FNB Pukke knock FNB Shimlas out of the competition

Mar 28 • General News, Varsity & Club, Varsity Cup • 2544 Views • Comments Off on FNB Pukke knock FNB Shimlas out of the competition

FNB Pukke knock FNB Shimlas out of the competition, winning 37-21

In a game where both teams’ attacking credentials are well documented, it was FNB Pukke’s defence that secured a 37-21 victory over FNB Shimlas at the Cape Town Stadium on Monday.

The 2016 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International will have a new champion. This was confirmed on Monday evening when FNB Pukke won their fourth match of the season. While the result saw FNB Pukke rise to second, FNB Shimlas dropped out of the top four and subsequently ended their title defence.

In reality, this game was won in the first half. FNB Pukke had the ideal start when wing, Lucian Cupido, benefitted from some great passing to open their account in just the sixth minute. Fullback, Rhyno Smith, would make up for missing the conversion with a successful penalty in the 15^th minute, and a second try by eighth-man, Jeandre Rudolph, two minutes later meant the FNB Pukke led 15-0 after 17 minutes.

FNB Shimlas scored a vital converted try through center, Arthur Williams, just before the first strategy break in the 19^th minute to remind FNB Pukke of their attacking prowess. However, FNB Pukke would score two seven-point tries in the remaining 20 minutes of the half to hold a commanding 31-7 lead at halftime.

Now comfortably in the lead, FNB Pukke took their foot of the pedal and relied on their impressive defence to withstand wave-after-wave of FNB Shimlas attack. After turning down several shots at goal, FNB Shimlas were finally rewarded with a converted five-point try in the 60^th minute. Five minutes later, and they seemed to have an opportunity to turn the game on its head.

FNB Pukke’s flank, Jaco Jordaan, was shown a yellow card and FNB Shimlas had a way back into the game. But FNB Pukke’s defence stood resolute, as their defense would prove to be impenetrable for the next 10 minutes. In fact, by the time Jordaan returned to the field, FNB Pukke had extended their lead through a penalty. Jordaan would join his teammates confident that their 34-14 lead would be enough with five minutes remaining.

Ironically, FNB Shimlas managed to score a converted try in the 76^th minute to reduce FNB Pukke’s lead to 13-points. But it would prove too little, too late. FNB Pukke would slot another penalty in the 79^th minute to confirm FNB Shimlas’ journey had come to an end.

Ultimately, FNB Shimlas’ poor defence was exposed over the seven-round tournament to finish out of the top four, while FNB Pukke will now go into the playoffs with some much needed confidence after their 37-21 victory.

FNB Player That Rocks: Jeandre Rudolph (FNB Pukke)

Scorers:
FNB Pukke: 37
Seven-points tries: Wilmar Arnoldi, Jeandre Rudolph
Five-points tries: Lucian Cupido, Jeandre Rudolph
Cons: Rhyno Smith (2)
Pens: Rhyno Smith, Barend Janse van Rensburg (2)
FNB Shimlas: 21
Five-points tries: Arthur Williams (2) , Elandre Huggett
Cons: Pieter-Steyn de Wet (3)

Teams:
FNB Pukke: 15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Lucian Cupido, 13 Johan Deysel, 12 Hendrik Marais, 11 Sylvian Mahuza, 10 Barend Janse van Rensburg, 9 Malherbe Swart, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Marno Redelinghuys, 6 Jaco Jordaan, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 neil Morrison, 3Bartholomeus le Roux, 2 Wilmar Arnoldi, 1 Mashudu Mafela

16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Johan Smith, 18 Ruan Venter, 19 Christiaan Liebernberg, 20 Chriswill September, 21 Akhona Nela, 22 Sean Stokes, 23 Mogau Mabokela

FNB Shimlas: 15 Frederick Mason, 14 Vuyani Maqina, 13 Stephan Janse van Rensburg, 12 Arthur Williams, 11 Renaldo Meyer, 10 Pieter-Steyn de Wet, 9 Renier Botha, 8 Murray Bondesio, 7 Neil Claassen, 6 Musa Mahlasela, 5 Jan Albert Venter, 4 Dannis Visser, 3 Chase Morison, 2 Elandre Huggett, 1 Thabiso Khanye
16 Marco Klopper, 17 Teunis Nieuwoudt, 18 Ntokozo Vidima, 19 Wilhelm Kotzenberg, 20 Albertus Pretorius, 21 Mosolwa Mafuma, 22 Apiwe Dinga, 23 Philip Botha