeni (Maties).
TEAMS:
Maties: Prince Mulea, Armand Combrink, Herman Lubbe, Zuko Poswa, Carel van der Merwe, Fortune Mpofu, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Ezekiel Ngobeni ©, Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Joel Leotlela, CJ Marx Ryan Manuel Grant de Jager, Elridge Jack.
Shimlas: Ntokozo Hlophe, Marnus Winter, Ben Pitout, Reinier, Viljoen, Juan Venter, Henri van Heerden, Yaseen Arendse, Liam Shamburg , Hlumelo Klaas, Bradley Pierre Giddy, Siviwe Zondani, Alwich van der Linde, Nkoka Ngobe ©, Kirwin du Preez, Regan Izaks.
FNB UJ 13-29 FNB CUT
FNB UJ kicked off their 2025 Varsity Cup campaign with a case of déjà vu, suffering another defeat to FNB CUT in the highly anticipated opening round.
It was a one-sided contest at UJ Stadium, where the visiting team brought a wealth of experience to the pitch and secured a convincing 29-13 victory.
FNB CUT struck first, with Jan Hendrik Bessenger crossing the try line, followed by a successful conversion from Juan Smith. Not long after, Tokelo Ntaopane added another try, putting FNB UJ in a difficult position as they tried to catch up.
Just before the break, FNB UJ got themselves on the scoreboard after a penalty was awarded against CUT. Mihle Matinise capitalized on the opportunity to bring the score to 14-3.
The second half saw FNB UJ tighten their defense, making it harder for the Ixias to break through. However, FNB CUT's flyhalf, Juan Smith, proved unstoppable as he created space on the outside.
Malcom Lamout added a consolation try for FNB UJ, as the Orange Army tried to mount a comeback. Their efforts paid off in the final eight minutes when FNB UJ capitalized on a strong ruck, allowing Liam Rowan to dive over for a try.
Ultimately, though, it wasn’t enough to challenge the visitors' unassailable lead.
SCORERS
FNB UJ 13 (3)
Tries: Adriano Jackson, Liam Rowan.
FNB CUT 29 (17)
Tries: Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Tokelo Ntaopane, Devinto Vergotine, Juan Smith, Malcom Lamont.
FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Smith (CUT)
TEAMS
UJ: Angelo Dube, Ryan Marimo, Bian van der Rensburg, Jaden Baillie, Josh du Toit, Dylan Viljoen, Siyemukela Ndlovu ©, Kamo Molefe, Berwyn Bosch, Mihle Matinise, Ughan Africa, Reuven Ferreira, Sifiso Dlamini, Adriano Jackson, Asemahle Mafenyana.
CUT: Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Tokelo Ntaopane, Sisipho Nofuya, Asekho Marubelela, Kevin Strydom, JT van der Walt, Jakobus Cloete, Francois Bester ©, KT Sono, Juan Smith, Adielson Gouveia, Liam Prinsloo, Zachery Bester, Liam Pekeur, Devinto Vergotine.
FNB WITS 8-35 FNB UP-TUKS
UP-Tuks opened their Varsity Cup campaign with a bonus point win over hosts FNB Wits at a wet Wits Rugby Stadium.
Conditions were difficult to play in, with the continuous drizzle making the playing surface slippery. However, this didn’t stop the UP-Tuks from securing a 35-8 victory.
UP-Tuks hooker Allister Williams was without a doubt one of the standout players in the match, crossing the whitewash three times, with teammate and flyhalf, JP Wentzel stepping up and slotting all five of his conversion attempts.
There wasn’t too much to tell between the two teams in the first half, with the game being an end-to-end affair, where UP-Tuks used their lineouts to good effect, scoring both their tries through driving mauls.
The Witsies could only console themselves with a penalty, converted by flyhalf, Tireque Apolles. At the break, UP-Tuks stole the show with a 14-3 lead.
The second half saw the Witsies making far too many errors in crucial areas, which UP-Tuks were able to pounce on and score a further three tries, courtesy of Allister Williams, Christiaan Vlok, and Munashe Dukuswa.
The game eventually saw the Juskei derby bragging rights heading to Pretoria, with UP-Tuks clinching a 35-8 victory.
