FNB UKZN stormed to the top of the log after an emphatic 46-15 victory over FNB SPU at Howard College Rugby Stadium on Friday.
The Durban side ran in eight tries in a dominant display, leaving no doubt about their intent for the 2026 Varsity Shield.
The Gemmies tried to respond with their three tries, but FNB UKZN’s powerful forward pack and clinical finishing kept the home side in control throughout the match.
From the first whistle, the Impi imposed their game plan, combining pace, precision, and physicality.
With this commanding performance, FNB UKZN have thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the competition.
Their confidence and cohesion make them early favourites as the season gets underway, as they defeat the Northern Cape-based side.
Scorers:
FNB UKZN: Tries: Eloko Kayekeze, Jordan Ramsay (2), Mzwandile Khawula, Frederick Maglas, Ayanda Ngubane, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, Jovawn Visagie. Conversions: Siso France (3),
FNB SPU: Tries: Ntokozo Ndwalane (3).
FNB Player of the Match: Frederick Maglas (FNB UKZN)
Teams:
FNB UKZN: 1 Abulele Bolotini, 2 Jordan Ramsamy, 3 Ntokozo Ngema, 4 Amu Rannenueni, 5 Ndabezinhle Ngubane, 6 Mzwandile Khawula, 7 Aphelele Dlamini, 8 Mthomboyolo Buzani (c), 9 Lian Lochner, 10 Juan Viljoen, 11 Eloko Kayekeze, 12 Frederick Malgas, 13 Ntobeko Mhlongo, 14 Minehle Mfanelo Ngcamu, 15 Siso France. Replacements: 16 Lonwabo Nkalitshana, 17 Prince Nyathi, 18
Ulrich Cameron Walker, 19 Asanda Zama, 20 Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, 21 Ayanda Ngubane, 22 Lwanele Gaba, 23 Jovawn Visagie.
FNB SPU: 1 Liam Harmse, 2 Jan Potgieter (c), 3 Emile Noble, 4 Kwandokuhle Dlamini, 5 Tumelo Papane, 6 Tyron China (v), 7 Kabelo Keagile, 8 Joshua Vomberg, 9 Dwayne Lubbe, 10 Calvin Paulsen, 11 Raees Sahabodien, 12 Enzo Machaba, 13 Jaiden Faviers, 14 Michael Prinsloo, 15 Sithabiso Dube. Replacements: 16 Ntokozo Ndwalane, 17 Aiden Holtzhausen, 18 Kwanda Mhlongo, 19 Devine Ambrose, 20 Fuzludean Siam, 21 Raqeeb Kapery, 22 Chadwin Sellidon, 23 Mvelo Ndwalane.