FNB UJ fall short on the opener of Varsity Cup season:

UJ vs NWU PUKKE: PUKKE GRIND A WIN OUT IN A VERY HOSTILE, FULL OF ZIL #ORANGEARMY HOME GAME.

UJ Sheriff

The stage was set, it’s a rainy day in Auckland Park, and most would say this match favours PUKKE since they there defending champions. Overall looking at the game I personally give it to the UJ fans. The OrangeArmy brought the spirit, UJ Sheriff managed to amplify the crowed with his dance moves encouraging the UJ rugby “boytjies” to give a hell of a fight indeed. For the opener of the Varsity Cup season one could assume the fixture was little of a curve ball but most definitely UJ were the underdogs of the clash.

Observing the two halves PUKKE came of the blocks quicker, managed to settle and make their intentions clear. NWU PUKKE rugby team had moments where they play had been exceptional, showing glimpses of their 2016 form. On the opposite side UJ expected a tough game, maybe a more relentless PUKKE which was not the case and left opportunities to wrap up the game. Rain played its part in the match, causing players to be more cautious of their handling, conversions and penalties. Not only that I got the feeling that both teams (UJ vs NWU PUKKE) played very defensively, but who blames them when you want a strong, positive start to a highly competitive cup season.

This is not the end for FNB UJ and inevitably they will get better and stronger. It's a new era of players, senior player making way and giving opportunity to young deserving players. There's also change in Captaincy which affects the cohesion of the team but pre-season has worked wonders for both teams which looked sharp. undeniably there are a lot still to work on for both teams to achieve the level of rugby played last year season. It was a tense game between the defending champions and the FNB UJ, FNB NWU PUKKE managing to hold on their first win of Varsity Cup 2017 season.

UJ Stadium

All thanks must go to the University of Johannesburg, all the sponsors, STEINHOFF, Steers, FNB for their investments to making Varsity Cup rugby possible. The platform is contributing immensely to the development of our South African rugby. See you on 6 Feb 2017, FNB UJ vs FNB UFS SHIMLAS 18:30.

By Jabu Mthombeni