Share

UJ under extreme pressure

Johannesburg - The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will be under pressure to qualify for the semi-finals of the Varsity Cup as they went down 19-9 to Pukke.

The Pukke used their opportunities and scored one try in the first and two in the second half, but it was a game won by their pack of forwards.

UJ opened the scoring after dominating the opening exchanges when flyhalf Andre Smith kicked a penalty after a illegal tackle. Puk had an opportunity to equalize, but Cecil Dumont's kick from 45 meters out hit the upright.

Smith also missed another opportunity to stretch the lead and last week's hero Trekker van Tonder fumbled the ball after neat interplay between Haas Snyman and Earl Lewis.

A brilliant solo-effort by right winger Andrew van Wyk gave Puk the lead for the first time after left-winger Randall April carried the ball for more than half of the field and Dumont converted from the touchline.

Flanker Jaco Lotter ran the ball back from the kick-off to unleash fullback Willem Barnard and when he was held up Dumont failed with another penalty attempt.

Smith missed another long-range attempt and he had to wait nearly 20minutes to narrow the gap to one point with a similar attempt.

The teams changed side with the Puk holding a narrow 7-6 lead.

After the break Earl Lewis threatened the defence more than once and Dumont missed his third penalty attempt.

There was no love lost among the forwards and they had a full go at each before flanker Jaco Lotter drove over from a lineout five meters out after the UJ was penalized for kicking a player on the ground.

Smith brought the UJ back into range with a left-footed drop-goal.

Wentsley Scott put the matter beyond doubt when he scored in the corner after the UJ tried to play rugby in the own '25 under severe pressure.

Scorers:

Puk: Tries: Andrew van Wyk, Jaco Lotter, Wentsley Scott.

Conversions: Cecil Dumont (2).

UJ:

Penalties: Andre Smith (2).

Drop-goal: Smith.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE