Setback for Wits as CUT come from behind to win |
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January 30 – In what is a notable early setback to the aspirations of Wits to lead the Varsity Shield log with a view to being promoted to the Varsity Cup competition, they went down 25-12 to the defending champions CUT in Bloemfontein on Monday night.
It was the opening match of the four Varsity Rugby competitions and all eyes were on the new points-scoring system introduced this season, with three points for a conversion and two points for a penalty or a drop-goal.
Wits’ retreaded centre Ryan Odendaal became the first try scorer of what became an eight-pointer with the conversion. He kicked through a dropped ball by CUT captain and flyhalf Inus Kritzinger, waited for the (very low!) bounce and put his side into a 12-0 lead after two earlier penalties by Wits flyhalf Kyle Peyper. That was the last score by Wits as CUT ran in 25 unanswered points, including three tries.
Kritzinger lead his team’s fight back shortly after his handling error when he crossed on the left-hand side for his team's first try to narrow the gap after a fine burst of speed through an outside gap and an exemplary hand-off.
Another try after a good forward attack and then an ensuing penalty saw CUT led 13-12 at half-time. Wits remained scoreless in the second half as the Men from Bloemfontein crossed for a third and match-clinching try through replacement prop Danie van der Merwe late in the second forty minutes.
** In the second match on Monday night at Alice's Davidson Rugby Stadium, the University of Western Cape claimed an entertaining 36-13 win over Fort Hare.
** Wits play University of Fort Hare at Wits Stadium in Thursday night while UKZN are at home to CUT .
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