FNB UJ kept their hopes of reaching the semifinals of the FNB Varsity Cup alive after delivering a gritty performance to defeat FNB Shimlas 29-17 at the UJ Stadium on Monday.
The Orange Army entered the clash on the back of a humiliating 87-28 loss against FNB UCT a week ago.
It was a slow start to the game, and things lit up after the 20-minute mark when hooker Francois Prinsloo barged over from a rolling maul.
FNB UJ extended their lead in the 27th minute when electric winger, Mnelis Gamede, sliced through the FNB Shimlas defence to dot over untouched.
The hosts weren’t done yet and punished FNB UFS for their lack of discipline. Prinsloo crashed over from close range for his second to see his side lead 19-0 at the break.
The Orange Army started the second half brightly and extended their lead by seven points when Toy Engelbercht barged over from close range.
They dropped the ball after that score, and it was all FNB Shimlas. The visitors upped the tempo, and scrumhalf Erich Visser bagged a brace within eight minutes to make for an interesting final 20 minutes.
Both sides struggled to capitalise on several numerical advantages, and UJ slotted a penalty with three minutes remaining through JT Kapank to seal the win.
The Shimlas, however, had the last say when Faasen Laubscher crashed over. That came a little bit too late, and UJ held on for the win to maintain their unbeaten record at home.
Scorers:
FNB UJ: Tries: Francois Prinsloo (2), Mnelisi Gamede, Toy Engelbercht. Conversions: JT Kapank. Penalty: JT Kapank.
FNB UFS Shimlas: Tries: Erich Visser (2), Faasen Laubscher. Conversion: Wynand Botha.
FNB UJ: 1 Sifiso Magwaza, 2 Francois Prinsloo, 3 Damian Baker, 4 Jaythen Orange, 5 Juan Fourie, 6 Toy Engelbercht, 7 Josh Du Toit, 8 Thabang Mphafi, 9 Berwyn Bosch, 10 JT Kapank, 11 Mnelisi Gamede, 12 Reuven Ferreira, 13 Exauce Kevani, 14 Tholithemba Sibisi, 15 Jeandre Uithaler. Replacements: 16 Ryan Marimo, 17 Katlego Xaba, 18 Marnus Swarts, 19 Thabo Mashigo, 20 Kamo Molefe, 21 Coun-lee Koekman, 22 Nicallen Gabrielsen, 23 Zenkosi Mthiyane.
FNB UFS Shimlas: 1 Musa Teboho Moshoaliba, 2 Jacobus Bezuidenhout, 3 Sibabalwe Booi, 4 HJ De Beer, 5 Juan Venter, 6 Henri Van Heerden, 7 Sandile Nzuza, 8 Liam Shamburg, 9 Erich Visser, 10 Bradley Pierre Giddy, 11 Keehan Etson, 12 Freddie Dreyer, 13 Wynand Botha, 14 Kirwin Du Preez, 15 Siviwe Zondani. Replacements: 16 Vice Hofmeyer, 17 Nkosephayo Sbusiso Ngema, 18 Faasen Laubscher, 19 Arno Van Der Merwe, 20 Maynard Kleynhans, 21 Alastair-cole Vermeulen, 22 James Jonker, 23 Edward Mpinga.