Jaco Potgieter was once again the toast of FNB UKZN Impi, kicking the last-gasp winning penalty for his side right on time in their narrow 39-38 win against the Varsity Shield log leaders, CUT, in Bloemfontein on Monday evening.

Potgieter scored 29 of his side's 39 points with a try, three conversions and six penalties and was once again named ‘Player that Rocks’. Certainly it does look as though we do have to keep an eye out for this exciting new prospect.

Varsity led 27-17 at the break but yet again let it slip in the second half and without wanting to be negative after their exciting victory it is something they will undoubtedly need to work on for the remainder of the competition.

The Impi’s other tries came from prop Kurt Schonert and their talented scrumhalf Zander Engelbrecht while CUT replied with tries from flank Jean Cook, centre Leon Pretorius, fullback Nhlanganiso Sibanda and wing Alec Mhlanga with flyhalf Jannie Myburgh slottong three conversions and four penalties.

Fort Hare, still propping up the bottom of the log table, put the cat among the pigeons with a sensational 18-17 win against the University of the Western Cape in Alice leaving the competition wide open. Wits, the side that had the bye this week, will no doubt be well-pleased with the Bloemfontein result as they were beaten by CUT last week, leaving the competition poised for a thrilling last few rounds with the UKZN Impi’s chances in this their centenary year still very much alive.

From a local perspective, the club rugby fraternity and in particular, Acer Durban Collegians, were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Owen Clarkson who played for Collegians in the early 50’s before being chosen to represent Natal in 1952. The son of the legendary Springbok centre Wally Clarkson was educated at Kearsney College and was always on hand at the Collegians rugby dinners to hand out the Wally Clarkson Award, a trophy named after his father.

Clarkson senior, a product of Maritzburg College, who was heavily involved in the now famous annual Old Crocks game against the Kearsney First XV in the early years was reported to have been so impressed with the school that he decided to send Owen there rather than to his old school in Pietermaritzburg.

The President and members of the KZNRU and all the clubs concerned send condolences to the Clarkson family on their sad loss.

The Eshowe Rugby Club will host the 65TH anniversary of the Bozas Cup on the 4 and 5 March starting with a cocktail party at the Geoges Hotel on Friday 4 March in the Zululand town. All former Zululand players are welcome to attend and are asked to contact Richard Chennells at for further information.

- Jos Robson