FNB Varsity Cup Jo’burg Derby – A game of two halves

Date: Feb 28, 2023 | Rugby, Sport

In a thrilling 83 minutes of a high intensity rugby game on Monday, 27 February 2023, the University of Johannesburg (FNB UJ) and Wits University shared the two halves that ended in favour of the hosts. To people’s shock, FNB UJ let go of a 30-points lead in the second half of the game, with FNB Wits scoring six tries to snatch the victory from the Orange Army.

FNB UJ started like a house of fire, piling up pressure on FNB Wits from the opening minute. As a result, the Orange Army scored all their four tries in the first half. Darnell Osuagwu and Prince Nkabinde put FNB UJ in the front by scoring the opening two tries, respectively. Rowen Malgas and Likhaya Tengimfene extended FNB UJ’s lead by downing two more tries in the 15^th and 20^th minutes, in turn.

FNB UJ went into the halftime break leading 30-0. However, Wits did not hold back in the second half as they capitalised on UJ’s errors to edge closer to the 30-points mark. With 3 minutes extra time, FNB Wits produced a surprise comeback to beat the visitors 35-33 through Gershwin Mouton’s late try.

“It was a game of two halves. We did not use our opportunities to the fullest and we were punished. For now, we are going back to the drawing board to correct our mistakes for the upcoming home game. We thank the fans who came here to support us, we promise to do better in the next match,” said FNB UJ Co-Captain, Kelvin Kanenungo after the loss.

UJ will play the University of Cape Town (UCT Ikeys) on Monday, 06 March 2023 at the UJ Stadium in Westdene.