Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB WSU booked their place in the FNB Varsity Shield final with a convincing win (39-05) against a second-string FNB CPUT.
With one eye on Sunday’s final, FNB CPUT fielded a vastly changed team for this top-of-the-table clash.
It seemed to be more of a distraction in the first half as their attacking game plan appeared to be full of holes. However, their defence was resolute as they frustrated the All Blacks' attacking opportunities on a regular basis.
This changed in the 30th minute when replacement utility back Yamkela Mzozoyana, who had only just come on as a blood replacement, rolled out of a tackle to score. Lock Asekho Marubelela then powered his way over 12 minutes later.
Flyhalf Lwandile Mapuko converted the second try to hand the All Blacks a reasonably comfortable 12-0 lead at half-time.
Much like the Dam Busters of World War 2, FNB WSU smashed straight through the top-of-the-table Tekkies in the second half.
Outside centre Sicelo Tole began the onslaught as he blitzed through an almost non-existent defence within a minute of the match resuming, before Marubelela, who won the FNB Player that Rocks award, grabbed his second try eight minutes later.
FNB CPUT's woes were worsened when outside centre Björkan Hendricks was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes after a reckless tackle.
The All Blacks had zero issue with further punishing their opponents as Mapuko scored a try and a penalty goal, while Hendricks made up for his earlier transgression by scoring a consolation try.
Fullback Litha Nkula had the final say with a sensational try that saw him reach 100 career points in the FNB Varsity Shield and become FNB WSU’s all-time top point-scorer.
FNB Player That Rocks: Asekho Marubelela (FNB WSU All Blacks)
FNB WSU All Blacks – Tries: Yamkela Nyemba, Asekho Marubelela (2), Sicelo Tole, Lwandile Mapuko, Litha Nkula. Conversions: Lwandile Mapuko (3). Penalty: Lwandile Mapuko
FNB CPUT – Try: Björkan Hendricks.