Lilitha Lunqe of FNB UFS Shimlas during the match between FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB UU at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein. Played on 3 March 2025.
Image: Asem Engage - Hannes Naude
WHILE Kimberlites are cheering their own Sol Plaatje University Gemmies in the Varsity Shield competition, the big boys are doing their thing in the more senior competition – the Varsity Cup.
In fact, the third round of the FNB Varsity Cup delivered a spectacle of rugby action on Monday night, with the defending champions narrowly surviving a high-scoring thriller, Maties asserting dominance at home, and Ikeys handing Tuks their first defeat of the season.
In a 12-try spectacle at Shimla Park, the FNB UFS Shimlas held off a resurgent FNB UJ side to secure a thrilling 49-45 victory. The defending champions stormed to a 40-14 halftime lead, bolstered by a series of powerful attacking plays and a strong set-piece performance.
However, UJ mounted a ferocious comeback in the second half, capitalising on the hosts playing with 14 men for a combined 20 minutes due to yellow cards. The Orange Army clawed their way back into contention with a flurry of tries, bringing the game to the brink. A crucial seven-point try by Lilitha Lunqe ultimately sealed the deal for Shimlas. For his outstanding performance, flanker Ramon Uys was named the Player that Rocks for the second consecutive week.
Final Score: FNB UFS Shimlas 49-45 FNB UJ
Player that Rocks: Ramon Uys (Shimlas)
In Stellenbosch, the FNB Maties maintained their perfect start to the season with a commanding 54-0 win over FNB CUT. The Maroon Machine left no room for doubt, dominating from start to finish at the Danie Craven Stadium. By halftime, they had already built an unassailable 28-0 lead.
Maties’ superiority in the scrums and lineouts proved too much for CUT, whose unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt. Tighthead flank Luan Botha was a standout performer, delivering a relentless effort at the breakdown and in open play, earning him the Player that Rocks accolade.
Final Score: FNB Maties 54-0 FNB CUT
Player that Rocks: Luan Botha (Maties)
At the Green Mile, the FNB UCT Ikeys ended FNB UP-Tuks’ unbeaten run in a hard-fought 36-29 victory. The hosts struck first with a seven-point try from Ntokozo Makhaza, setting the tone for an intense encounter.
Tuks responded with a series of well-executed plays, but Ikeys maintained their composure and led 26-22 at halftime. The second half saw both teams exchange blows, with late yellow cards adding to the drama. A crucial try from Kian Davis in the final 12 minutes proved decisive, as Ikeys held firm against a last-ditch effort from Tuks.
Final Score: FNB UCT Ikeys 36-29 FNB UP-Tuks
Player that Rocks: Kian Davis (UCT)
The FNB NWU Eagles secured their first win of the season in a gripping 39-34 victory over FNB Wits at the Wits Rugby Stadium. Both teams entered the match desperate for a win, and it showed in the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
Wits took a narrow 15-12 lead into halftime, thanks to a seven-point try and the boot of flyhalf Setshaba Mokoena. However, the second half belonged to the Eagles, who ran in four tries to Wits’ two. A late penalty ensured NWU walked away with the crucial five log points.
Final Score: FNB NWU Eagles 39-34 FNB Wits
Player that Rocks: Drew Bennet (Wits)
With three rounds completed, Maties now sit atop the standings, while UCT Ikeys’ victory over Tuks has shaken up the race for semi-final spots. The defending champions, UFS Shimlas, continue to show resilience, but their close calls hint at vulnerabilities.
As the competition heats up, teams will look to build momentum heading into the next round, where more intense match-ups await.
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