Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB UP-TUKS powerful and direct play overpowered their opponents which showed in the second half when they switched gears to record a bonus-point win against FNB Wits (48-25). FNB Wits made several mistakes at crucial stages of the attack which not only cost them points but also momentum.
It was FNB Wits who hit the ground running with a try by hooker Morné Brandon after five minutes. He followed up with his brace 13 minutes later as the blue machine used their powerful forwards to dominant the lineout.
FNB UP-Tuks fullback Alex-Zander du Plessis kept his charges within a shout of the opposition as he landed five penalties while his counterpart on the kicking tee, flyhalf Christian Humphries, added a conversion and a penalty to hand FNB Wits a slender 18-15 lead at the break.
FNB UP-Tuks returned the favour in the second half as they maintained possession while playing in the right areas and their efforts were rewarded within three minutes as inside centre Louritz van der Schyff finished off a sweeping movement with a point-of-origin try.
Rugby fans will know how descriptive the banter between forwards and backs is and the FNB UP-Tuks forwards ensured one of their own bagged the next five-pointer via replacement prop Dewald Donald.
The Johannesburg-based Witsies enjoyed a family affair as replacement hooker Justin Brandon, older brother of Morné, crossed the whitewash.
A touching moment was when FNB UP-Tuks replacement Werner Fourie took to the field after recovering from brain surgery to remove a tumour that was diagnosed after Round 1 last season.
The final 10 minutes belonged to the Stripe Generation as replacement loose forward Stephan Smit and scrumhalf Clyde Lewis crossed the chalk, while Du Plessis ended the evening with 10/10 kicks at goal.
FNB Player that Rocks: Alex-Zander du Plessis (FNB UP-Tuks)
FNB UP-Tuks : Tries: Louritz van der Schyff (1x7), Dewald Donald, Stephan Smit, Clyde Lewis. Conversions: Alex-Zander du Plessis (4). Penalties: Alex-Zander Du Plessis (6).
FNB Wits: Tries: Morné Brandon (2), Justin Brandon. Conversions: Christian Humphries (2). Penalties: Christian Humphries (2).