In a thrilling FNB Varsity Cup showdown at Danie Craven Stadium on Monday evening (24 March), FNB Tuks ended FNB Maties’ unbeaten run with a 19-29 win.
Played in near-perfect conditions, the match saw the visitors overpower the hosts, scoring four tries to the Maroon Machine’s two to clinch the victory.
Tuks started with intensity and their forwards applied heavy pressure. Tighthead prop Bom Louw crossed for the first try after a driving maul, but Maties quickly responded through scrumhalf Mckyle Volmoer, whose break set-up Joel Leotlela for a try.
FNB Maties attempted an innovative tactic close to the line, but Tuks won a turnover, with the half-time score reading 9-7 in the hosts’ favour.
In the second half, FNB Tuks came out strong. Loosehead prop MJ Nel powered over from a maul for the visitors to take the lead. Captain Dillon Smith guided his team with strong leadership and flanker Abel Pretorius showed great determination to score Tuks’ third try. Tuks’ hooker Ruan van Blommestein added a fourth try, leaving Maties on the backfoot.
The men from Stellenbosch fought back, with Jean-Marc Trichard breaking through for a try, but their efforts just weren’t enough. A final penalty from flyhalf JP Wentzel sealed the win for Tuks.
Maties will look to overturn their fortune in the next match, when they travel north to lock horns with FNB Wits at Wits Stadium in the sixth and final round of the competition on Monday 31 March.
