FNB UCT Ikeys completed the double on FNB UP-Tuks to book their place in the final with a thrilling 48-35 triumph at Tuks Stadium on Monday. Relentless performance from the visitors cornered Tuks to surrender a place in the finals of the FNB Varsity Cup 2025.
The Ikeys introduced themselves with two back-to-back tries to cemment their dominance in the opening 10 minutes courtesy of Thomas Nel and Luke Burger. Brilliant play from Nel registered the first points on the board before Burger powered over to double the lead.
Tuks responded with three back-to-back points from Jandre Burger to reduce the deficit to just eight points. With the intensity rising, every point mattered for both sides, which saw both adding a combined nine more points, six from the visitors and three for the Stripe Generation. Both sides were then reduced to 14 men, and UCT capitalized with a try from Xola Nyali.
MJ Nel powered over following a powerful maul from UCT 22-meter line saw the Tuks Stadium erupt and UCT taking a 15-point lead at the break.
The halftime talks from Tuks proved commanding as they returned with a try, astonishing break from Kamohelo Tlome sets up Andile Myeni for the hosts second try of the night. Immediate respond from the travelers as Nel dotted down to complete his brace.
Keagan Blanckenberg powered over the line to stretch the UCT lead. With Tuks fighting to stay in the game, substitute Cayno February flew over the line from another Tuks maul.
UCT already had their name written on the finals spot as they held firm in defense to secure their place in the final despite Tuks adding more points on the board with a try from Bom Louw. The last kick from an impressive run of kicks from the spot by Ntokozo Makhaza secured a 35-48 victory in favour of the visitors.
Scorers:
FNB UP-Tuks: Tries: MJ Nel, Andile Myeni, Cayno February, Bom Louw.
FNB UCT Ikeys: Tries: Thomas Nel (2), Luke Burger, Xola Nyali, Keagan Blanckenberg.
TEAMS
FNB UP-Tuks: 1 MJ Nel, 2 Ruan van Blommestein, 3 Bom Louw, 4 Lilitha Matsiliza, 5 Roald Hattingh, 6 Kamohelo Tlome, 7 Haydn Kemp, 8 Dillon Smith, 9 Damon OConnell, 10 Jandre Burger, 11 Munashe Dukuswa, 12 Keane Galant, 13 Tharquinn Manuel, 14 Andile Myeni, 15 Ambesa Zenzile.
FNB UCT Ikeys: 1 Matthew Beckett, 2 Keagan Blanckenberg, 3 Zachary Pothen, 4 Enos Ndiao, 5 Danio Botha, 6 Siphomezo Dyonase, 7 Connor Jack Gordon, 8 Xola Nyali, 9 Monray Daars, 10 Alex Vermeulen, 11 Ntokozo Makhaza, 12 Luke Burger, 13 Thomas Nel, 14 Rethabile Louw, 15 Duran Rayn Koevort.