FNB Wits got their 2022 campaign off to a flying start when they put five tries past the FNB Madibaz at Wits Rugby Stadium.
The highly anticipated contest played out in an electrifying atmosphere. A limited number of spectators were presented with the opportunity to back their boytjies for the first time in two years – and they certainly made that chance count.
The underdogs from Gqeberha competed well in the initial stages, and led 6-5 after 23 minutes thanks to two Chadwyn November penalties.
The complexion of the game changed, however, after Warwick Griffin was shown a yellow card in the 31st minute.
FNB Wits scored two tries while the FNB Madibaz tighthead was in the sin bin. By half-time, they had amassed a 19-6 lead.
Restored to 15 men, the visitors fought back in the early stages of the second half. They failed to maintain that effort, however, as the contest moved into the final quarter.
Wits reasserted their dominance, scoring two quick tries to secure the victory as well as the bonus point for four tries or more.
FNB Player That Rocks: Cal Smid (FNB Wits)
FNB Wits: Tries: Prince Mulea, Setshaba Mokoena (POR), Charles Gamhiwa, Azi Afrika, Lindokuhle Ncusane. Conversions: Chris Humphries (2).
FNB Madibaz: Tries: Khakalethu Bophi (2). Conversions: Chadwyn November, Sibalomzi Mqeni. Penalties: Chadwyn November (2).
FNB Wits: 15 Setshaba Mokoena, 14 Wian de Lange, 13 Yanga Hlalu, 12 Tiaan Schutte, 11 Azi Afrika, 10 Chris Humphries, 9 Hlumelo Ndudula, 8 Cal Smid, 7 Lindokuhle Ncusane, 6 Thomas Berman, 5 Kyle van Eyssen, 4 Edward White, 3 Sibusiso Shongwe, 2 Prince Mulea, 1 Charles Gamhiwa. Replacements: 16 Dagan Meuwese, 17 Franco Groenewald, 18 Ebot Buma, 19 Franz Gerber, 20 Ziyanda Msipha, 21 Wernich Aucamp, 22 Keagan Lailvaux, 23 Luhle Matyolweni.
FNB Madibaz – 15 Kyle Cyster, 14 Luciano Jones, 13 Lennox Holster, 12 Troy Delport, 11 Khakalethu Bophi, 10 Chadwyn November, 9 André Gerber, 8 Siyamthanda Jwacu, 7 Mihle Bobelo, 6 Arnouw Nel (c), 5 Dylan Halgreen, 4 Umna Tokwe, 3 Warwick Griffin, 2 Ruan Jonker, 1 Endinako Kuse. Replacements: 16 Kyle Erasmus, 17 Likhona Dywili, 18 Aqhamile Limba, 19 Terrance Siyaya, 20 Mekyle Solomon, 21 Anovuyo Moyikwa, 22 Sibalomzi Mqeni, 23 Jade Stoffels.