FNB NWU Eagles secured their second consecutive victory with a dominant 59-14 performance against FNB Varsity Cup defending champions FNB UFS Shimlas at the Fanie du Toit Sportsground.
The Eagles got off to a strong start, with Stehan Heymans slotting a penalty in the third minute. However, they spent the next 15 minutes under pressure as Shimlas applied relentless attacks.
They managed to extend their lead when Nico Liversage crossed the try line after a well-timed offload from Matthew Fortuin, with Heymans successfully adding the conversion. Just before halftime, Ricardo Fourie’s try in the 37th minute secured a commanding 15-0 advantage for the home side.
The Eagles continued their dominance early in the second half, extending their lead to 22-0 in the 47th minute when Guhan Du Bois dotted down after a patient attacking buildup, finishing off an offload from Stephan Krugel. Heymans added the conversion. Five minutes later, Tian van Zyl sprinted down the wing to score after receiving a well-timed offload from Naiden Jaarts, with Heymans once again slotting the extra points to make it 29-0.
Shimlas finally responded in the 55th minute when Lilitha Lunqe powered through the Eagles’ defence from close range to score, and Tiaan Kriek converted, narrowing the gap to 29-7.
The Eagles continued their relentless attack in the 66th minute when Isrome Phatudi crossed the try line after a brilliant solo run from Schalk Van Schalkwyk, extending the lead to 36-7.
Just three minutes later, Van Schalkwyk capitalized on a quick turnover to score his try, with Stehan Heymans adding the conversion to make it 43-7. The Eagles struck again in the 71st minute when van der Walt intercepted the ball in his half and sprinted to the try line, with Heymans once again slotting the extra points for a commanding 52-7 lead.
Shimlas managed to hit back in the 73rd minute as Liam Shamburg powered through the Eagles’ defense to score, narrowing the gap to 52-14. However, the home side had the final say when Indiphile Tyeda raced down the wing to add another try in the 75th minute, with Heymans converting to seal a dominant 59-14 victory for FNB NWU.
Scorers:
FNB NWU Eagles: Tries: Nico Liversage, Ricardo Fourie, Guhan du Bois, Schalk Van Schalkwyk, Indiphile Tyeda, Isrome Phatudi, Luan van der Walt (2). Conversions: Stehan Heymans (6). Penalty: Stehan Heymans.
FNB UFS Shimlas: Tries: Lilitha Lunqe, Liam Shamburg (point-of-origin). Conversion: Tiaan Kriek.
Teams:
FNB NWU Eagles: 1 Alethwa Buthelezi, 2 Chyle Van Zyl, 3 Ntobeko Shezi, 4 Tsepo Tlaka, 5 Stephan Krugel (c), 6 Ricardo Fourie, 7 Tian Van Zyl, 8 Guhan Du Bois, 9 Sanele Zungu, 10 Stehan Heymans, 11 Indiphile Tyeda, 12 Nico Liversage, 13 Matthew Fortuin, 14 Naiden Jaarts. 15Luan Van der Walt. Replacements: 16 Hanro Venter, 17 Jaco Du Toit, 18 Bradley Stanfliet, 19 Schalk Van Schalkwyk, 20 Francois Pretorius, 21 Therlow Prins, 22 Divan Du Toit, 23 Isrome Phatudi.
FNB UFS Shimlas: 1 Ntokozo Hlope, 2 Vice Hofmeyer, 3 Ben Pitout, 4 Reinier Viljoen, 5 Juan Venter. 6 Marno Stopforth, 7 Liam Shamburg, 8 Fano Linde, 9 Hlumelo Klaas, 10 Tiaan Kriek, 11 Lilitha Lunqe, 12 Alwich Van Der Linde, 13 Nkoka Ngobe (c), 14 Kirwin du Preez, 15 Regan Izaks. Replacements: 16 Marnus Winter, 17 Conley Pieterse, 18 Dujean Smit, 19 Maynard Kleynhans, 20 Yaseen Arendse, 21 Dubs Dlamini, 22 Siviwe Zondani, 23 Freddie Dreyer.