Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB UP-Tuks returned to winning ways (31-25) as their five tries were enough to hold off a resilient FNB UWC.
The Stripe Generation fielded a vastly different team as player rotation comes into play after four brutal rounds, with Zander du Plessis starting at flyhalf instead of his usual position of fullback.
FNB UP-Tuks were in control for the majority of the match, with their set moves off set plays providing countless opportunities on attack while their defence repeatedly frustrated Udubs.
However, two yellow cards to FNB UP-Tuks at the death allowed FNB UWC to creep back into the match.
It didn't take the three-time champions long to breach Udubs' line as scrumhalf Johan Mulder darted over before prop André van der Merwe, outside centre and captain Louritz van der Schyff scored. Du Plessis then secured the bonus-point try in the 31st minute.
Udubs scored their first points in the 25th minute via the boot of flyhalf Ethan Diston before inside centre Jason Cloete ran a deft line to leave FNB UP-Tuks' defence dumbfounded to touch down, with the conversion reducing the deficit to 16 points at half-time.
The third quarter was certainly not as flashy as the first 40, with Diston slotting a penalty before FNB UP-Tuks replacement hooker Llwellyn Claasen profited off the back of a strong lineout drive.
The Stripe Generation's discipline took a dive in the final 10 minutes as they were reduced to 13 men within a minute, with replacement loose forward Divan Venter (repeated team infringements) and Van der Schyff (taking out a player in the air) yellow-carded. That ensured that the men from Pretoria had to shift to defence mode to protect their lead.
Ultimately, FNB UP-Tuks’ defence failed, although it should be credited for holding out as long as it did as Udubs exploited their two-man advantage with hooker Jason Alexander the man to score.
It would be FNB UWC who scored the final points of the match with a minute remaining as No 8 Godfrey Muzanargwo's try was converted by Diston.
Udubs had a chance to attack from deep after the full-time hooter, but a questionable grubber kick was collected by FNB UP-Tuks, who ended the contest.
FNB Player That Rocks: Johan Mulder (FNB UP-Tuks)
FNB UWC – Tries: Jason Cloete, Jason Alexander, Godfrey Muzanargwo. Conversions: Ethan Diston (2). Penalties: Diston (2).
FNB UP-Tuks – Tries: Johan Mulder, André van der Merwe, Louritz van der Schyff, Zander du Plessis, Llwellyn Classen. Conversions: Du Plessis (3).