Despite a wet conditions, courtesy of a late downpour, the Shimla’s still put Varsity Cup newcomers Wits to the sword. Wits the 2012 Varsity Shield winners were hammered 61 – 8, and by eight tries to one.

Four tries either side of half time, ensured that the match was effectively over as a contest at half time. Oddly enough, all four first half tries were off quick tap penalties. Prop Schalk van der Merwe showed why he has played Currie Cup Rugby for the Cheetahs by scoring three tries.

The scorers:

For FNB Wits:
Try: Erasmus
Pen: Fosita

Yellow card: Arends

For FNB UFS-Shimlas:
Tries: Oupa Mohoje (2), Schalk van der Merwe (3), Robbie van Schalkwyk, Kevin Luiters,
Erik le Roux.

Cons: Du Toit 7

The teams:

FNB Wits: 15 Bronson Lange, 14 Jacques Erasmus, 13 Kayde Fisher, 12 Jared Meyer, 11 Riaan Arends, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Brent Crossley, 8 Jason Fraser, 7 Carel Greef, 6 Thato Mavundla, 5 Rinus Bothma, 4 Devin Montgomery (captain), 3 Phakamilu Zuma, 2 Piers Cooper, 1 Hannes Ludick.
Replacements: 16 Rory Anderson, 17 Wandile Lupuwane, 18 Shai Korb, 19 Charles Baggot, 20 Mathew Torrance, 21 Gregory Blom, 22 Nkuli Gamede, 23 Katlego Kgama.

FNB UFS-Shimlas: 15 Marco Mason, 14 Maphutha Dolo, 13 Robbie van Schalkwyk, 12 Reinhardt Erwee, 11 JJ de Klerk, 10 Francois du Toit, 9 Kevin Luiters, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Freddie Ngoza, 6 Tyron Schultz, 5 JC Astle, 4 Teboho Mohoje (captain), 3 Nick Schornet, 2 Wickus Deysel, 1 Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Fanie van der Walt, 19 Erik le Roux, 20 Hlanlha Hlongwane, 21 Pieter-Steyn de Wet, 22 Divandre Strydom, 23 Carl van Heerden.