Three tries by rampaging centre Christopher Hollis paved the way for the Madibaz to thrash Rhodes University 53-8 in a one-sided Varsity Shield clash at the Madibaz Stadium on Monday night.
Relegated from the top-tier Varsity Cup last season after a poor run of results, the Madibaz have started the new season like a runaway train with three consecutive wins.
They ran in nine tries against Rhodes and are developing the winning mentality that their coach Jarryd Buys demanded.
Wins in their previous matches over the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University have left the Madibaz at the top of the log and favourites to reach the Shield final.
After leading 24-8 at the break against Rhodes, the Madibaz came out with all guns firing in the second half.
A sparkling movement, involving several Madibaz players, ended with livewire Hollis going over for his second try to put the home team 29-8 ahead.
There was another try for the strong-running Hollis in the 54th minute as the Madibaz took control of the contest.
Never afraid to give the ball air, the Madibaz had a seventh try when wing Chulumanco Chutu pierced the tiring Rhodes defence.
The Madibaz forged onto the attack from the kickoff and, in the fifth minute, Hollis sliced his way through the Rhodes defence to give his team an early 5-0 lead.
Three minutes later, the Madibaz had their second try when hooker Ruan Jonker powered his way over the line to put the home team 12-0 ahead.
Rhodes showed plenty of pace on attack and speedster Aviwe Ntutu raced away to score his team’s opening try in the 20th minute. Ntutu then kicked a penalty to cut the Madibaz lead to 12-8 after 26 minutes.
The Madibaz scored their third try in the 28th minute when fullback Yomelela Kwesa went over in the corner to put the home team 17-8 ahead.
Rhodes were put under relentless pressure in the closing minutes of the first half and Dirk Ferreira crossed for the fourth Madibaz try in the 40th minute. Scorers:
Madibaz 53: Tries: Christopher Hollis (3), Ruan Jonker, Yomelela Kwesa, Dirk Ferreira (2), Chulumanco Chutu, Jean-Pierre Greyling. Conversions: Chadwyn November (4). Rhodes 8: Try & penalty: Aviwe Ntutu.