Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
An impressive display by their backs saw FNB UKZN run in 10 tries to get their FNB Varsity Shield campaign off to a promising start.
The Impi raced into a 12-0 lead after just five minutes when No 8 Llawdden Roux and centre Gacula Poswa stormed over the tryline.
FNB UKZN wing Onke Jiba then found space on the outside, with captain Wandile Shabangu sending flyhalf Azakhiwe Afrika away for a sensational team try., Afrika ran in another try just before the strategy break to secure the bonus point.
Jiba’s 34th-minute try made it 29-0 and while prop Minenhle Ngubane was yellow-carded shortly afterwards, it didn’t prove costly for the Impi.
In fact, they struck again early in the second half when a quick penalty tap resulted in a try for Shabangu.
FNB Rhodes finally got on the board after a massive effort from lock Bongumusa Mokuena who only had eyes for the tryline.
Jiba put in a massive hit to win the ball back for FNB UKZN from which fullback Sibongiwa Novuka scored a try.
FNB Rhodes fullback Simamkele Ngantweni slotted a penalty before centre Damian Morrow cruised over for their second try.
But FNB UKZN finished strongly, with replacement flyhalf Jodian de Vos, flank Byron Booysen and replacement hooker Menzi Mabaso all crossing the tryline.
FNB Player that Rocks: Azakhiwe Afrika (FNB UKZN Impi)
FNB UKZN Impi: Tries: Llawdden Roux, Gacula Poswa, Azakhiwe Afrika (2), Onke Jiba, Wandile Shabangu, Sibongiwa Novuka, Jodian de Vos, Byron Booysen, Menzi Mabaso. Conversions: Sibongiwa Novuka (6).
FNB Rhodes: Tries: Bomgumusa Mokuena, Damian Morrow. Conversions: Abonga Manka. Penalty: Simamkele Ngantweni