Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB WSU scored a 79th-minute converted try to snatch a dramatic win against FNB UKZN with 32-31.
The Impi led 17-3 after 21 minutes and 31-22 after 51, but Eastern Cape’s All Blacks dominated the final quarter and were rewarded when flyhalf Lwandile Mapuko scored their fourth try and captain Litha Nkula kicked the match-winning conversion.
FNB UKZN had won the last two encounters between the teams, so the pressure was on FNB WSU coming into this Round 2 clash.
Flank Menzi Mabaso scored an early try for the Impi and, in the 14th minute, flyhalf Azakhile Afrika won a turnover which led to a five-pointer for lock Heinrich Cronjé.
Whatever was said to FNB WSU during the strategy break was exactly what they needed to hear as centre Scelo Tole and Mapuko scored tries to reduce the deficit to two.
FNB UKZN responded with a converted try to hooker Tristan Trollip that gave them a 24-15 lead at half-time.
FNB WSU impressed at the lineouts and after a good take from lock Hloma Payi, centre Yamkela Nyebe crept in right under the posts.
No 8 Llawden Roux then scored a converted try from a powerful Impi scrum to make it 31-22.
But Nkula’s penalty got FNB WSU back within striking range and with two minutes remaining, a poor clearance kick from FNB UKZN allowed them to attack from inside their half.
They made it count, with Mapuko scoring the match-winner.
FNB Player that Rocks: Sibongile Novuka (FNB UKZN)
FNB WSU All Blacks: Tries: Scelo Tole, Lwandile Mapuko (2), Yamkela Nyembe. Conversions: Litha Nkula (3). Penalties: Litha Nkula (2).
FNB UKZN Impi: Tries: Menzi Mabaso, Heinrich Cronjé, Tristan Trollip, Llawdden Roux. Conversions: Sibongile Novuka (4). Penalties: Sibongile Novuka.