Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB UCT confirmed their status as FNB Varsity Cup title favourites by thrashing FNB CUT with 76-05 in a one-sided match.
This top-of-the-log clash between the only two unbeaten teams in the competition was one-way traffic from start to finish as the Ikey Tigers scored 12 tries, including a hat-trick by fullback Athi Gazi. Coming into this fixture, FNB CUT had conceded just seven tries in four matches.
Scrumhalf William Rose opened the scoring for FNB UCT with an early try, before point-of-origin tries from Gazi and winger Rethabile Louw made it 21-0.
In typical 2021 FNB Varsity Cup fashion, hooker Devon Arendse got his name on the scoresheet, before centre Le Roux Malan scored FNB UCT's bonus-point try. Flank Neil Otto went over on the stroke of half-time to make it 42-0.
FNB CUT's woes continued in the second half when Gazi’s second try was followed by a yellow card to Brendon Fortuin. Gazi scored his hat-trick try in the lock’s absence.
FNB UCT were reduced to 13 men when replacement wing Rihaz Fredericks was red-carded for a dangerous tackle and Louw was yellow-carded shortly after for another high shot.
The Ixias used their forwards to get their only try of the game from an excellent rolling maul, but the 13-man Ikey Tigers then scored twice, through replacement hooker Josh van Vuuren and winger Liam Kloosman.
Louw completed the rout with a last-minute, seven-point try.
FNB Player That Rocks: Le Roux Malan (FNB UCT)
FNB UCT Ikeys – Tries: William Rose, Athi Gazi (1x7, 2x5), Rethabile Louw (2x7), Devon Arendse, Le Roux Malan, Neil Otto, Gary Porter, Josh van Vuuren, Liam Kloosman. Conversions: James Tedder (5).
FNB CUT Ixias – Try: Hans Terblanche.