SCORERS
FNB WITS 8 (8)
Tries: Chris Kachungunu
FNB UP-TUKS 35 (14)
Tries: Allister Williams (3), Christiaan Vlok, Munashe Dukuswa.
FNB Player That Rocks: Dillion Smith (UP-TUKS)
TEAMS
WITS: Ricardo Brandao, Justin Amos, Sibusiso Shongwe, Kgoposto Matlena, JD Hattingh, Joshua van Vreden, Chris Kachungunu, Thomas Beling, Drew Bennet, Tireque Apolles, Ngia Selengbe, Setshaba Mokoena (C), Liyema Matyolweni, Dustyn Holmes, Tirhani Masondo.
UP-TUKS: MJ Nel, Allister Williams, Johan Louw, Lilitha Matsiliza, Roald Hattingh, Kamohelo Tlome, Haydn Kemp, Dillon Smith (C), Chad-Lee Valentine, JP Wentzel, Munashe Dukuswa, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Christiaan Vlok, Ambesa Zenzile, Tharquinn Manuel.
UCT Ikeys 32-23 NWU Eagles
FNB UCT Ikeys pulled off a second half turnaround to kick off their campaign with a 32-23 win over FNB NWU Eagles on Tuesday. The match needed to be moved to City Park Stadium in Athlone after protests prevented Monday’s kick off at the Green Mile on Monday.
It was the away side who had the brighter start as Stehan Hermans gave NWU the lead through two penalties. UCT got back within three points shortly after before the Eagles were rewarded for their early pressure with Sean Roulston dotting down for the first try of the encounter on the 20-minute mark.
FNB NWU extended their lead when hooker Chyle Van Zyl crashed over the line from a rolling maul for his first score. Stehan Hermans slotted his conversion for an 18-3 lead. The UCT Ikeys failed to keep the visitors out of their 22 which led to Van Zyl scoring his second try on the stroke of half time. Hermans missed the conversion but the Eagles carried a 23-3 lead into the break.
UCT Ikeys fired out of the starting blocks in the second half as their number eight, Aidan Norris breached the Eagles defence three minutes in. Ntokozo Makhaza was on target with the conversion, handing his side a lifeline with the score sitting at 23-10 to the visitors.
Makhaza kicked a 40-meter penalty, giving UCT Ikeys more belief. Their second half pressure paid off just on the hour mark as Asad Moos rounded off a brilliantly worked scrum set piece that started in their own half – ensuring UCT earned a seven-point score and Makhaza was spot on with the conversion once again, taking the score to 22-23 in favour of the Eagles.
Makhaza gave UCT the lead for the first time inside the last 10 minutes, setting up a tense finish. It was the home side who held their nerve as Kian Davis popped up with an interception to dot down underneath the posts against the run of play that gave the Ikey Tigers a hard-fought 32-23 win in Cape Town.
SCORERS
UCT Ikeys 32 (3)
Tries: Aidan Norris, Asad Moos, Kian Davis.
FNB NWU Eagles 23 (23)
Tries: Sean Roulston, Chyle VanZyl (2).
FNB Player That Rocks: Asad Moos (UCT).
TEAMS
FNB UCT Ikeys: Mhleli Khuzwayo, Keagan Blanckenberg, Bryan le Roux, Enos Ndiao, Keenan Mills, Siphomezo Dyonase (C), Connor Jack Gordon, Aidan Norris, Asad Moos, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Thomas Nel, Kian Davis, Rethabile Louw, Duran Rayn Koevort, Johan Lombard, Matthew Beckett, Zachary Porthen, Michal Hofmeyr, Matthew Macleod Smith, Aden Da Costa, Josh Miller, Qhawe Soji.
FNB NWU Eagles: Alethwa Buthelezi, Chyle Van Zyl, Ntobeko Shezi, Tsepo Tlaka, Stephan Krugel (C), Guhan Du Bois, Tian Van Zyl, Sean Roulston, Divan Du Toit, Stehan Heymans, Joubert Schoeman, Isrome Phatudi, Matthew Fortuin, Naiden Jaarts, Luan Van der Walt, Jordan Mcloughlin, Jaco Du Toit, Bradley Stanfliet, Schalk Van Schalkwyk, Ricardo Fourie, Sanele Zungu, Indiphile Tyeda, Nico Liversage.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
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