FNB UCT scored a last-minute try to beat FNB NWU in the opening round of the FNB Varsity Cup. FNB UCT fought back from a 12-point deficit to claim a bonus-point win against FNB NWU at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds.
The Eagles dominated the set pieces and controlled the game for much of the first half. Flyhalf Nivan Petersen contributed 16 points from the kicking tee as FNB NWU took a commanding 26-14 lead into the break.
The Ikeys improved at the scrum and lineout in the second half and managed to draw level with the Eagles as the end of the game approached. They may have taken the lead several times at the death if not for three missed goal attempts.
The match was decided in the final minute when Ikeys replacement Duran Koevort pounced on a loose ball and raced away to complete a Point of Origin (seven-point) try.
Kyle Bowman’s conversion ensured that the Ikeys banked a nine-point win on the road. What’s more, it denied the Eagles a losing bonus point.
FNB Player That Rocks: Nivan Petersen (FNB NWU Eagles)
FNB NWU Eagles – Tries: Heinz Bertram, Riaan Genis. Conversions: Nivan Petersen (2). Penalties: Nivan Petersen (4).
FNB UCT Ikeys – Tries: Suleiman Hartzenberg (POR), Rihaz Fredericks, William Rose, Seth Christian, Duran Koevort (POR). Conversions: David Hayes (2), Kyle Bowman.
FNB NWU Eagles – 15 Heinrich Botha, 14 Elzandro Fredericks, 13 Tino Swanepoel, 12 Pienaar van Niekerk, 11 Keano Windvogel, 10 Nivan Petersen, 9 Riaan Genis, 8 André Fouché, 7 Heinz Bertram, 6 Chris Vermaak, 5 Ruben Dreyer, 4 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 3 Sampie Swiegers (c), 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Ruben du Plessis. Replacements: 16 Chyle van Zyl, 17 Jason Jansen, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Wihan Nel, 20 Jakkie Eloff, 21 Aphelele Madaka, 22 Gustav Erlank, 23 Isrome Phatudi.
FNB UCT Ikeys – 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Kyle Lamb, 11 Rethabile Louw, 10 David Hayes, 9 William Rose, 8 Jason MacLeod Smith, 7 Taariq Kruger, 6 Siphumezo Dyonase, 5 Mika Schubert, 4 Matthew Grobler, 3 Keagan Glade, 2 Alex Castle, 1 Luthando Woji (c). Replacements: 16 Keagan Blanckenberg, 17 Seth Christian, 18 Alizwa Mngqeta, 19 Reynhardt Crous, 20 Callum Whitson, 21 Kyle Bowman, 22 Kian Davis, 23 Duran Koevort.