Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
Hooker André-Hugo Venter scored four tries as FNB Maties bounced back from their opening-round loss to FNB UCT with a comfortable win against FNB UWC (43-21) at the Tuks B-Field. FNB FNB Maties used their forwards effectively and scored five tries from lineout mauls.
This was a physical encounter from the get-go, with three scrums in the first five minutes, but it was FNB Maties wing Munier Hartzenberg who scored the first try.
FNB UWC replied through winger Tasriq Mynhardt, who showed impressive pace to dot down in the corner.
The power of the Maroon Machine was evident when Venter – the son of former Springbok flank André – scored three first-half tries from lineout driving mauls. The hooker then claimed his fourth from yet another maul early in the second half.
Replacement hooker Sean Swart picked up where Venter left off by scoring two tries from driving mauls, the second coming after FNB UWC replacement prop Luvo Bazi had been yellow-carded.
No sooner had Bazi returned to the field than FNB UWC flank Mauritz Swart was sent to the sin bin. However, Udubs were able to cross the line twice in his absence, through replacement flank Tinotenda Mavasere and winger Patrick Kotze, to add some respectability to the scoreline.
FNB Player that Rocks: Nevaldo Fleurs (FNB Maties)
Scorers:
FNB Maties: Tries: Muzier Hartzenberg, André-Hugo Venter (4), Sean Swart (2). Conversions: Christopher Schreuder (4).
FNB UWC: Tries: Tariq Mynhardt, Tinotenda Masevere, Patrick Kotze (1x7). Conversions: Branden de Kock (2).