UJ makes bold statement with rugby win at home against FNB Emeris
The home side's second-half surge proved too much for the newly promoted visitors.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) sent out a clear warning to the rest of the Varsity Cup field after a powerful second-half performance, beating FNB Emeris 61–41 in their third match of the FNB Varsity Cup on home ground on February 16.
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The hosts were made to work early, as FNB Emeris attacked with confidence. UJ, however, struck first from a scrum and added the conversion for a 7–0 lead. Emeris hit back soon after, only for UJ to respond with two quick tries that pushed the score out to 19–5.
Emeris refused to give in, stunning the home crowd before the break with two tries of their own, including an intercepted effort, to sneak into a 21–19 halftime lead.
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That lead, however, was short-lived. UJ came out firing after the restart, reclaiming the advantage with a converted try and edging further ahead with a penalty. From there, the match swung decisively, as UJ dominated the second half, scoring at will and stretching the lead well beyond reach.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: FNB Emeris and UJ take the field in their Varsity Cup match on February 16, 2026. Video: Waydon Jacobs #Northcliff #UJ ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Emeris managed late tries to narrow the gap briefly, but UJ’s relentless finish saw them close the game out at 61–36, sealing a statement win over the newly promoted Varsity Shield champions.
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