The visitors led 27-7 after 33 minutes only to find themselves trailing 42-38 with 11 minutes remaining.

However, UJ hit back when flank CJ Masuku went over for their sixth try, which flyhalf Jonathan Viljoen converted, and while CUT pushed hard for a match-winning try they had to be satisfied with two bonus points.

The Orange Army started the match well when flank Johannes Terblanche scored two early tries from mauls to make it 13-0 after 16 minutes.

But some harsh words from coach Braam van Straaten during the first strategy break lit a fire under his players and set up a thrilling second half.

Player That Rocks: Johannes Terblanche (UJ)

CUT Ixias – Tries: Tiaan Drotske, Ulrich Stander, Teboho Rampai, Jacquin van Wyk, Jan Kotze, penalty try. Conversions: Floris Brand (5).

UJ – Tries: Johannes Terblanche (2), Philip Apea-Adu, Brendon Pawson, Hloni Mphuthi, CJ Masuku. Conversions: Jonathan Viljoen (4). Penalties: Viljoen (2)

CUT Ixias – 15 David Cary, 14 Tsepo Malumane, 13 Jandré de Beer, 12 Heino Bezuidenhout, 11 Jacquin van Wyk, 10 Floris Brand, 9 Kobus du Plessis, 8 Ulrich Stander, 7 Luvuyo Ndevu (c), 6 Teboho Rampai, 5 Kevin Strydom, 4 Matthew Sekele, 3 Cohen Kiewit, 2 Tiaan Drotske, 1 Mzisa Thabiso.

Subs: 16 Albertus Venter, 17 Sisipho Nofuya, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Andile Mfaswe, 20 Francois Bester, 21 Xavier Swartbooi, 22 Zinedene Booysen, 23 Christiaan Venter.

UJ – 15 Shaun-Christian Baxter, 14 Tyreeq February, 13 Musawenkosi Tshabalala, 12 Indiphile Tyeda, 11 Nkondlo Radebe, 10 Jonathan Viljoen, 9 Keegan Joubert, 8 Buhlebenkosi Qaba, 7 Siyabonga Masuku, 6 Johannes Terblanche (co-c), 5 Brendon Pawson, 4 Philip Apea-Adu, 3 Frans Bezuidenhout, 2 Lehlohonolo Mphuthi, 1 Kayden Kiewit.

Subs: 16 Elizee Kwitonda, 17 Andrew Siminyu, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Connor van Buuren, 20 Kelvin Kanenungo (co-c), 21 Mpho Kubheka, 22 Likhaya Tengimfene, 23 Rowan Malgas