The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Rugby Stadium has thus far firmly established itself as a fortress for the Orange Army this season. In an exhilarating Round 3 clash on Monday, 2 March 2026, FNB UJ secured their second consecutive home victory of the FNB Varsity Cup, narrowly defeating the FNB NWU Eagles 35-29.
The visitors from North West University struck first, with Jordan Mcloughlin crossing the line in the seventh minute. However, UJ responded with clinical precision. High-tempo play saw scrumhalf Zian Cilliers and Ughan Africa dominate the first half, each bagging a brace of tries to put the hosts in a commanding position.
Complementing the try-scorers, JT Kapank was flawless from the tee, ensuring every five-pointer was rewarded with a successful conversion. Despite a late first-half effort from NWU’s Luan Van der Walt, FNB UJ headed into the tunnel with a comfortable 28-14 lead.
Resilience Under Pressure
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. FNB UJ’s discipline wavered, leading to two yellow cards that reduced the home side to just 13 men. The Eagles took full advantage of the numerical superiority, with Ricardo Fourie crossing the line three times to catapult the visitors into a one-point lead at 29-28.
With the clock ticking down and less than three minutes remaining, FNB UJ captain Thabang Mphafi stepped up when it mattered most. Mphafi powered through the FNB NWU defence from the centre of the park to score a sensational match-winning try, sending the Orange Army crowd into a frenzy.
“The energy from the home fans was palpable. Their support, coupled with the team’s grit when we were down to 13 men, truly defined this victory,” noted captain Mphafi.
The victory moves FNB UJ to 5th place on the log with a record of two wins and one loss. The Orange Army now prepares for one of their toughest tests yet as they travel to the Western Cape.
In Round 4, FNB UJ will face the defending champions, FNB UCT, at the Green Mile Stadium on Monday, 9 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:45.
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SCORERS:
FNB UJ Tries: Zian Cilliers X2, Ughan Africa X2, Thabang Mphafi.
FNB NWU Eagles Tries: Ricardo Fourie X3, Jordan Mcloughlin, Luan Van der Walt.
FNB Player of the Match: Zian Cilliers (FNB UJ)
TEAMS:
FNB UJ: Sifiso Magwaza, Ryan Marimo, Bian Janse van Rensburg, Thabo Mashigo, Juan Fourie, Kamo Molefe, Josh Du Toit, Thabang Mphafi ©, Zian Cilliers, JT Kapank, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Reuven Ferreira, Exauce Kevani, Ughan Africa, JT Strydom.
FNB NWU: Alethwa Buthelezi, Jordan Mcloughlin, Jason Oosthuizen, Stephan Krugel ©, Raniel Turner, Ricardo Fourie, Tian Van Zyl, Sean Roulston, Njabulo Dladla, MJ Mostert, Therlow Prins, Aiden De Villiers, Matthew Fortuin, Luyolo Doyi, Luan Van der Walt.
