Early days, but SPU, Varsity College, UWC and CPUT top of the log after round 1 of FNB Varsity Shield

NEWCOMERS Sol Plaatje University (SPU) snatched a dramatic late victory over FNB UKZN in a high-scoring match in Kimberley, while FNB Varsity College had a strong start against FNB Madibaz. FNB UWC and FNB CPUT were also victorious in their home openers of the 2025 FNB Varsity Shield.

FNB SPU 41-37 FNB UKZN

The SPU Gemmies secured a hard-fought 41-37 victory over the University of KZN in their clash at Suzuki Park in Kimberley on Friday.

The game turned out to be a closely contested rugby match, with both teams exchanging penalties and tries throughout the game. In a punch and counter-punch affair, the lead changed hands several times, and the score was even tied at one point in the second half, demonstrating how intense the encounter was.

Ultimately, thanks to passionate home support, the Gemmies secured a narrow victory with a late try and conversion, for the 41-37 scoreline.

"Out the back door and the frog splash"! 😂![CDATA[]]>🙌![CDATA[]]>🏾

Welcome to FNB Varsity Shield @MySPU !

Khanya Kama is a player to watch. #NxtLevel #RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/0GkplXPHOr

— Varsity Shield (@varsityshield) February 15, 2025

FNB Varsity College 40-14 FNB Madibaz

Meanwhile, up in Sandton, the Madibaz came in from Gqeberha to exact vengeance on Varsity College, the team that knocked them out of the semi-finals last year.

The game began with Varsity College scoring early, but the first half remained close, ending 12-7.

As expected in the Varsity Shield, the match turned out to be a very physical affair as the action moved from end-to-end of the field, with neither team willing to give an inch. Both teams' mammoth defensive efforts cancelled each other out for most of the match to keep the scoreboard unmoved.

However, in the second half, Varsity College dominated with multiple tries, securing what eventually turned out to be a comfortable – at least on the scoreboard – 40-14 victory over the Madibaz.

However, both teams will know that they were involved in an intense tussle.

FNB UWC 50-33 FNB WSU

Down in the Cape, hosts UWC comfortably demolished their visitors from the Eastern Cape Walter Sisulu University (WSU) 50-33 at UWC Stadium. Though both sides bravely took the attack to their opponents in a high-scoring affair, it was UWC that took control early, scoring five first-half tries to lead 33-14 at the break.

UWC made their home advantage count, outscoring WSU in both halves, and taking a big lead into half-time. They picked up where they left off, continuing to score in the second half despite WSU trying to put them under pressure with some committed play. Although WSU managed three late tries, UWC won convincingly.

FNB CPUT 41-10 FNB UFH

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) started strongly, taking an early lead with a penalty and a try. The University of Fort Hare (UFH) dug deep and fought back bravely, managing to tie the scores at one point.

But this turned out to be the end of their challenge as it was all one-way traffic from this point onward.

CPUT regained control after that brief lapse in defence before half-time and they went on to completely dominate the second half. In the end, CPUT ran their visitors ragged, securing a 41-10 victory with a series of penalties and tries against the hapless UFH.