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FNB NWU withstood a brave comeback from FNB CUT to secure a place in the semi-finals with a 35-32 victory .
The Ixias outscored their opponents by five tries to three, but flyhalf Charles Williams missed three conversions, while opposite number Niven Petersen made no mistake with three conversions and four penalty goals.
In what was effectively a 'quarter-final' showdown, it was the Ixias who started the match with fire in their bellies as they frustrated the Eagles.
Early penalty goals by Williams and Petersen were followed by a try to FNB CUT lock Brendon Fortuin, who strode over with his vibrant red scrum cap only slightly less colourful than his celebration.
Ixias hooker Janus Venter’s 11th try of the campaign saw him break the record for most FNB Varsity Cup tries in a season, but the Eagles then flipped the switch with lock Jeandré Leonard bagging a brace, which included a magnificent point-of-origin try.
Petersen knocked over both conversions and landed two penalties to push out the score to 25-15 at half-time.
Ixias inside centre Heino Bezuidenhout pulled back a try 10 minutes into the second half as they attempted to stage a comeback, but the Eagles put paid to their initial attempt when flank Ruben Dreyer scored a try, with Petersen kicking the conversion and adding a penalty.
The men from Bloemfontein continued unabated, though, as Venter earned his brace before replacement scrumhalf Xander Botha showed immense strength to spin, tuck and dive over the line despite the attention of several purple defenders.
Ultimately, it was not to be for the Ixias as the Eagles saw out the remaining time to book their spot in the semi-finals.
FNB Player That Rocks: Jeandré Leonard (FNB NWU Eagles)
FNB CUT Ixias – Tries: Brendon Fortuin, Janus Venter (2), Heino Bezuidenhout, Xander Botha. Conversions: Charles Williams (2). Penalty: Charles Williams.
FNB NWU Eagles – Tries: Jeandré Leonard (1x5, 1x7), Ruben Dreyer. Conversions: Nivan Petersen (3). Penalties: Petersen (4).