Vos impressed, despite loss

André Vos – who is serving as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s technical advisor – was understandably disappointed with his team’s 36-17 Varsity Cup loss to FNB UCT on Monday, but the former Springbok captain had nothing but praise for the 80 minutes of rugby on offer.

The Ikeys – who moved up into second place on the log with their fourth win of the season – scored five tries to two against FNB NMMU, who just last week scored their first-ever win in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

But the home side never gave up – in this first-ever Monte Taljaard Trophy match – and they fought back from a 0-19 deficit, to be within touching distance of the Ikeys at half-time (at 14-19).

Unfortunately for NMMU, UCT scored two more second-half tries and they had too much gas in the tank for the brave Men from Port Elizabeth.

“The windy conditions made it difficult for both sides, but the seven tries scored ensured that it provided the crowd with highly entertaining rugby,” Vos told Stan Terblanche on Monday night.

“NMMU probably missed far too many first-time tackles, but they also played with much spirit and commitment.”

Vos, a UPE old boy, was also impressed with the performance of stand-in UCT flyhalf Michael Nel, as well as UCT’s two strong-running centres, Sean van Tonder and Pieter Engelbrecht – both of whom scored tries on the night.

UCT’s other tries were scored by Therlow Pietersen (the top try-scorer in the Varsity Cup) and winger Dane Johnson, who collected a brace of tries.

NMMU No.8 Jaco Swanepoel was once again a standout performer for his side, scoring one of the ‘Madibas’ two tries on the night.

Back row partner Andre Goosen (No.7) was NMMU’s other try-scorer, with flyhalf Willem Laubscher kicking two conversions and one penalty goal.