Rugby
Bloemfontein derby takes centre stage in round 3─── MORGAN PIEK 09:28 Mon, 02 Mar 2026
The Bloemfontein derby takes centre stage in round three of the 2026 Varsity Cup on Monday, with the Central University of Technology Ixias hosting their cross-town rivals, the University of the Free State Shimlas.
The Ixias head into the clash under pressure after back-to-back defeats. They went down 59–42 at home to the North-West University Eagles in their opener, before suffering an 83–34 loss to the defending champions, University of Cape Town Ikeys, in Cape Town.
Shimlas, meanwhile, will also be eager to bounce back. They are coming off a 38–22 defeat to Tuks in Bloemfontein in round two, but opened their campaign in style with an entertaining 50–39 win over Maties in a high-scoring thriller.
Henri van Heerden. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage
As always, form and log positions count for very little in a Bloem derby. Pride, passion, and bragging rights are on the line, and both sides will be fired up for what promises to be another fiercely contested encounter under the lights.
Ixias captain and hooker Tokelo Ntaopane, who is set to make an impact off the bench, told OFM Sport that his side is determined to turn things around and believes they can cause an upset.
“The gents are excited for the Bloem derby,” said Ntaopane.
“It’s a big one. From the start of the year, we’ve spoken about making history, and with what we’ve learned and been through, the boys are ready.
“Playing at home, with our crowd behind us and the support from management and the CUT community, makes it even more special. It’s going to be a great game.”
Shimlas eighth-man Henri van Heerden, who will captain the side in the absence of flyhalf Bradley Giddy, told OFM Sport that they expect nothing less than a bruising battle.
Tokelo Ntaopane. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage
“CUT is always a great game to play. It’s a Bloem derby, so it’s always exciting rugby to watch and very competitive between the rivals,” said Van Heerden.
“Every player looks forward to it, and the whole squad is really excited for what should be a big week and a massive match.
“Winning is important – everyone wants five points every week, but we are a very process-driven team. Our focus is on getting the basics right, because we know if we do that, the results will follow.”
Monday’s highly anticipated derby at CUT Stadium kicks off at 19:00. Earlier, at 16:45, UJ hosts the NWU Eagles in Johannesburg.
CUT – 15 Devinto Vergotine, 14 Kutlo Seyoko, 13 Matthys Cornelius Malan, 12 Winton Abrahams, 11 Jade Muller, 10 Kehan Myburgh, 9 Raydon Swartbooi, 8 Hope Seyaga, 7 Dean Sciocatti, 6 Katlego Shebu, 5 Durandt van Aswegen, 4 Jean Louis Theron, 3 Vuyo Holiday, 2 Jordan Davids, 1 Jan-Hendrik Bessenger.
Replacements – 16 Tokelo Ntaopane (captain), 17 Neo Lesoetsa, 18 Bernard Labuschagne, 19 Oyama Frans, 20 Tsebano Stemer, 21 Emlyhn Jacobs, 22 CJ Taljaard, 23 Jean Swart.
UFS – 15 Siviwe Zondani, 14 Kirwin du Preez, 13 Keehan Etson, 12 Freddie Dreyer, 11 Edward Mpinga, 10 Shaun Ray, 9 Erich Visser, 8 Henri van Heerden (captain), 7 Sandile Nzuza, 6 Ferdi Vergottini, 5 Juan Venter, 4 HJ de Beer, 3 Ongeziwe Mobo, 2 Marnus Winter, 1 Musa Moshoaliba.
Replacements – 16 Jaco Bezuidenhout, 17 Faasen Laubscher, 18 Ruan Smuts, 19 Marno Stopforth, 20 Kungawo Mbanga, 21 Alastair-Cole Vermeulen, 22 Tiaan Kriek, 23 Lilitha Lunqe.
