Maties trumps Tuks in first Varsity Cup encounter
FNB Maties had a dream opening match against arch-rivals FNB Tuks in Pretoria last night when they beat them 19-9 in the first match of the long-awaited Varsity Cup series.
Maties dominated possession and territory but were not able to take their try-scoring chances in the first half.
As predicted the match relied heavily on the kicking abilities of captain Adriaan van der Bank to keep the scoreboard ticking and ensure the ultimate win for the Maroon machine.
Replacement hooker Sean Swart scored a 70th-minute to put Maties in the winning seat.
Van der Bank’s opposite number Jandré Burger also kicked three penalties to keep his team in the running and get the halftime score to 9-9.
The visitors’ bold decision to kick a late penalty to touch instead of at goal paid off as they won the lineout and rumbled over the try line with Swart the man to dot down.
Replacement Jurie Mathee kicked the conversion and added an 80th-minute penalty to seal the win.
FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Beukes (FNB Maties)
FNB Maties – Try: Sean Swart. Conversion: Jurie Mathee. Penalties: Adriaan van der Bank (3), Mathee.
FNB UP-Tuks – Penalties: Jandré Burger (3).
