Photo Credit: Varsity Sport
FNB UP-Tuks scored five tries against FNB UJ at the Tuks B-Field to claim a second consecutive bonus-point win with 47-19. TUKS showed that they must not be disregarded while UJ is seemingly content with the wooden spoon.
Two penalty goals from fullback Zander du Plessis gave the host an early 6-0 lead before FNB UJ got on the board through the boot of flyhalf Jonathan Viljoen, who left the field shortly afterwards through injury.
The first try of the game was a point-of-origin seven-pointer finished off by FNB UP-Tuks lock Hanru Sirgel.
Jurich Claasens kicked two penalties for FNB UJ but two more tries for FNB UP-Tuks, by winger Ambesa Zenzile and scrumhalf Clyde Lewis (the latter a seven-pointer) gave them a commanding 32-12 lead at the break.
Replacement flank Eduard Lubbe extended it when he was driven over the line for the hosts’ bonus-point try early in the second half, before fullback Boldwin Hansen scored FNB UJ’s only try.
With five minutes remaining, UP-Tuks were getting nowhere with their driving mauls but a quick switch to their backs created a gap for centre Wian van Niekerk, whose try ensured he won the FNB Player That Rocks award.
Du Plessis kicked the conversion and added a penalty to cap off a comfortable win.
FNB Player That Rocks: Wian van Niekerk (FNB UP-Tuks)
FNB UP-Tuks: Tries: Hanru Sirgel (1x7), Ambesa Zenzile, Clyde Lewis (1x7), Eduan Lubbe, Wian van Niekerk. Conversions: Zander du Plessis (3). Penalties: Zander Du Plessis (4).
FNB UJ: Try: Boldwin Hansen. Conversion: Jurich Claasens. Penalties: Jonathan Viljoen, Jurich Claasens (3).