Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
Defending champions FNB CPUT ran in 10 tries as they smashed their way through the Stallions with 68-08.
Such was the Tekkies' dominance that even a lightning-enforced hiatus did little to dampen their spirits as they attacked at will.
The men from the Cape peninsula were rampant in their crushing set play as the Rhodents just couldn't match their physicality or rush defence, often finding themselves flustered whenever they did have possession.
FNB CPUT racked up a 21-8 lead at the break as they ran in three tries courtesy of a brace by outside centre Björkan Hendricks, while lock Joshua Paris scored a beaut as he intercepted a wayward pass just inside his half to gallop like an escaped giraffe to the whitewash. Flyhalf Imibongo Mgijima converted all.
The Stallions had wing, Matthew Royle, to thank as his try from a quick tap penalty and lone penalty was all that they could muster in the first 40.
The Tekkies found their groove in the second half as they touched down three tries, two converted, in just six minutes as prop Onika Mgijima, replacement scrumhalf Hughwan Engelbrecht and Asisipho Malotana all crossed the chalk.
With the match all but wrapped up by the second strategy break, one would think that FNB CPUT would take the foot of the pedal. This was absolutely not the case as Malotana scored his second while No 8 Phumlani Mkhaliphi, Mgijima and replacement loose forward Butsha Mputa etched their names on the score sheet to secure an extremely satisfying return on an 80-minute effort.
FNB Player that Rocks: Imibongo Vabaza (FNB CPUT)
FNB Rhodes: Try: Matthew Royle. Penalty: Matthew Royle.
FNB CPUT: Tries: Björkan Hendricks (2), Joshua Paris, Onika Mgijima, Hughwan Engelbrecht, Phumlani Mkhaliphi, Asisipho Malotana (2), Imibongo Vabaza, Butsha Mputa. Conversions: Imibongo Vabaza (9).