FNB UP-Tuks scored a late try to snatch a 13-9 (halftime 5-6) victory over FNB Maties in Round One of the tenth edition of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International at Loftus Versfeld.

The wet conditions proved to be a huge obstacle for both teams as they tried to keep their hands on the ball in front of a good turnout of supporters. FNB Maties were first to register points as flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg kicked a penalty in the 17th minute.

This galvanised FNB UP-Tuks into putting together a few good phases that culminated in no.8 Chris Massyn scoring off the back of a strong driving maul. Flyhalf Tinus de Beer could not add the extras.
The rain continued to bucket down but that did not stop the teams from playing expansive rugby while defending like men possessed as they tried to assert dominance over each other.

FNB Maties had the final say before halftime as Stapelberg landed another penalty to give the visitors a slender 5-6 lead at the break.

The second half proved to be much of the same as the rain settled into a light drizzle with much of the proceedings happening between the two 22s.

De Beer put FNB UP-Tuks in the lead for the first time with a 58th minute penalty but Stapelberg replied almost immediately with a penalty of his own. FNB Maties tried hard to break FNB UP-Tuks’ defensive line but the home side held strong leaving FNB Maties frustrated.

De Beer pulled the curtain down on the match as he burrowed his way over to cross the try line with minutes left on the clock.

FNB UP-Tuks have a bye in Round Two but return in Round Three of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International when they travel to Port Elizabeth to face FNB NMMU.

FNB Player that Rocks: Chris Massyn (FNB Tuks)

Scorers

FNB UP-Tuks: 13
Tries: Chris Massyn, Tinus de Beer
Pen: Tinus de Beer

FNB Maties: 9
Pens: Ernst Stapelberg (3)

Teams
FNB UP-Tuks: 15. Divan Rossouw, 14. Dewald Naude, 13. Toko Maebane, 12. Impi Visser, 11. Keanan van Wyk, 10. Tinus de Beer, 9. Theo Maree, 8. Chris Massyn, 7. Marco van Staden, 6. Ruan Steenkamp (c), 5. Eli Snyman, 4. Aston Fortuin, 3. Neethling Fouche, 2. Jan-Henning Campher, 1. Andrew Beerwinkel.
Subs: 16. Theuns Reynolds, 17. Jaco Holtzhausen, 18. Brian Leitch, 19. Eduan Lubbe, 20. Raegen Oranje, 21. Christo Hamman, 22. Mervano da Silva, 23. Franco van den Berg.

FNB Maties: 15. Craig Barry, 14. Duncan Saal, 13. Kyle Steyn, 12. Braam Venter, 11. Edwill van der Merwe, 10. Ernst Stapelberg, 9. Paul de Wet, 8. Devon Nash, 7. Kobus van Dyk, 6. Beyers de Villiers (c), 5. Johan Momsen, 4. Ernst van Rhyn, 3. Jacobus van der Merwe, 2. Freddie Kirsten, 1. Wesley Adonis.
Subs: 16. Craig Corbett, 17. Niel Oelofse, 18. Janco Venter, 19. Mitchell Carstens, 20. Logan Boonzaaier, 21. Chris Smith, 22. Ryan Muller, 23. Wikus Groenewald.
By Dan Lombard