FNB UWC have been the team to beat all season in the FNB Varsity Shield, and they proved exactly why when the log leaders ran out 45-31 victors over FNB Madibaz in Gqeberha. The halftime score was 26-7. Both teams will host the semi-finals next week.
 

The Capetonians now advance to the coveted Varsity Cup next year. For Madibaz, it’s not over as they will get another chance to win promotion to South Africa’s premier university competition in a match against the seventh-placed team in the Cup competition.

For most of the game, UWC dominated the scrums and mauls, freeing up the backs to run hard at the opposition.

Scrumhalf Conwill Conradie was outstanding at the base of the scrum, marshalling his troops beautifully while also scoring two tries himself. Conradie also had his kicking boots on, landing several conversions that ultimately proved vital in the context of the game.

A powerful forward display and quick handling were the undoings of Madibaz, though the second-placed Gqeberha outfit can certainly hold their heads high. Had they played with the fire they showed in the match's last 20 minutes, the result could have been very different.

MATCH FACTS

FNB Madibaz 31 (7) – Tries: Keaton Olivier, Liyema Bobelo, Eddie Kruger, Kakalethu Bophi, Divan Fourie. Conversions: Kehan Myburgh (3)
FNB UWC 45 (26) – Tries: Conwill Conradie (2), Romuald Nsombamanya, Zinzan Magerman, Carel van der Merwe, Mauritz Swart, Matthew Stephens. Conversions: Conradie (4), Ethan Diston (1)
Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC) - pictured
FNB UWC Starting XV: 1 Keanuh Michaels, 2 Mauritz Swart, 3 Riaan van der Merwe, 4 Liam Tattersall, 5 Carel van der Merwe, 6 Romuald Nsombamanya, 7 Bilaal Moerat, 8 Zinzan Magerman, 9 Conwill Conradie, 10 Elkan Willemse, 11 Will Vraagom, 12 Bryan Breda, 13 Zhaun-Jacques Brynard, 14 Hlomla Ncana, 15 Tasriq Mynhardt.
Head coach: Paul Treu

Match summary and all images courtesy Varsity Cup Media.