Varsity celebrates

Thanda ZRA Zululand Rhinos’ hopes of spoiling Maritzburg Varsity’s centenary celebrations on Saturday afternoon came to nought, as they went down 33-20 to the home team in a Premier League match. The lead changed hands on numerous occasions, but unfortunately, the Rhinos allowed Varsity to claim glory after conceding two soft tries. In the first half, the Rhinos’ points came from a Martin Smith try, that was converted by Jors Dannhauser, and a penalty to the latter. A second penalty to Dannhauser hit the uprights and stayed out, leaving the score at 13-10 in the students’ favour at the break.

Second half
Christlyn van Schalkwyk gave the visitors something to cheer about when he scored soon after the break. The conversion was good and, with another penalty from Dannhauser’s boot successful, the Rhinos were looking good to spoil the celebrations. But their high didn’t last long, as Varsity scored two quick tries, scooped the bonus point and gave their supporters cause to celebrate as they ran out convincing 33-20 winners. ‘It was poor defending from us,’ lamented coach Deon van der Berg, ‘and the chaps were heart-broken by this defeat. ‘The reffing was good; there were no complaints there. ‘It was just a lapse of concentration from us that allowed them back into the game. ‘Plus our forwards were punished. ‘We really missed Jors Holtzhausen, who was out sick with Bronchitis, and our tight head was also injured, so that added to our problems. ‘They demolished our scrums and our lack of depth was evident. ‘Looking ahead to Friday night’s home game against Jaguars, we should be successful, plus score a bonus point over them and then we should beat Harlequins away in our last fixture (Friday 6 August).

Second team
Rhinos II beat Varstity 12-10.