In Bloemfontein, Tuks made it back-to-back wins with a hard-earned 38-22 victory over the University of the Free State Shimlas at a rain-lashed Shimla Park. In conditions more suited to a European winter than a Free State summer, handling was tricky and the match quickly turned into a forward-dominated arm wrestle.

Divan du Toit of Tuks was the Player that Rocked - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

The hosts struck first through tighthead prop Ongeziwe Mobo, who powered over from close range, but Tuks responded with patience and physicality. Chad-Lee Valentine crashed over after sustained pressure, shifting the momentum. A key blow followed for Shimlas when captain and flyhalf Bradley Giddy limped off injured, disrupting their structure and composure.

Tuks took control through the reliable boot of Divan du Toit, who slotted three long-range penalties to open up a 16-7 lead at the break. Shimlas had their chances but were left to rue missed opportunities, particularly after turning down kickable points in favour of attacking options that didn’t pay off.

Despite the rain persisting in the second half, the game opened up slightly. Tuks captain Dillon Smith, along with Barnard Nortjé and Akhona Kunene, all crossed the whitewash to put the result beyond doubt. While both sides had chances during the powerplay, neither could capitalise, but Tuks’ clinical edge inside the 22 and Du Toit’s tactical kicking proved decisive.

In Potchefstroom, the Eagles were in ruthless form as they swept aside Varsity College Emeris 63-15 at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground. From the outset, NWU combined defensive steel with sharp attacking execution, leaving their opponents chasing shadows.

The Toyota Cheetahs lock Juan Venter was one of the Shimlas standout players - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

Emeris managed just a single try before the break as the Eagles dictated both territory and tempo. Wing Therlow Prins was electric out wide, showcasing his pace and finishing ability with a superb hat-trick that kept the scoreboard ticking.

Although Emeris showed brief resistance early in the second half with two quick tries, the fightback was short-lived. The Eagles quickly reasserted their dominance, controlling possession and stretching the defence at will. Prins added his third, while the rest of the side combined seamlessly in a polished all-round display that underlined their title ambitions.

NWU handed Varsity College their second defeat of the Varsity Cup - ASEM Engage

Meanwhile in Cape Town, fans at the Green Mile were treated to a full-blown spectacle as the defending champions, UCT, thrashed the Central University of Technology Ixias 83-34 in a match that produced a staggering 17 tries.

The defending champions wasted no time making their intentions clear, with Aidan Norris scoring a Point of Origin try inside the opening two minutes, converted by Alex Vermeulen. CUT responded with two tries of their own to briefly silence the home crowd, but UCT soon regained control. Matthew Beckett edged them back in front before Connor Jack Gordon crossed after the hooter to give the hosts a healthy cushion at the break.

The passionate support at the Fanie never disappoints - ASEM Engage

The second half followed a similar script, with UCT striking early once again through Norris. Jack Benade added another Point of Origin score as the Ikeys stretched their lead. Although Kehan Myburgh gave CUT a glimmer of hope, it proved fleeting.

From there, UCT shifted gears and cut loose. Playing with confidence and width, they sliced through the Ixias defence time and again, outscoring their visitors comfortably in the final stages. Fittingly, they had the final say after the hooter, capping off an emphatic win that reignites their campaign in style.

Over at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, a late surge by the University of Stellenbosch Maties, saw the five-time champions beating the University of Johannesburg 39-19.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport