FNB NWU Eagles secured an important 30-22 victory over FNB UP-Tuks at the Fanie du Toit Sportsground on Monday, moving to the top of the FNB Varsity Cup log.
The result also handed FNB UP-Tuks their first defeat of the tournament especially in the first half where they dominated both possession and territory. The home side scored three tries before the break and went into halftime leading 23–5. The crowd created an electric atmosphere, with loud support pushing the Eagles forward throughout the match.
Despite playing without their captain Stephen Krugel for the first time this season, FNB NWU remained organised and confident. FNB UP-Tuks fought back in the second half and managed to add more points, but the Eagles stayed in control to secure the win.
Tries for NWU were scored by Zack Serfontein, Leejay Peterson, Jordan McLoughlin and Luan van der Walt. Tuks responded with tries from Akha Mjawule and Gustav van der Merwe, who crossed the line twice.
NWU scrumhalf Zack Serfontein, wearing jersey number nine, was named the Player that Rocks after a strong performance that helped guide the Eagles’ attack. The victory strengthens NWU’s position in the competition as the tournament continues.
Scorers:
FNB NWU: Tries: Zack Serfontein, Leejay Peterson, Jordan McLoughlin, Andile Myeni, Luan van der Walt. Conversions: Ruan Van Willing.
FNB UP-Tuks: Akha Mjawule, Gustav van der Merwe (2), Andile Myeni. Conversion: Divan Du Toit.
Teams:
FNB NWU: 1 Alethwa Buthelezi, 2 Jordan Mcloughlin, 3 Jason Oosthuizen, 4 Tian Van Zyl, 5 Raniel Turner, 6 Ricardo Fourie, 7 Schalk Van Schalkwyk, 8 Guhan Du Bois, 9 Zack Serfontein, 10 Ruan Van Willing, 11 Therlow Prins, 12 Leejay Petersen, 13 Matthew Fortuin, 14 Luyolo Doyi, 15 Luan Van Der Walt. Replacements: 16 Hanro Venter, 17 Lachibo Tchokonte-nana, 18 Jaco Du Toit, 19 Schalk Du Plessis, 20 Sean Roulston, 21 Gary Otto, 22 Mj Mostert, 23 Logan Janeke.
FNB UP-Tuks: 1 MJ Nel, 2 Jean Fourie, 3 Jayd Austin, 4 Oelof De Meyer, 5 David Engongo, 6 Guvandre Moses, 7 Ben Jansen Van Vuuren, 8 Dillon Smith, 9 Akha Mjawule, 10 Divan Du Toit, 11 Munashe Dukuswa, 12 Christiaan Vlok, 13 Kobus Janse Van Rensburg, 14 Andile Myeni, 15 Hopewell Ntshangase. Replacements: 16 Gustav Van Der Merwe, 17 Buhle Mpaka, 18 Barnard Nortje, 19 Duncan Blignaut, 20 Abel Pretorius, 21 Akhona Kunene, 22 Chad-lee Valentine, 23 Van Reenen Kruger.