Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
The FNB UKZN Impi secured fourth place on the FNB Varsity Shield log by beating the fifth-placed FNB UFH Blues (40-33).
The Impi were outscored by five tries to four but four penalty goals from fullback Sibongile Novuka helped them claim a third win of the campaign.
The Blues were dealt an early blow in this match when they lost inside centre Lethukuthula Mthethwa to injury.
FNB UKZN drew first blood when flanker Carl Cuttings finished off a fantastic team try, before FNB UFH scrumhalf Merlin du Plessis scored at the other end of the field.
Novuka’s first penalty was followed by winger Jarryd Nicholls’ converted try in the right corner after an impressive offload from replacement loose forward Llawdden Roux to make it 17-5.
FNB UFH finally turned their possession into points when winger Lukho Jongizulu forced his way over the tryline just before half-time.
Roux got his name on the scoresheet early in the second half but the Blues then responded through captain Yamkela Mzozoyana.
FNB UFH were reduced to 14 men after outside centre Jonathan Booysen was yellow-carded for a high tackle, and the Impi scored 13 points in his absence – through scrumhalf Johan Maritz’s try and a conversion and two penalties from Novuka – to take a 37-19 lead.
Despite being a man down, FNB UFH got their second wind after the strategy break and Fields snuck through the defence to score a self-converted try.
Flanker Kamvelihle Fatyela kept the Blues’ hopes alive when he rounded off a good team attack, with the conversion reducing the deficit to just four points.
But Novuka then kicked his fourth penalty of the match, before Booysen was handed his second yellow card – followed by a red – at the death for another high tackle.
FNB Player That Rocks: Azakhiwe Afrika (FNB UKZN Impi)
FNB UKZN Impi – Tries: Charl Cuttings, Jarryd Nicholls, Llawdden Roux, Johan Maritz. Conversions: Sibongile Novuka (4). Penalties: Sibongile Novuka (4).
FNB UFH Blues – Tries: Merlin du Plessis, Lukho Jongizulu, Yamkela Mzozoyana, Brandt Fields, Kamvelihle Fatyela. Conversions: Brandt Fields (4).