FNB Varsity Cup: University of Pretoria Tuks vs University of Cape Town Ikeys Delivers Instant Classic

• The repeat of the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup final between the Universities of Pretoria and Cape Town did not disappoint
• Tuks stole the game within the final minute of a humdinger to edge out a determined Ikeys side 38-30 at the TuksStadium in Tshwane
• With this bonus-point victory, Tuks moved into fourth position, will the Ikey Tigers remained in second place on the log table

As reported on SA Rugby Magazine, the first half was an absolute rollercoaster which saw each team scoring three tries apiece, while each team suffered the pain of a yellow-carded player.

Tuks gave the University of Pretoria the lead just 25 seconds into the match when they won the ball back from the kick-off, spread it wide and flank Dian Schoonees showed great pace to sprint clear and go over the tryline.

The Univeristy of Cape Town’s Ikeys responded through a try from fullback Duran Koevort and a brace from tight forward Alex Castle, both from mauls, the second coming after Tuks lost flank Orateng Koikanyang to a yellow card for repeated infringements.

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However, Tuks were not to be outdone as Kabelo Mokoena scored in the corner, before centre Jason Edwards levelled the scores at 21-21 just before half time.

Schoonees had the home support on their feet shortly after the break when he scored his second try from a powerful driving maul, before fullback Stefan Coetzee kicked a penalty to give Tuks a 10-point lead.

Just when it looked like the hosts were taking control, Ikeys struck back as David Hayes chipped the ball over the defence and Koevort pounced to grab his second try, before nailing the conversion to make it a one-point game.

In a tense finale, Tuks were twice held up over the tryline, but it was third time lucky when scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde sniped through a gap near the breakdown for the decisive try after a period of 14 phases.

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It was moving day in the third round of the 2022 FNB Varsity Cup on Monday afternoon and evening.

As reported on Sports Brief, while favourites University of Pretoria had to fight hard to edge out the University of Cape Town, other teams either showed their title credentials or were exposed as pretenders.

The University of Johannesburg made a statement in thrashing the University of Potchefstroom, while the University of Stellenbosch was to smart for the University of the Witwatersrand.