The FNB Maties remained unbeaten after the first two rounds of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
With a packed Danie Craven and new rector Professor Wim de Villiers in attendance, the stage was set for a thrilling night of running rugby.
After trailing 16-0 after two quick tries by the visiting FNB NWU-Pukke the Maties battled back to lead 18-16 at halftime, courtesy of three superb tries from the rolling maul.
The Pukke struck back to lead 26-18 going into the final quarter before big lock Ian Groenewald scored a vital fourth try for the Maties. Replacement flyhalf Brandon Thompson calmly kicked the conversion and Maties emerged with a draw and a bonus point for scoring four tries.
After two rounds of action Maties now travel to Pretoria to face the FNB UP-Tuks in a match that promises to be tough as teak. The last time these two teams met in Pretoria Maties won 18-16 and they will be hoping for a repeat of that heroic performance.
