Stellenbosch University’s (SU) rugby team beat the University of Johannesburg (UJ) with a final score of 54-22 in their Varsity Cup clash on Monday, at the Danie Craven Stadium. With this win, Maties extended their winning streak to three games.
A vocal open-stand at Danie Craven Stadium, as Maties scores their sixth try of their 11 March Varsity Cup game, extending their lead to 38-22 over UJ. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
A dog fight
The first half of the match saw an evenly matched battle, resulting in a constant exchange of points between the two sides. Within the first 40 minutes of the game a combined total of six tries were scored.
“In the first half, we deviated from the plan a bit, and for the second half, we set out to stick to our processes that we know will win us a game,” said DeWet Marais, Maties eighthman and man of the match.
The Maties coaching staff made a decision to substitute their entire front line in the 28th-minute of the first half. Craig Barry, Maties senior assistant coach, explained that every match poses unique threats and challenges.
Maties scrumhalf, Mckyle Volmoer, disrupting the UJ defence during their recent Varsity Cup match. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
“Everyone understands their roles every week. Therefore we need to bring different weapons and utilise them at different times,” said Barry.
The coaches’ decision paid off near the end of the first half when Vernon (“Big V”) Matongo scored in the corner.
Fly-half, Juan Mostert, converted the kick from the touchline, ending the first half with a three point difference of 22-19.
Sealing the deal
Only two minutes into the second half Maties scored another try. Willem van den Hever crossed the whitewash, which shifted the momentum to the home side’s favour and snowballed into a score of 54-22 for Maties.
“From a coaching perspective there are still areas to improve on, but I think this is really wonderful for the team. [We are] building momentum leading up to the business end of the tournament,” said Barry.
Replacement winger, Paschal Ekeji, scored the eighth and final try of the match for Maties.
Maties’ Vernon “Big V” Matongo (17), celebrating with Paschal Ekeji, after the winger dotted down Maties’ eighth try, in their clash against UJ. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
“It felt amazing! I love these boys, I love the team, and we worked hard to be able to put on this show. Now we know we just have to keep our foot down. We can’t slow down now,” said Ekeji.
Maties are now ranked fourth on the Varsity Cup log. Only four points separate them from the log leaders, FNB UFS Shimlas.