Wits triumph after promotion
WRAP: WSU booked their place in the Varsity Shield Final after producing a powerful second-half comeback to defeat UWC 42-32 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Wits delivered a dominant performance in Johannesburg, dismantling Madibaz 68-10 in the second semi-final to set up a highly anticipated title clash.
WSU 42-32 UWC
WSU produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat UWC 42-32 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, securing their place in the 2026 Varsity Shield final in a thrilling semi-final encounter.
UWC made a strong start, asserting early dominance with a converted try inside the opening minutes before adding penalties to build a 16-5 lead midway through the first half. WSU struggled to gain momentum early on, with UWC controlling territory and applying scoreboard pressure.
The hosts, however, found a foothold in the game through two well-worked tries, narrowing the deficit to 16-10. Despite missing their power play opportunities, WSU remained within striking distance. A dramatic moment just before halftime saw WSU capitalise on a numerical advantage to score after the hooter with a successful conversion, handing them a slender 17-16 lead at the break.
The second half delivered a high-intensity battle with both sides trading blows. WSU extended their lead early through a dominant scrum platform, but UWC responded with a try and a successful power play to reclaim the lead at 29-24.
With the match hanging in the balance, WSU showed resilience and attacking intent, levelling the scores before a crucial penalty from UWC edged them ahead once again.
The turning point came in the final stages as WSU struck with a decisive try in the 77th minute. Opting for a power play, the hosts executed brilliantly to extend their lead before adding a late penalty to seal a memorable 42-32 victory.
The result sees WSU advance to the Varsity Shield final, keeping their promotion hopes alive after a statement performance on home soil.
SCORERS
WSU:
Tries: Zokoza Ahlule X2, Tshayi Lukhangele, Mahobe Yoyisa, Zixesha Mangaliso.
UWC:
Tries: Cloete Danston, Wood Keagan.
Player of the Match: Ahlule Zokoza (WSU)
TEAMS:
WSU: Mihlali Nohoyeka, Mangaliso Zixesha, Yoyisa Mahobe, Luvo Zindela, Azasakhe Phuwani, Siya Ncapayi, Khanaye Mbakaza, Sipho Hobosch, Thembela Folo, Lukhangele Tshayi ©, Sosulwe Mqonci, Axola Mtalana, Bulelani Nondlwana Ahlule Zokoza, Isiphe Mbini.
UWC: Hlonela Qelile, Marciano Forbes, Graigan Matroos, Pascal Tshimbalanga Melumzi Mandongana, Melvin Diedericks, Danston Cloete ©, Anele Magadla, Dwayne Badenhorst, Leighton Brinkhuis, Leachim Adams, Divan Pieters, Hlomla Ncana, Keagan Wood, Keno Alexander.
Wits 68-10 Madibaz
Newly promoted Wits put on a masterclass to thump Madibaz 68-10 in the second semifinal of the Varsity Shield in Johannesburg on Friday.
With it being Easter Friday, the Wits Rugby Stadium wasn’t at full capacity, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the Wits Blues.
Like they’ve done all season long, they started like a house on fire and scored three cracking tries in the opening 20 minutes.
Lian Terblanche opened things up in the second minute after a couple of phases inside Madibaz’s 22 metre line.
Soon after, flyhalf Rekkie Gerber showed immense strength to shrug off several defenders and dot over before Liam Santos crossed over in the 17th minute.
Madibaz finally responded through Corne Cloete after the strategy break. However, that try was cancelled out by three scores by Lindani Dweba, hooker, Bonga Nxumalo and Santos.
At the break, Wits led 36-5.
The visitors struck first in the second stanza. Prop, AJ Flemming broke the line and ran 40 metres before offloading to Cloete who went in for his second.
That sparked the hosts back to life and they responded with two back-to-back tries by Nxumalo, and electric winger, Dustyn Holmes.
It was a quiet period thereafter until Wits scored a whopping four tries in six minutes.
Replacement winger, Oluwole Oluwatimileyen dotted over twice while skipper, Latica Nela also bagged a late brace.
Wits will host WSU in the Final next week.
SCORERS:
Wits:
Tries: Liam Santos X2, Lian Terblanche, Rekkie Gerber, Lindani Dweba, Bonga Nxumalo X2, Dustyn Holmes, Oluwole Oluwatimileyen X2, Latica Nela X2.
Madibaz:
Tries: Corne Cloete X2
Player of the Match: Liam Santos (Wits)
TEAMS:
Wits: Ronan Dutton, Bonga Nxumalo, Meyer Opperman, Lian Terblanche, Hayden Munnery, Liam Santos, Christopher Kachungunu, Jamaal Feldman, Sherwin Buys, Rekkie Gerber, Lindani Dweba, Tirhani Masondo, Kamohelo Ncunca, Dustyn Holmes, Latica Nela ©.
Madibaz: Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, AJ Flemming, Calvin Bosch, Dewald Gerber, Corne Cloete, Ruwaan Zealand, Sean Van Zijl, Cameron Doyle, Raashied Conrad, Jaden Witbooi, Christiaan van der Merwe, Qurin Cupido, Cullen Willows, Layron Milborrow.
* Photo by Dom Barnardt / Varsity Shield
