It was an ideal start for the FNB WSU All Blacks outfit at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane as they lay siege to FNB UKZN Impi as they beat the visitors 35 – 21 on Thursday 22 Feb. 24 February.
WSU would draw first blood after 15 minutes thanks to a classic rolling maul converted try by hooker, Mangaliso Zixesha.
UKZN would quickly hit back with a penalty converted by UKZN fly half Minitel Manalo Ngcamu-Ngcamu before the All Blacks scored again through another converted try by captain, Awonke Sondishe. The score would stand at 14-3.
After conceding yet another converted penalty off the kick, the All Blacks would score yet another rolling maul try in the 27th minute through hooker, Zixesha again.
The UKZN forward pack would also prove immense as the visitor’s flanker, Wela-Aphumelele Mnata Takata, crossed the whitewash thanks to a ferocious rolling maul in the 33rd minute. The score would read 21-11 going into halftime.
The home team would add another try to their tally as speedy fullback Lukhangele Tshayi cantered under the posts following a sweeping move from the All Blacks backline.
Following a red card for a dangerous tackle by WSU eight man, UKZN immediately took full advantage as they hit back in the 58th minute with a try of their own through their own eight-man Tinotenda Mazhindu.
The topsy-turvy affair would continue as All Blacks right winger Simthembile Zozi crossed the whitewash once again to take the score to 35 – 16 before a desperate break by UKZN would see the visitors score the last try of the match to see the score finish at 35 – 21 on the night.
FNB WSU – Tries: Mangaliso Zixesha (2); Awonke Sondishe; Lukhangele Tshayi; Simthembile Zozi. Conversions & Penalties Maxwell Klaasen
FNB UKZN – Tries: Wela-Aphumelele Mnata Takata; Tinotenda Mazhindu; Singele Mkhize. Penalties & Converstions: Minentle Mfanelo Ncamu-Ncamu
PLAYER THAT ROCKS: Mangaliso Zixesha
By Thando Cezula