The North West University Eagles returned to winning ways in the Varsity Cup by beating Tuks in Potchefstroom. 

In a hard-fought and emotional battle at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground the Eagles managed to beat the defending champions 17-8 for their second win of the competition.

André Fouché, Gustav Erlank and Naiden Jaarts all scored tries for the Eagles, while Nivan Petersen converted one try.

The Eagles coach and former Springbok flyhalf, André Pretorius, told OFM Sport that it was an emotional win and it is dedicated to the late rugby analyst, Conrad Nienaber. 

“It's a bit of mixed emotions. With the emotions that went into the game with Conrad Nienaber and the moment of silence. We would like to dedicate this win to him.

“The one thing that we did tonight, is we showed that this team has a really good heartbeat.

“The culture is good, the boys pulled together in the week with a lot of player-driven stuff and it's made a difference. It really has.”

Nienaber had worked for the North-West University for 14 years, delivering video capturing and analytical work. 

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, Wits stunned the Shimlas with a 53-31 win.

On Monday evening, the Shimlas will host their rivals, the Eagles, in the big intervarsity.

Eagles: Tries - André Fouche, Gustav Erlank, Naiden Jaarts Conv. - Nivan Petersen

Tuks: Try - Divan Venter Pen - Stefan Coetzee

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport