In Stellenbosch FNB Maties rebounded after a poor start to edge FNB UWC with 40-31 and finish third on the log
Udubs made an impressive start to the match, with converted tries by flank Godfrey Muzanargwo and lock Jaen-Louis de Lange putting them 14-0 ahead after 13 minutes.
But FNB Maties hit back with two maul tries from hooker Sean Swart, the leading try-scorer in this year’s tournament (nine). Centre Taigh Schoor and replacement Jurie Matthee then crossed the line to give the hosts a 26-14 half-time lead.
However, FNB UWC fought back brilliantly after the break, with scrumhalf Conwill Conradie scoring a seven-point try and centre Aydon Topley a five-pointer. A conversion and penalty from captain Lyle Hendricks then put them 31-28 up after 61 minutes.
But FNB Maties responded with another two tries, the last from replacement hooker Chris Rossouw with four minutes remaining.
FNB Maties 40 (26) – Tries: Sean Swart (2), Taigh Schoor, Jurie Matthee, Juan Beukes, Chris Rossouw. Conversions: Nevaldo Fleurs (5).
FNB UWC 31 (14) – Tries: Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jaen-Louis de Lange, Conwill Conradie (1x7), Aydon Topley. Conversions: Lyle Hendricks (3). Penalty: Lyle Hendricks.
FNB Player That Rocks: Nevaldo Fleurs (FNB Maties)
FNB Maties – 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Waqar Solaan, 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Mike Mavovana, 10 Adriaan van der Bank (c), 9 Mckyle Volmoer, 8 Jesse Johnson, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Siyabonga Matanda, 5 Marco van Rhyn, 4 Juan Beukes, 3 James Combrinck, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Rhynardt Rijnsburger. Replacements: 16 Chris Rossouw, 17 Gert Marais, 18 Vernon Matongo, 19 Matt Gray, 20 Gift Dlamini, 21 Jaco Nell, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Sibabalwe Xamlashe.
FNB UWC – 15 Tiaan Henecke, 14 Will Vraagom, 13 Aydon Topley, 12 Lubelo Scott, 11 Tasriq Mynhardt, 10 Lyle Hendricks (c), 9 Conwill Conradie, 8 Romauld Ntumba, 7 Godfrey Muzanargwo, 6 Nicholas Chipanje, 5 Jaen-Louis de Lange, 4 Husayn Banzi, 3 Riaan van der Merwe, 2 Mauritz Swart, 1 Keanuh Michaels. Replacements: 16 Bradman Grove, 17 Haniel du Toit, 18 Liam Tattersall, 19 Franco Ceasar, 21 Peter Williams, 22 Tandile Hoyi, 23 Andries Engelbrecht, 25 Ethan Diston.