FNB WSU outmuscled FNB Rhodes University at the packed Buffalo City Stadium, after losing their first game to FNB UWC in Cape Town last Monday, FNB WSU looked like a different team.
Walter Sisulu University used the wind to their advantage in the first half when they took the lead via well worked try by their flyhalf Pholman Beauton. It was converted comfortably by Sinegugu Lituka.
The FNB WSU All Blacks, as they are affectionately known by their followers, looked in control early on in the game, as they powered through to score in the 17th and 32nd minute. Both tries scored by magnificent Hooker Maliviwe Smanga, who was selected FNB Player of the Match on the day.
Sinegugu Lituka managed to convert one conversion out of the two. FNB WSU supporters sang none stop in first half to fuel the players and brought euphoria to the rugby loving enthusiasts. Pholman scored his brace in the 36th minute with a Lituka conversion taking FNB WSU to a comfortable 29 – 0 lead going into the half time break.
Early in the second half FNB Rhodes’ Nic Butler was sin binned for repeated infringement. On the other hand, FNB WSU lost the services of the hardworking flanker Wam Mbana through a shoulder injury which saw the introduction of the strong ball carrier Sivuyisiwe Gcilitshana.
In the 44th minute it was again Maliviwe Simangawho dived over after a great phase play by the forwards to complete his first hattrick for FNB WSU and Lituka missed the conversion and that took the score to 34 – 0 in favour of FNB WSU.
FNB Rhodes brought on Bryce Rennie and Lidyalwa Liko who contributed to their first try scored by Leclezio Robbie and converted by Ntutu Aviwe. The loosehead prop Ralo Sino scored a freakish try in the 52nd minute after a TMO decision, which was converted by Ntutu to give FNB Rhodes 16 points on the board.
FNB WSU coach Sipho Metula rung the changes and unexpectedly taking out captain and vice-captain, Phumlani Blaauw and Mihlali Ngcukani respectively and introduced fresh legs and that seemed to ignite the boys from Postdam.
In the 65th minute Chumani Mjacu scored his first try for the 2018 Varsity Shield competition and Lituka added another conversion to his tally to take FNB WSU to 26 points lead. Mihlali Mosi closed the game when drove over to score in the 79th minute to give FNB WSU their first win of the season winning the game by 47 points to 16.
FNB player of the Match: Maliviwe Simanga (FNB WSU)
Scores
FNB WSU: 47
Tries: Pholman Beauton (2), Simanga (3), Chumani Mjacu, Mihlali Mosi
Conversions: Sinegugu Lituka (3)
FNB Rhodes: 6
Tries: Leclezio Robbie, Ralo Sino
Conversions: Aviwe Ntutu (2)
Teams
FNB WSU Team: 15. Ndzenene Athenkosi,14. Nyembe Yamkela, 13. Lituka Sinegugu, 12. Nchukana Mihlali, 11. Madigoe Tebogo, 10. Pholman Beauton9. Shenxane anathi, 8. Mjacu Chumani, 7. Mosi mihlali Langa, 6. Mbana wam, 5. Jantjie Xololwethu, 4. Jacobs Xolani, 3. Blaauw Phumlani, 2. Simanga Maliviwe, 1. Ngcem Thabo
Replacements:16. Ngodwana Thokozane, 17. Ciliwe Babonele, 18. Gcumeni Mthandazo, 19. Gcilitshana Sivuyisiwe, 20. Koester Henrico, 21. Kori Thembani, 22. Shumi Wanga,23. Hulani Nkosinathi
FNB Rhodes: 15. Zote Zuko, 14. Ntutu Aviwe, 13. Sizani Simbulele, 12. Butler Nic, 11. Aiden Du Preez, 10. Leclezio Robbie, 9. Bendeman Justin, 8. Barnad Devon, 7. Mkolo Olwethu, 6. Shumi Ongeziwe, 5. Anderson Jethro, 4. Parsons Joshua, 3. Johnson chris, 2. Nyanda Uzu, 1. Ralo Sino
Replacements: 16. Renwick Chris, 17. Nidyalwa Liko, 18. Rennie Bryce, 19. Libera Cameron, 20. Gowar Xander, 21. Brits Donovan, 22. Whiting Chris, 23. Tshongweni Lukhanyo
Photo: Supplied
http://www.grocotts.co.za/2018/02/28/win-two-tickets-for-the-southern-kings-this-weekend/
