Ntokozo Makhaza kicked 23 points as last season’s runners-up UCT Ikeys commenced their 2024 Varsity Cup campaign in style with an impressive victory against Shimlas at Shimla Park.
In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, it was UCT who again ran away winners with a hard-fought 38-32 victory.
It was an action-packed first half with both sides showing a willingness to attack. Shimlas opened the scoring through prop Riaan van den Merwe before UCT took the lead with tries from loose forwards Taariq Kruger and Sipho Dyonase.
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Makhaza kept the scoreboard ticking for the visitors with three penalties, but Shimlas stayed within reach with tries from loose forward Kwezi Dlamini and centre Zane Bester in the 37th minute, as the hosts trailed 21-17 at half time.
Flyhalf Ethan Wentzel crashed over shortly after the break to give Shimlas the lead for the first time in the game before Makhaza slotted another penalty to make it 24-24 at the start of the final quarter.
The teams could not be separated as they traded tries through scrumhalf Jandre Nel and centre Rethabile Louw along with a penalty each.
It was anybody’s game with five minutes to play, but sharpshooter Makhaza didn’t miss, converting two more penalties from long range to secure the victory for his side.
Up next for the Ikey Tigers is a Western Cape derby against Maties in Cape Town, while Shimlas will look to bounce back when they travel to Johannesburg to face UJ.
Photo: Hannes Naude
The post Makhaza fires UCT to opening win appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
