FNB UJ suffers déjà vu loss to FNB CUT
In their kick off for the 2025 Varsity Cup, FNB UJ was defeated by FNB CUT in a 13–29 rugby game at UJ Stadium.
University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) FNB UJ rugby team kicked off their 2025 Varsity Cup campaign with a case of déjà vu, suffering another defeat to Central University of Technology’s (CUT) FNB CUT Ixias rugby team in the highly anticipated opening round.
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It was a one-sided contest at UJ Stadium, where the visiting team brought a wealth of experience to the pitch, securing a convincing 29–13 victory.
CUT struck first, with Jan Hendrik Bessenger crossing the try line, followed by a successful conversion from flyhalf Juan Smith. Not long after, Tokelo Ntaopane added another try, putting UJ in a difficult position as they tried to catch up.
Just before the break, UJ got themselves on the scoreboard after a penalty was awarded against CUT. Mihle Matinise capitalized on the opportunity to bring the score to 14–3.
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The second half saw UJ tighten their defense, making it harder for CUT to break through. However, CUT’s Smith proved unstoppable as he created space on the outside.
Malcom Lamout added a consolation try for UJ, as the Orange Army tried to mount a comeback. Their efforts paid off in the final eight minutes when UJ capitalised on a strong ruck, allowing Liam Rowan to dive over for a try.
Ultimately, though, it wasn’t enough to challenge the visitors’ unassailable lead.
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