A rain-soaked Suzuki Stadium witnessed a thrilling 11-try encounter between hosts FNB SPU and the FNB Varsity College Comets. The home side came out guns blazing scoring three quick tries through Jaiden Faviers, Jan Potgieter and Stephan Du Toit before the first strategy break, however, a strong second half by the visitors secured them a 43-36 win.
The visitors looked visibly flustered, but a try by Jaque Marias was the catalyst for an epic comeback that saw the Comets equalise at 21 a piece as Gemmies kicking maestro Khanya Kama put the locals 3 points clear at the break.
The second half was an end-to-end battle that saw Edward Sigauke pick up his brace and the Comets take the lead in the 68th minute.
FNB SPU clawed their way back into the game and were trailing by just 3 points with 4 min remaining.
The Durban North outfit who finished runner's-up last season had the final say when Chandler Green scored at the death to give the Comets a well-deserved win.
Scorers:
FNB SPU: Tries: Jan Potgieter, Ethan Manus, Stephan du Toit, Jaiden Faviers, Bokamoso Maphisa. Conversions: Khanya Kama (4). Penalty: Khanya Kama.
FNB Varsity College: Tries: Jaques Marais, Mambo Mkhize, Edward Sigauke (2), Chandler Green, Bradley Moroney. Conversions: Frederick Marx (5). Penalty: Frederick Marx.
Teams:
FNB SPU: 1 Aviwe Mpepo, 2 Jan Potgieter, 3 Juandre le Roux, 4 Kwandokuhle Dlamini, 5 Tumelo Papane, 6 Thando Shipalana, 7 JJ Fourie, 8 Gareth Maree, 9 Ethan Manus, 10 Khaya Kama, 11 Raees Sahabodien, 12 Stephan du Toit, 13 Jaiden Faviers, 14 Liyabona Maplanga, 15 Bokamoso Maphisa. Replacements: 16 Tyron China, 17 Emile Noble, 18 Kabelo Keagile, 19 Lihlumelo Gunguta, 20 Tj Majiedt, 21 Fredrick John Eveleigh, 22 Leslie Ruiters, 23 Dwayne Lubbe.
FNB Varsity College: 1 Okuhlekodwa Meyiwa, 2 Jaques Marais, 3 Daniel van Huizen, 4 Robert Everson, 5 Reese Curtin, 6 Khumo-etsile Nkutha, 7 Enzo van Niekerk, 8 Juan Orde Steyl, 9 Abande Mthembu, 10 Frederick Marx, 11 Nkazimulo Mzolo, 12 Mambo Mkhize, 13 Anwill Prins, 14 Edward Sigauke, 15 Chandler Green. Replacements: 16 Thabo Njapha, 17 Donell Francis, 18 Bradley Moroney, 19 Garren Muller, 20 Jonathan Horak, 21 Dallyn Beukes, 22 Mj Schoeman, 23 Allston Cedras.