Wits on a three game losing streak as dismal season continues
By Aston Silver
FNB Wits continued their losing streak as they were defeated by FNB UJ 39-16 at the UJ Stadium on Monday, March 4, in a highly anticipated Joburg Derby.
The match started out extremely one sided as the Orange Army opened the scoring as early as the third minute with a try scored by number 14, Odwa Nkunjana. The try was then followed quickly by a second, scored in the seventh minute by FNB UJ number 11, Sean Williams.
A successful conversion and a penalty slotted by the FNB UJ flyhalf, led the hosts into the change room with a 17-0 lead.
FNB Wits came out firing in the second half as inside centre AJ Van Blerk opened their scoring in the 51st minute.
Some individual brilliance by the speedster Daniel Kapepula, along with accurate kicking from the Wits flyhalf, saw the away team, within four points of their hosts with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Although, FNB Wits’ dreams of a comeback were quickly squabbled as the FNB UJ winger crossed the line for his second try.
The final nail in Wits’ coffin was delivered by UJ flanker to make the final score 39-16. Thus making it the fifth consecutive year that FNB UJ has won the Johannesburg derby.
When asked about his try in a post-match interview with Wits Vuvuzela, FNB Wits winger, Kapepula said that he was “just trying to get points on the board for the team”.
He also added that the team has been struggling to find their rhythm and he is hoping that the team’s bye next week will allow for them to train hard in order to rectify their wrongs before facing FNB Ikeys UCT at home on Monday, March 18.
This is the third consecutive loss for the Witsies which sees them placed 7th on the log after 5 games.
FNB Player That Rocks: Odwa Nkunjana (UJ)
SCORERS:
UJ 39 – Tries: Odwa Nkunjana (2), Shaun Williams (seven-pointer), Adrian Bester. Conversions: Mashudu Raphunga (3). Penalties: Mashudu Raphunga (3)
Wits 16 – Tries: Adrian Van Blerk. Kasende Kapepula (seven-pointer). Conversions: Ruan Cloete (2).
FEATURED IMAGE: FNB UJ take the bragging rights in the Joburg derby after thumping Wits yet again Photo: Provided
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