Unam's depth on display, dismantling Rehoboth
Club rugby
Despite eight top players removed on national duty, plus Raschano van Rooi (fly-half) and Handre Bezuidenhout (nr 8) on the injured list, log leaders FNB Unam still managed to rack up a 47-7 win with two bonus points against FNB Rehoboth on Saturday.Rehoboth’s performance at the Unam Stadium was disappointing and would likely send them back to the drawing board, as they only managed one try (by lock Charl Freygang, converted by fly-half Ascher Coetzee) when already 0-26 behind.
Freygang was later stretchered off with a recurring groin injury.
Unam coach Russel van Rooi would have been very happy with the overall showing of depth at the student club. It’s safe to say Unam will not miss out on the semi-finals, like they did last year.
Centre Camlo Martin was particularly impressive on his way to scoring two tries, resuming the successful combination with Lesley Klim (one try) established during Unam’s 2015-2017 hat-trick of titles.
Unam nr 8 Gilad Plaatjies (two tries), scrumhalf Willon du Plessis (one try) and a penalty try enforced by a dominant scrum enhanced the home side’s total, while Aljarreau Zaahl’s polished showing at fly-half was highlighted by six from seven conversions.
Only one log position change
The only switch among the nine teams in the NRU premier league occurred between fifth and sixth places, as Trustco United overtook FNB Reho Falcon.
Playing at home, United ran away 41-28 in a timely and much-needed win against FNB Western Suburbs.
Hooker Callie Swanepoel (3), left wing Tian van Wyk (2), centre and captain JD Nel and replacement lock Zander Bronkhorst ensured the maximum two bonus points for United’s seven tries. Place-kicking was rather average, with only three conversions (Hanreco van Zyl 1, Jahno du Plessis 2).
Suburbs, fighting back from 7-22 at halftime, earned the four-try bonus point courtesy of prop Bulla Kaverue, flyhalf Rudi Pretorius, centre Morgan Esterhuizen and wing Shaun Mouers. Pretorius landed all four conversions.
Wanderers earn bonus point
Second-placed Wanderers – also reduced by eight absences on tour with Namibia to Uganda – did not relent the pressure at the top, adding a 40-23 win against stubborn FNB Reho Falcon.
Two tries by right wing Julian Afrikaner were complemented by one each to centre Romario van Wyk, captain and nr 8 Driaan Vorster, hooker Darius von Solms and replacement back Warren Ludwig. Five of fly-half Geraldo Beukes’ conversions hit the mark.
Falcon centre Nando Dentlinger and flank Keynnen Basson scored tries, with two conversions and three penalties added by left wing Enrique Husselmann.