A clinical second-half performance secured a comprehensive 61-41 victory for FNB UJ against FNB Emeris in the opening round of the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup at the UJ Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday.
The home side showed flare, tenacity, and grit to down the newcomers in front of a sold-out crowd.
The first half was evenly matched, but the FNB Emeris led 21-19 courtesy of a brace by electric winger, Nkazimulo Mzolo and a try by Jacques Marais.
The hosts were equally competitive and gave their supporters something to cheer about.
Ughan Africa opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Reuven Ferreira struck in the 26th minute.
Captain, Thabang Mphafi, showed why he’s the trusted leader and sliced his way past the FNB Emeris defence for his side’s third.
The second half was all about FNB UJ, and they went up a notch, playing an exciting brand of rugby.
Flyhalf Nicallen Gabrielsen dotted over, converted his own try, and slotted over a penalty to snatch the lead for his side.
FNB UJ’s forwards were phenomenal, and as a result, they scored three tries from a rolling maul through Kamo Molefe, Ryan Marimo, and the reliable Josh Du Toit.
The FNB showed positive signs late on with back-to-back tries by Juan Orde Steyl and Edward Sigauke after opting for the tap instead of a conversion.
Steyl scored his second in the 80th minute, but the hosts closed the game off with two tries scored by Tholithemba Sobisi and Du Toit before JT Kapank scored a late penalty to seal the win.
Scorers:
FNB UJ: Tries: Ughan Africa, Reuven Ferreira, Thabang Mphafi, Nicallen Gabrielsen, Kamo Molefe, Ryan Marimo, Josh Du Toit (2), Tholithemba Sobisi. Conversions: Nicallen Gabrielsen (2). Penalties: Nicallen Gabrielsen, JT Kapank.
FNB Emiris: Tries: Jacques Marais (2), Nkazimulo Mzolo (2), Juan Orde Steyl (2), Edward Sigauke. Conversions: Frederick Marx (2).
FNB Player of the Match: Zian Cilliers (FNB UJ)
Teams:
FNB UJ: 1 Sifiso Magwaza, 2 Ryan Marimo, 3 Bian Janse Van Rensburg, 4 Thabo Mashigo, 5 Juan Fourie, 6 Toy Engelbercht, 7 Josh Du Toit, 8 Thabang Mphafi, 9 Zian Cilliers, 10 Nicallen Gabrielsen, 11, Zenkosi Mthiyane, 12 Reuven Ferreira, 13 Exauce Kevani, 14 Ughan Africa, 15 JT Kapank. Replacements: 16 Francois Prinsloo, 17 Damian Baker, 18 Marnus Swarts, 19 Vin Van Buuren, 20 Kamo Molefe, 21 Berwyn Bosch, 22 Tholithemba Sibisi, 23 JT Strydom.
FNB Emeris: 1 Christoff Etzebeth, 2 Jacques Marais, 3 Nathi Ntuli, 4 Sphephelo Mbonambi, 5 Kuhle Mthimkhulu, 6 Andrew Davis, 7 Enzo Van Niekerk, 8 Juan Orde Steyl, 9 Abande Mthembu, 10 Frederick Marx, 11 Edward Sigauke, 12 Mambo Mkhize, 13 Chris Horak, 14 Nkazimulo Mzolo, 15 Chijindu Okota. Replacements: 16 Thabo Njapha, 17 Okuhlekodwa Meyiwa, 18 Soso Maseko, 19 Garren Muller, 20 Robert Everson, 21 Christian Els, 22 MJ Schoeman, 23 Simelela Nkomo.