FNB Maties rebounded from a poor start to beat the FNB NWU Eagles 20-12 in round six of the FNB Varsity Cup in Stellenbosch on Monday night. FNB NWU will be hard-pressed to make the playoffs from here. FNB Maties, however, remain in the hunt for a home semi-final.
The contest was an arm-wrestle for much of the first quarter. Eagles captain Sampie Swiegers converted an early opportunity before the hosts responded with a converted try of their own through hooker Sean Swart.
In the 25th minute, the outside centre, Waqar Solaan seized the initiative for his side when he broke the line and set up fullback Nevaldo Fleurs for a stunning try. Fleurs slotted the conversion and then two subsequent penalties. Suddenly, FNB Maties were out to a commanding 20-7 lead which was the score at the halftime break.
FNB NWU’s attack was hampered by a series of handling errors over the course of the game. Their lineout misfired and their discipline let them down at key moments. Their scrum, however, kept them in the contest. After earning some reward from this set piece, and after addressing their lineout and mauling woes, they scored another try through Swiegers in the 61st minute. Replacement flyhalf Martin Venter missed the ensuing conversion and a late penalty attempt. As a result, the Eagles failed to claim so much as a losing bonus point from the fixture.
Scorers:
FNB Maties: Tries: Sean Swart, Nevaldo Fleurs. Conversions: Nevaldo Fleurs (2). Penalties Nevaldo Fleurs (2).
FNB NWU Eagles: Tries: Sampie Swiegers (2). Conversion: Nivan Petersen.
FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Beukes (FNB Maties)