Photo Credit: Varsity Sport
FNB UJ survived a second-half comeback by FNB UFS Shimlas to claim a second consecutive (34-32) win in this year’s tournament.
FNB UJ were aggressive in attack from the onset, often fronting up in collision after collision, which appeared to leave Shimlas shell-shocked. However, FNB Shimlas took stock at half-time and reloaded to force themselves back into the match.
The Orange Army took control when inside centre Musawenkosi Tshabalala scored the opening try in the 12th minute before wing Prince Nkabinde rounded off phase play to dot down in the left-hand corner.
FNB UJ hooker Pierre Rabie had his forwards to thank as his brace via rolling mauls in the final minutes of the first half secured the bonus point, with flyhalf Jurich Claasens adding two conversions to bring up a commanding 24-0 lead at the break.
The second half proved to be a different story as FNB Shimlas eventually found their rhythm and scored three excellent tries, courtesy of No 8 Ruwald van der Merwe and a point-of-origin try each for hooker William Moffat and wing Jorell Arries. That allowed them to get within two points of the Orange Army just before the second strategy break.
Claasens pulled back a try for FNB UJ and added the conversion before replacement loose forward Thabo Ndaminde's converted try in the 70th minute made it a two-point game once again while handing his charges the bonus point for tries scored.
FNB Shimlas pushed hard for another score but lost a late lineout which allowed FNB UJ to wind down the clock.
FNB Player That Rocks: Pierre Rabie (FNB UJ)
FNB UJ – Tries: Musawenkosi Tshabalala, Prince Nkabinde, Pierre Rabie (2), Jurich Claasens. Conversions: Jurich Claasens (3). Penalty: Jurich Claasens.
FNB UFS Shimlas – Tries: Ruwald van der Merwe, William Moffat (1x7), Jorell Arries (1x7), Thabo Ndaminde. Conversions: JP Duvenage (4).