A hard-fought 29-13 win over the FNB CUT Ixias in a wet and gritty Bloemfontein encounter - a scoreline that hardly reflects how tight the contest really was.
A late flurry of tries from the Orange Army sealed a valuable bonus-point victory, completing a double over the Bloemfontein sides and leaving FNB UJ firmly on the brink of a semi-final spot - a remarkable turnaround less than a year after they narrowly avoided relegation.
FNB UJ struck first in the rain-soaked conditions, with Francois Prinsloo crossing for the opening try. A penalty from Kehan Myburgh kept FNB CUT in touch, as the hosts trailed just 5-3 at the break in a tense, arm-wrestle of a first half.
Myburgh added another penalty shortly after the restart to hand FNB CUT the lead, which they held until the 60th minute when JT Kapank darted over to put FNB UJ back in front. Toy Engelbrecht then extended the visitors’ advantage, but the Ixias responded immediately as Jean-Louis Theron dotted down a point-of-origin try to close the gap to just two points.
With the game hanging in the balance, UJ showed their class and composure. Late tries from Coun-Lee Koekman and Exauce Kevani broke CUT’s resistance and ultimately flattered the final score, as the Orange Army surged clear in the dying moments.
For the Ixias, it was a frustrating outing, particularly at lineout time, where they battled badly and struggled to secure their own ball. That failure at the set piece proved costly, especially inside the opposition 22, where a key attacking weapon deserted them. With relegation now looming large, CUT will have one final opportunity next week to save its season.
Despite the defeat, there were encouraging signs from the Ixias in a performance that was far more competitive than the scoreboard suggests.
Scorers:
FNB CUT Ixias: Tries: Jean-Louis Theron. Penalties: Kehan Myburgh (2).
FNB UJ : Tries: Francois Prinsloo, JT Kapank, Toy Engelbrecht, Coun-Lee Koekman, Exauce Kevani.
Teams:
FNB CUT Ixias: 1 Jan Hendrik Bessenger, 2 Malekela Chilli Malothane, 3 Sean Vermaak, 4 Jean Louis Theron, 5 Oyama Frans, 6 Jordan Davids, 7 Dean Sciocatti, 8 Hope Seyaga, 9 Raydon Swartbooi, 10 Kehan Myburgh, 11 Jade Muller, 12 Winton Abrahams, 13 Matthys Cornelius Malan, 14 Kutlo Seyoko, 15 Devinto Vergotine. Replacements: 16 Tokelo Ntaopane, 18 Vuyo Holiday, 19 Petrus Nel, 20 Tsebano Stemer, 21 Emlyhn Jacobs, 22 CJ Taljaard, 23 Katlego Shebu.
FNB UJ: 1 Sifiso Magwaza, 2 Francois Prinsloo, 3 Damian Baker, 4 Jaythen Orange, 5 Juan Fourie, 6 Toy Engelbercht, 7 Kamo Molefe, 8 Thabang Mphafi, 9 Berwyn Bosch, 10 Nicallen Gabrielsen, 11 Zenkosi Mthiyane, 12 Reuven Ferreira, 13 Tholithemba Sibisi, 14 Mnelisi Gamede, 15 Jeandre Uithaler. Replacements: 16 Ryan Marimo, 17 Katlego Xaba, 18 Marnus Swarts, 19 Vin Van Buuren, 20 Josh Du Toit, 21 Coun-lee Koekman, 22 Jt Kapank, 23 Exauce Kevani.