Hoffmann, Maties singing in the rain
In drizzling rain that started shortly before kick-off in this Varsity Cup match between the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Maties at the UJ Stadium, the visitors simply had more to offer as they secured a third successive four-try bonus-point in winning 43-10.
The scoreline on Monday tells a story of the Stellenbosch students’ dominance in the competition since its inception, with both FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International titles, so far, going to them.
Outstanding at flyhalf was retreaded Maties scrumhalf Conrad Hoffmann, who scored 23 points with the boot. For good measure, Hoffmann also set up Danie Poolman’s first try and, generally, was the general in a clinical Maties performance in the wet. Unsurprisingly, he was adjudged as the official Man of the Match.
The Maties scrummed well, rucked well, ran well and generally dictated things, despite the good performances from the two UJ flankers Justin Wheeler and JP Janse van Rensburg.
To the credit of both sides they tried to run the ball whenever possible, despite the wet conditions. The Maties probably used the conditions more prudently, with Hoffmann as pivot the game dictator.
The 16-3 scoreline at the break was rather flattering to the Maties after UJ had camped in the Stellenbosch 22 for large portion of the first 30 minutes, but there can be little qualms about the final score after a total performance from the visitors.
The match as a contest ended shortly after the break when Maties scrumhalf Johan Herbst intercepted to run 40 metres to score, which put the scoreline at 21-3 after Hoffmann’s conversions. He made it 26-3 with his third penalty shortly thereafter.
The visitors continued to dominate with better ball retention, good support and a marginally better scrum – and the one that brought No.8 Tertius Daniller’s try from five metres out showed up their general dominance up front.
At 36-3, the Maties needed one more try for another full-house, and right-winger Poolman provided that with his second try for Hoffmann to convert from the touchline.
Fullback Earl Lewis scored a consolation try for UJ right at the end, but the message was clear: to win the title, these Maties will have to be tamed.
The scorers:
For FNB UJ:
Try: Lewis
Con: Luus
Pen: Smith
For FNB Maties:
Tries: Poolman 2, Herbst, Daniller
Cons: Hoffmann 4
Pens: Hoffmann 4
DG: Hoffmann
The teams:
UJ: 15 Earl Lewis, 14 Aubrey McDonald, 13 Clinton de Klerk (captain), 12 Luan Steenkamp, 11 Lola Waka, 10 André Smith, 9 Jaco Snymnan, 8 Quintin Minnaar, 7 JP Janse van Rensburg, 6 Justin Wheeler, 5 David Bulbring, 4 Martin Lombard, 3 Wayne Swart, 2 Edgar Marutlulle, 1 Charl du Plessis.
Replacements: 16 Brett Claassens, 17 Cllint van Niekerk, 18 Marnus van Huysteen, 19 Hennie Kilian, 20 Danny Botha, 21 Ryno Luus, 22 Bernardo Botha, 23 Jaco Claassen.
Maties: 15 Jurgen Visser, 14 Danie Poolman, 13 Stokkies Hanekom, 12 Dabeon Draghoender, 11 Tythan Adams, 10 Conrad Hoffmann, 9 Johan Herbst, 8 Tertius Daniller, 7 Jonathan Adendorf, 6 Sam Mabombo, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Andrew Prior, 3 Lourens Adriaanse (captain), 2 Matthew Dobson, 1 Mike De Neuilly-Rice.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Crausaz, 17 Johan Roets, 18 Marinus Pretorius, 19 Josh Strauss, 20 André Kemp, 21 Stephan van der Merwe, 22 Jonathan Francke, 23 Buhle Mxunuywa.
Referee: Ben Crouse
