FNB UWC were the biggest winners in Round 1 action of FNB Varsity Shield 2023 when they ran ragged at the home of FNB Rhodes for a massive 87-5 victory.

UWC struck early after Rhodes afforded coach Paul Treu's charges too much space on the left flank.

The visitors continued to dominate in the early exchanges and got their bonus point try in the 19th minute after flank Romuald Nsombamanya stole possession and had acres of space to dot down.

Rhodes’ home town crowd had something to cheer about before half-time after Sino Ralo went over the try line after a well-executed move.

UWC crossed the try line another seven times in the second half to get their Varsity Shield campaign off to a flyer.

In the second round UWC will be back in the Eastern Cape, in Alice, to face FNB UFH Blues at their Davidson Stadium. The match will kick off at 19h00 and be televised on SuperSport.

MATCH FACTS

FNB Rhodes 5 (5) - Tries: Sino Ralo.
FNB UWC 87 (42) - Tries: Elkan Willemse, Mauritz Swart (2), Romuald Nsombamanya (2), Riaan van der Merwe, Emile Silvis, Liam Tattersal, Keanuh Michaels, Almore Kuilders (2), Bryan Breda, Tasriq Mynhardt. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (8), Elkan Willemse (2)
Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (FNB UWC)
FNB UWC Starting XV: 1 Christian Lamprecht, 2 Mauritz Swart, 3 Riaan van der Merwe, 4 Liam Tattersall, 5 Carel van der Merwe, 6 Romuald Nsombamanya, 7 Louan de Lange, 8 Zinzan Magerman, 9 Conwill Conradie, 10 Elkan Willemse, 11 Will Vraagom, 12 Emile Silvis, 13 Zhaun-Jacques Brynard, 14 Tasriq Mynhardt, 15 Bevan Simons.
Replacements: 16 James Coetzee, 17 Franco Ceasar, 18 Keanuh Michaels, 19 Almore Kuilders, 20 Mihlali Tyanase, 21 Sullivan Ross, 22 Bryan Breda, 23 Hlomla Ncana.
Head coach: Paul Treu
 

Match summary and images courtesy of Varsity Cup Media.