Scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde scored a try at the death as FNB UP-Tuks edged FNB Maties 29-23 in a dramatic final staged in Stellenbosch. This title victory equals the most number of FNB Varsity Cup trophies won by a side, FNB Maties and FNB UP-Tuks have now each won the competition five times.
FNB Maties went into this decider determined to channel the energy and aura of the Danie Craven Stadium. Meanwhile, FNB UP-Tuks spoke about silencing the home crowd in their quest to win a second consecutive title.
While the home fans made their presence felt in the first half, they were more subdued in the second. The decision to award Van der Linde a late try – despite video replays which suggested a pass in the build-up may have travelled forward, was not well received by the Maties faithful.
By contrast, the FNB UP-Tuks fans at the ground rejoiced. The try, and ultimately the result, ensured Nico Luus’ side claimed its second consecutive title. The FNB Maties pack dominated the scrums and breakdowns in the first half, while the backs – flyhalf Nevaldo Fleurs in particular – converted pressure into territory and points.
FNB UP-Tuks struggled to retain possession and were uncharacteristically porous on defence. While they came into this clash with plenty of intent and aggression, they lacked the necessary accuracy and discipline. The visitors conceded 11 penalties in the first half alone. FNB Maties made the defending champs pay for their mistakes. An unmarked Mike Mavovana claimed a superb cross-kick by Taigh Schoor to score the opening try. Fleurs kicked five penalties to ensure that the hosts went to the break with a ten point lead (20-10).
The momentum shifted in the second stanza, however, after FNB UP-Tuks delivered a more precise showing at the collisions and set pieces. Kabelo Mokoena scored in the 53rd minute to bring his side back into the contest. FNB UP-Tuks crossed the line again – but were denied after FNB Maties used their white card challenge to identify a knock-on in the build-up.
FNB UP-Tuks continued to apply the pressure. When Mokoena scored his second try in the 70th minute, the visitors were within sight of a dramatic and unlikely victory. FNB Maties failed to finish a scoring chance at the other end, and then allowed the visitors one final opportunity.
Coetzee launched an audacious attack from within his own half, and beat several defenders. The full-back managed to offload to Van der Linde, who showed exceptional pace to finish. FNB Maties used their white card challenge to query the pass by Coetzee to Van der Linde.
TMO Egon Seconds ruled that the pass was not obviously forward, and so the decision to award the try was upheld. With this result, FNB UP-Tuks have equalled FNB Maties’ record of five FNB Varsity Cup titles.
