With promotion already secured after topping the log, the FNB Wits Blues capped off a perfect season by claiming the FNB Varsity Shield 2026 trophy in emphatic fashion in front of a packed Wits stadium. The home side ran in 8 tries to beat FNB WSU 44-18 and remain unbeaten in this year's tournament.
FNB Wits went into the match as favourites, and they lived up to those expectations, beating their counterparts 44-18. The Blues had already secured automatic promotion before the final, while WSU finished in second place on the log. In the semifinals, the boys from Johannesburg thumped FNB Madibaz 68-10, and WSU edged FNB UWC 42-32 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
The final had it all, from drama to suspense, and it was WSU who had a bright start after scoring a penalty early on through fullback Isiphe Mbini.
That early blow sparked the hosts to life, and what followed was pure dominance.
They scored three tries within 20 minutes through Lindani Dweba, Latica Nela and loose forward, Liam Santos.
Christopher Kachungunu and Tirhani Masondo joined the scoring action before the visitors hit back with two tries, thanks to Ahlule Zokoza.
At the halfway point, Wits led 27-13.
The hosts upped the intensity in the second half and scored two quick tries through Masondo and Dweba to extend their lead to 39-13.
Wits continued dominating the clash, and Kachungunu sealed his brace after the 60-minute mark.
The WSU-All Blacks, however, had the last say when captain, Lukhangele Tshayi, sliced through the Wits defence to score a consolation try for his side.
Scorers:
FNB Wits: Tries: Lindani Dweba (2), Latica Nela, Liam Santos, Christopher Kachungunu (2), Tirhani Masondo (2). Conversions: Rekkie Gerber (2).
FNB WSU: Tries: Ahlule Zokoza (2), Lukhangele Tshayi. Penalty: Isiphe Mbini.
FNB Player of the Match: Christopher Kachungunu (FNB Wits)
Teams:
FNB Wits: 1 Ronan Dutton, 2 Bonga Nxumalo, 3 Meyer Opperman, 4 Lian Terblanche, 5 Hayden Munnery, 6 Liam Santos, 7 Christopher Kachungunu, 8 Jamaal Feldman, 9 Sherwin Buys, 10 Rekkie Gerber, 11 Lindani Dweba, 12 Tirhani Masondo, 13 Kamohelo Ncunca, 14 Dustyn Holmes, 15 Latica Nela. Replacements: 16 Dylan Piek, 17 Ricardo Brandao, 18 Miguel Smith, 19 Joshua Ferreira, 20 Marko Kok, 21 Gideon Diedericks, 22 Matthew Coetzee, 23 Oluwatimileyen Oluwol.
FNB WSU: 1 Mihlali Nohoyeka, 2 Mangaliso Zixesha, 3 Yoyisa Mahobe, 4 Luvo Zindela, 5 Azasakhe Phuwani, 6 Siya Ncapay, 7 Khanaye Mbakaza, 8 Sipho Hobosch, 9 Thembela Folo, 10 Lukhangele Tshayi, 11 Sosulwe Mqonci, 12 Bulelani Nondlwana, 13 Axola Mtalana, 14 Ahlule Zokoza, 15 Isiphe Mbini. Replacements: 16 Sokhana Pampila, 17 Inathinkosi Mhlakaza, 18 Buhlebenkosi Kedama, 19 Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, 20 Lizole Hebe, 21 Sinethemba Buhlungu, 22 Pasco Mokoena, 23 Qhayiya Makhalima.