Shimlas no match for strong NWU
In a rivalry that dates back to intervarsity days, North-West University (NWU) proved once again that Shimlas were no match when they beat them 29-17 at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday, 17 February.
There are few better ways to spend a Monday night as an NWU student than at the Fanie du Toit, where the rugby is remarkable and the atmosphere exciting.
NWU drew Shimlas for their first home game of the season and after coming off of two tough losses, there was no better opponent than the Free State side while having the home ground advantage.
Debutant Wihan von Wielligh kicked off the game to the roar of the home crowd, but it was Eugene Hare who got them on their feet when he slid past the Shimlas defence to get a vital try for NWU.
An earlier penalty put NWU 10-0 ahead after only 20 minutes. The hype was short-lived when a deliberate knock-on by scrumhalf Riaan Genis made it a one-point game and also saw him sent to the sin bin as well as Shimlas being awarded a penalty try.
Danny du Plooy put NWU back in the lead when he pummelled his way over the try line, and Von Wielligh added the extra two points to give NWU a17-9 lead going into half time.
While the second half got off to a slow start, NWU’s forward pack stood strong at scrum time and showed composure at the times when they needed it most.
Despite Shimlas’ best efforts to claw themselves back into the game, Akhona Nela put the final nail in their coffin when he scored NWU’s third try of the evening, giving them a hefty 27-9 lead with just over ten minutes left of play.
Shimlas ,however score twice in ten minutes, but the home side had done enough to take home the four points and climb to fifth place on the log.
The evening was made more special by the NWU Rugby Institute old boys, who came out in their masses to show support for this young side. Vice-captain Evardi Boshoff said: “This was our first home game and we’re very, very happy to get the win. It means a lot to win in front of all the old boys that were here supporting. Thank you to everyone for their support.”
Wandi Mazibuko, who has been part of the squad since 2017, said, “It’s always one of the best feelings beating them, knowing the history between us and making several people that wore the jersey before us proud. We’ll take the win any day, but I just see it as the hunger and determination from the boys that we’ve put in from the last few weeks.”
Wihan von Wielligh, who made his debut at flyhalf, was the stand-out performer of the evening. He slotted three conversions, two penalties and almost scored a try, which won him the Man of the Match award.
He said, “I felt honoured to make my debut at the Fanie du Toit last night. All credit must go to the team. I think it was the whole team playing their individual roles well to make it easier for the guy next to him.”
NWU vs Shimlas:
15. Chuiner van Rooyen, 14. Lungelo Gosa, 13. Evardi Boshoff, 12. Akhona Nela, 11. Eugene Hare, 10, Wihan von Wielligh, 9. Riaan Genis, 8. Edmund Rheeder, 7. Wandi Mazibuko, 6. Chris Vermaak, 5. Danny du Plooy, 4. Malembe Mpofu, 3. Matimu Manganyi, 2. Gustav du Rand, 1. Ruben du Plessis.
Reserves: 16. Fanie Mare, 17. Jason Jansen, 18. Ruan Swiegers, 19. Jeandre Leonard, 20. Wihan Nel, 21. Caleb Louw, 22. Lincoln Daniels, 23. Khulu Mcuma.