Tukkies race to the top

The University of Pretoria (Tukkies) raced to the top of the standings in the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, when they defeated a spirited Nelson Mandela Metropole University 39-20 at Xerox NMMU Stadium South Campus on Monday.

A strong second half, after the teams were level 13-13 at half-time, saw the Pretoria students record their second successive win.

They head the standings with nine points after two rounds, followed by Stellenbosch (eight points), University of Cape Town (six), with Free State and North West Universities both on five points.

The final score certainly flattered the visitors in Port Elizabeth, as they only enjoyed a three-point lead with 10 minutes of play remaining.

However, injuries up front disrupted the NMMU pack considerably late in the second half and this enabled the visitors to take charge up front.

The most impressive aspect of NMMU’s play was that of the front row. They more than held their own and put the Tukkies scrum under tremendous pressure throughout the first 65 minutes.

The lack of experience and inability to round off their opportunities cost the home side dearly.

Tukkies, on the other hand, took full advantage of their opportunities and managed four good tries, the best coming from speedy wing Aaron Denenga, who left the opposition for dead with his fine turn of pace.

Scorers:

For NMMU: 
Tries: Roos,  Goosen
Cons: Laubscher 2
Pens: Laubscher 2

For Tukkies:
Tries: Denenga, Crous, Breytenbach, Booysen
Cons: Roos 2
Pens: Roos 3, Swart 2