The visiting FNB UFS Shimlas put on a masterclass of attacking rugby as they thrashed the FNB Maties 44-12 and booked a home semi-final with the Maties sneaking in through the back door.
The men from Bloemfontein became the first Shimlas side to beat the Maroon Machine in Stellenbosch, the previous best being a 13-13 draw back in 2014. They joined the list of six teams that have managed to record a win in Matieland, something that has only happened eight times since 2008.
The first half saw the home side score tries courtesy of winger Marcqiewn Titus and centre Waqar Solaan. The momentum then swung the way of the visitors courtesy of two POR tries, first by scrumhalf Jandré Nel before captain and flanker Thabang Mahlasi scored to see his team take the half-time lead at 18-12. The home team where their own worst enemies as flanker Siya Matanda and reserve hooker Siya Ngubelanga were both shown cards by the referee.
After the break, it was all Shimlas as flanker Lourens Oosthuizen scored a brace courtesy of some strong forward play before winger Siviwe Zondani showed some serious gas and footballing skills to score in the corner. The final nail in the coffin saw replacement Chadd Adams dance his way past the Maties’ defence to make it 44-12, which made it 26 unanswered points in the second half.
FNB Maties 12 (12) – Tries: Marcqiewn Titus, Waqar Solaan. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (1).
FNB UFS Shimlas 44 (18) – Tries: Jandré Nel, Thabang Mahlasi, Lourens Oosthuizen (2), Siviwe Zondani, Chadd Adams. Conversions: Litha Nkula (1), Ethan Wentzel (3).
FNB Player That Rocks: Lourens Oosthuizen (UFS)
