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Wits overpower CPUT in high-scoring Varsity Shield showdown

FNB Wits secured a crushing 66–22 home win over FNB CPUT in the Varsity Shield, led by a hat-trick from Christopher Kachungunu.

FNB Wits produced a devastating attacking display at home on March 6, overwhelming FNB CPUT 66-22 in the FNB Varsity Shield.
The crowd witnessed a relentless string of tries as the hosts ran riot on the field.

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The match got off to a dramatic start. In the seventh minute, Wits’ sustained pressure forced CPUT into infringing on their try line, earning the hosts a penalty try and a yellow card for the visitors. That early numerical advantage set the tone, giving Wits a 7–0 lead.
Four minutes later, flyhalf Matthew Coetzee threaded a precise pass to right wing Dustyn Holmes, who sprinted over to make it 12–0. The home side quickly capitalised on the momentum, with flanker Marco Kok touching down for another try, stretching the lead to 17–0.

FNB Wits full back Latica Nela with the ball. Photo: Waydon Jacobs

CPUT finally broke onto the scoreboard when Jacquin Jacobus crossed in the 17th minute, reducing the deficit to 20–5. Despite that response, Wits maintained dominance for the remainder of the first half, adding a penalty goal to take a comfortable 20–5 lead into halftime.

The second half continued in the same vein as Wits’ attacking machinery showed no signs of slowing. Scrumhalf Bryce Samuel found Kok early in the half, who bulldozed through CPUT’s defence to score. Holmes then added his second try, exploiting a quick tap-and-go to extend the advantage to 30–5.

FNB Wits leave the field after leading in the first half, 20-5. Photo: Waydon Jacobs

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CPUT showed resilience with a driving finish by hooker Lindosipho Kula and a later try from substitute Chris Phillips, but Wits responded. Captain Latica Nel sparked another move that led to Christopher Kachungunu scoring in the corner. Substitute forward Ronan Dutton added another, followed by a blistering finish from Lindani Dweba out wide.

Kachungunu stole the spotlight late, completing a hat-trick with a powerful run and a clever kick-and-chase, pushing the scoreline further out of reach. CPUT secured a consolation bonus-point try through substitute scrumhalf Clyde Frieslaar, but it was little more than a footnote in Wits’ emphatic performance.

FNB Wits scrumhalf Bryce Samuel on the pitch. Photo: Waydon Jacobs

The home side’s relentless pressure, clinical finishing, and cohesive attacking patterns ensured they ran out as comfortable winners, delighting the home crowd and asserting themselves as a formidable force in this season’s Varsity Shield.

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Waydon Jacobs

Waydon Jacobs is community journalist who has written articles for the Northcliff Melville Times. He has covered various stories including sports, community, and schools.

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