A dominant first-half performance saw FNB Wits seal their first win of the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield after thumping FNB UFH 51-00 at the Wits Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday. Playing in front of their home supporters for the first time, the Wits Blues were clinical in attack and used their forwards to bully FNB UFH upfront.
The first half produced a whopping five tries, two of which were scored by flanker Liam Santos from the back of a rolling maul in the third and 18th minute, respectively.
Scrumhalf, Bryce Samuel, also got his name on the scoring sheet after some smart thinking around the ruck. Hayden Munnery extended his side’s lead after they opted for a quick tap instead of converting.
That score took Wits to 22-0 after the first quarter before Jamaal Feldman barged over in the 27th minute to make it 29-0. The visitors needed to respond in the second half, but instead it was Wits who had a bright start.
Lindani Dweba extended his side’s lead by 34 points after relentless pressure in their opponent’s half. The electric centre sealed his brace shortly after to take his side's lead to 39-0.
It was cruise control from there on. Santos completed his hat-trick before the hour mark with yet another try from a rolling maul.
Both teams were down to 14 men at some point after Santos, and Mpho Ramahala were shown their marching orders for cynical play. The hosts sealed the game with a try by the captain, Latica Nela, in the 66th minute after he was put through by Matthew Coetzee.
Scorers
FNB Wits: Tries: Liam Santos X3, Lindani Dweba X2, Bryce Samuel, Hayden Munnery, Jamaal Feldman, Latica Nela.
Teams:
FNB Wits: Ronan Dutton, Bonga Nxumalo, Meyer Opperman, Hayden Munnery, Joshua Ferreira, Liam Santos, Christopher Kachungunu, Jamaal Feldman, Bryce Samuel, Rekkie Gerber, Oluwatimileyen Oluwole, McMillen Mongwana, Lindani Dweba, Dustyn Holmes, Latica Nela.
FNB UFH: Elihle Mtshemla, Oyisa Dayimani, Mbasa Babele, Mpho Ramahala, Liyema Hlitane, Alizwa Majila, Michael Mangava, Iminathi Macoli, Abongile Yeye, Siyamthanda Sakhela, Liyema Ngoyi, Lisolethu Jali, Lakheni Majali, Bulumko Mfundisi, Ukho Nomsatha.