In a commanding performance, FNB CPUT secured a 49-24 win over FNB UKZN leading 35-10 at the halftime break.
The match commenced with an assertive display from FNB CPUT, as Denley Adams crossed the try line in the 4th minute following a well-executed maul. Flyhalf Oyintando Maseti successfully added the conversion, giving FNB CPUT an early 7-0 advantage.
FNB UKZN responded promptly, earning a penalty in the 7th minute, which Siso France converted to narrow the gap to 7-3.
However, FNB CPUT maintained their momentum, with Maseti slotting a penalty in the 10th minute to extend the lead to 10-3. Six minutes later, Clyde Frieslaar scored a try, capitalising on an assist from Maseti. Although the subsequent conversion was missed, FNB CPUT’s lead grew to 15-3.
FNB UKZN showcased resilience in the 21st minute when flyhalf Minehle Ngcamu delivered a precise short pass to fullback Siso France, who touched down for a try. France’s successful conversion brought the score to 15-10, signalling a potential shift in momentum.
FNB CPUT quickly countered, with Maseti converting a penalty in the 22nd minute to widen the margin to 18-10. The team’s dominance continued as Nkosephayo “Ox” Ngema scored a try in the 29th minute, following an assist from Kieran Naidoo. Maseti’s conversion further extended the lead to 25-10.
The first half concluded with another try from Adams in the 35th minute, assisted by Frieslaar. Maseti’s accurate conversion brought the score to 32-10. A final penalty by Maseti in the 40th minute, awarded due to a tackler not releasing, cemented FNB CPUT’s commanding halftime lead of 35-10.
In the 49th minute FNB UKZN capitalised on a rare FNB CPUT error within their 22-meter line. Singele Mkhize intercepted a misplaced pass and sprinted to the try line, Siso France added the conversion, adjusting the score to 35-17.
FNB CPUT responded with a well-coordinated play, Maseti delivered a precise assist to Keewan Titus, who crossed the try line. Maseti’s successful conversion extended CPUT’s lead to 42-17. The synergy between Maseti and Keene Munnick was evident as Munnick set up Maseti for a try, Maseti then converted his own try, furthering the lead to 49-17.
FNB UKZN showcased resilience in the closing stages. Opting for a quick tap-and-go penalty, Tinotenda Mazhindu caught the CPUT defence off-guard, scoring a try. France’s conversion brought the final score to 49-24.
Scorers:
FNB CPUT: Tries: Nkosephayo Ngema, Denley Adams (2), Oyintando Maseti (2), Keewan Titus. Conversions: Keewan Titus, Oyintando Honour Maseti (4). Penalties: Oyintando Honour Maseti (3).
FNB UKZN: Tries: Tinotenda Mazhindu, Singele Mkhize, Siso France. Conversions: Siso France (2).
Teams:
FNB CPUT: 1 Nkosephayo Ngema, 2 Kyle Ahrendse, 3 Kieran Naidoo, 4 Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga, 5 Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, 6 Lathitha Sange, 7 Nqaba Mveliso Nkonyeni, 8 Denley Krid Adams, 10 Clyde Frieslaar, 10 Oyintando Honour Maseti, 11 Chris David Phillips, 12 Timothy Matthew Shortles, 13 Iwaan Bloys, 14 Noah Matthew Pekeur, 15 Keewan Titus. Replacements: 16 Lindisipho Lihle Kula, 17 Gerald Junior Ghambi, 18 Ashton Maloy, 19 Andrew John Williams, 20 Evan Aldrich Plaatjies, 21 Ndinani Nodlayiya, 22 Carick Ethan Kustoor, 23 Keene Munnick.
FNB UKZN: 1 Siyanda Dlamini, 2 Jordan Ramsay, 3 Owethu Mntwelizwe, 4 Michael Ize-Iyamu, 5 Samkelo Mkhize, 6 Mzwandile Khawula, 7 Mthomboyolo Buzani, 8 Tinotenda Mazhindu, 9 Zak Smith, 10 Minehle Mfanelo Ngcamu, 11 Luthando Mhlongo, 12 Singele Mkhize, 13 Jovawn Visagie, 14 Ntobeko Mhlongo, 15 Siso France. Replacements: 16 Qhawe Nxumalo, 17 Lonwabo Nkalitshana, 18 Thabiso Ncube, 19 Aphelele Dlamini, 20 Wela-aphumelele Takata, 21 Milowo Matebese, 22 Ramatuku Sikhakhane, 23 Hlumelo Madikane.
