Stellenbosch University’s (SU) FNB Maties rugby team secured a convincing win in round 3 of the Varsity Cup tournament, which occurred on 4 March. They managed a 23-12 win over an in-form FNB Wits team, at the Danie Craven Stadium.
FNB Maties rugby team celebrating a try scored by their hooker, Siya Ngubelanga, against FNB Wits rugby team. PHOTO: Nkululeko Ndlovu
“Today gave us a lot of confidence,” said Juan Mostert, Maties fly-half, and player of the match, after their win against Wits.
“We had to face the music,” said Siya Ngubelanga, Maties hooker, after the match against the Wits side. Wits sat at the top of the log when they headed into the game.
Early lead for Maties
Maties took an early three-point lead at the five minute mark after Wits conceded a penalty.
At 17 minutes into the half, Maties centre Aydon Topley was forced to knock-on the ball as Wits ramped up the pressure. This kept the game at 3-5 against Maties for much of the first-half.
FNB Wits scrum against FNB Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium during their round 3 Varsity Cup match. PHOTO: Nkululeko Ndlovu
The game remained tight with both teams forcing errors, and Maties conceding another penalty. Wits outside centre, Liyema Matoylweni, however missed the penalty kick.
A physical contest
“We play a physical game”, said Ngubelanga. “If you can’t match us physically, you can’t survive in our world,” said Ngubelanga, reflecting on his try which came from a contested maul.
The momentum shifted at the start of the second-half with Mostert breaking the Wits defensive line to score a try within the first minute of the second-half, taking the lead to 13-5.
After winning a line-out the Maroon Machine’s forward pack continued to dominate the visitors with a maul that let Dewet Marais score a try in the 57th minute. Wits responded with a converted try, having the game stand at 20-12 to Maties.
The game ended 23-12 to Maties after a late penalty kick.
FNB Maties fly-half, Juan Mostert, kicking for a conversion against FNB Wits during their round 3 Varsity Cup clash. PHOTO: Nkululeko Ndlovu
Maties are set to play a winless University of Johannesburg side on 11 March at the Danie Craven Stadium.
“We expect a team that will come out and want to show that they are better than what their results are showing,” said Drikus Hancke, head of rugby at Maties Sport, when asked about the team’s approach to the upcoming fixture.