A last-gap try after the full-time hooter saw the WSU All Blacks seal their fourth FNB Varsity Shield win in a row as they edged a valiant Central Peninsula University of Technology side 20-15 in a hard-fought game.
The hosts had plenty of chances in the second half to close out a win, but constant errors saw the visitors taking a shock lead with three minutes to go. All Blacks flank Lubabalo Lento became the hero, crashing over from close range after the home side received a scrum on the CPUT 5m line just as the hooter sounded.
The first half was a tight affair, and WSU’s huge lock pairing of Mihlali Mosi and Athenkosi Khetani were prevalent with some big carries from both men but particularly Mosi.
Two minutes after a missed penalty by All Blacks fullback Zizipho Kayi the visitors took the lead with a penalty that fullback Chad Kleinsmidt popped over easily.
The hosts then pulled level in the 15th minute, earning a breakdown penalty in the CPUT 22m towards the left touchline from Kayi. Four minutes later and WSU had the lead, another penalty in CPUT’s 22m saw Kayi put the All Blacks 4-2 up.
As half-time loomed WSU struck. Attacking off a ruck in CPUT’s half, they swung the ball right, before sending it back to the left where a break down on the left-hand touchline ended with speedster Ntando Mfengu diving over in the corner. Kayi slotted the tough conversion to bring the half-time score to 12-2 up.
Injuries to WSU prop Sandile Buthelezi and CPUT hooker Sven Brundyn put a damper on second-half action, but both teams still gave it their all. The visitors came straight back with a 55th minute try, after receiving a penalty in front in the All Blacks 22m. Kleinsmidt converted to make the score 12-10. After a frustrating 20 minutes the visitors shocked the home crowd with a try in the 77th minute. A swift counterattack down the left hand touch ended with replacement forward Shaurick Blom going over in the corner for the unconverted score that set up the late drama that sent the crowd wild.
Another WSU win with last-second try
The hosts had plenty of chances in the second half to close out a win, but constant errors saw the visitors taking a shock lead with three minutes to go. All Blacks flank Lubabalo Lento became the hero, crashing over from close range after the home side received a scrum on the CPUT 5m line just as the hooter sounded.
The first half was a tight affair, and WSU’s huge lock pairing of Mihlali Mosi and Athenkosi Khetani were prevalent with some big carries from both men but particularly Mosi.
Two minutes after a missed penalty by All Blacks fullback Zizipho Kayi the visitors took the lead with a penalty that fullback Chad Kleinsmidt popped over easily.
The hosts then pulled level in the 15th minute, earning a breakdown penalty in the CPUT 22m towards the left touchline from Kayi. Four minutes later and WSU had the lead, another penalty in CPUT’s 22m saw Kayi put the All Blacks 4-2 up.
As half-time loomed WSU struck. Attacking off a ruck in CPUT’s half, they swung the ball right, before sending it back to the left where a break down on the left-hand touchline ended with speedster Ntando Mfengu diving over in the corner. Kayi slotted the tough conversion to bring the half-time score to 12-2 up.
Injuries to WSU prop Sandile Buthelezi and CPUT hooker Sven Brundyn put a damper on second-half action, but both teams still gave it their all. The visitors came straight back with a 55th minute try, after receiving a penalty in front in the All Blacks 22m. Kleinsmidt converted to make the score 12-10. After a frustrating 20 minutes the visitors shocked the home crowd with a try in the 77th minute. A swift counterattack down the left hand touch ended with replacement forward Shaurick Blom going over in the corner for the unconverted score that set up the late drama that sent the crowd wild.
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