FNB Tuks became only the second university to win the coveted trophy on three occasions. FNB Maties started with a bang as lock Janco Venter crashed over for a seven-point try after a few solid phases of play from the Maroon Machine.
FNB UP-Tuks cut into that lead three minutes later when Captain Fantastic and flank Chris Massyn barged over to claim a try of his own. De Beer converted and added a penalty minutes later to give the Pretoria students a handy 25-18 lead with just under 30 minute left to play.
FNB UP-Tuks suffered a huge setback when replacement prop Jaco Holtzhausen was sinbinned which FNB Maties duly capitalised through the boot of Smith to reduce the score to 25-21.
The teams proceeded to throw everything at each other with time running out but it was De Beer who put up his hand as he consistently kept FNB Maties pinned in their own half with his field kicks.
FNB Maties had an opportunity to snatch victory from the clutches of defeat but a forward pass brought an end to their movement and handed FNB UP-Tuks the 2017 Varsity Cup trophy. Clyde Davids was the man of the match.
