In Bloemfontein, the University of the Free State Shimlas claimed maximum points and local bragging rights after dismantling their neighbours, the Central University of Technology Ixias, 71–19 in a somewhat one-sided derby.

The Shimlas veered away from their usual expansive style, instead leaning heavily on their forward pack, who proved unstoppable. Their clinical execution at set-piece, particularly from lineout mauls, exposed the Ixias’ ill-discipline, while their own discipline set the benchmark for a composed and well-drilled unit.

Junior Springbok scrumhalf Erich Visser scored the first try of the try - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

The visitors opened the scoring through Junior Springbok scrumhalf Erich Visser, who darted over after a powerful maul by the Shimlas. From there, it was relentless. Hooker Jaco Bezuidenhout was the chief beneficiary, crashing over for a hat-trick of maul tries. Flanker Ferdi Vergottini added two tries of his own, while captain Henri van Heerden also crossed on both occasions during the powerplay to underline the dominance.

By half-time, the Shimlas had surged into a commanding 42–0 lead.

The second half brought more of the same, with the referee awarding a penalty try to the Shimlas shortly after the restart. Vergottini then completed his hat-trick soon after, capping off a standout performance.

Replacement flyhalf Tiaan Kriek flies over for his try - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

To their credit, the Ixias showed resilience and eventually found some rhythm. Centre Winton Abrahams crossed for two tries, including a superb point-of-origin effort after running the length of the field. However, replacement flyhalf, Tiaan Kriek, scored for UFS and Devinto Vergotine crossed in the corner for the Ixias as the game opened up in the last 20 minutes as both teams shifted to a more attacking approach.

However, the Shimlas had the final say when the replacement hooker Marnus Winter powered over from close range, before lock Marno Stopforth added a powerplay try to seal an emphatic victory.

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, University of Johannesburg team produced one of the early upsets of the tournament, edging North-West University Eagles 35–29 in a pulsating encounter.

Marno Stopforth powering his way to the tryline - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

UJ laid the foundation in the first half, outscoring the Eagles by four tries to two in a clinical display. Despite conceding early through hooker Jordan McLoughlin, the Orange Army responded swiftly. Scrumhalf Zian Cilliers struck first, before Ughan Africa produced a moment of brilliance, collecting a loose ball and powering through contact to score.

Cilliers then grabbed his second after intercepting inside the Pukke 22, and Africa added another to give UJ a healthy advantage. A late try by Luan van der Walt ensured the visitors remained within striking distance at 28–14 at the break.

The second half told a different story as the Eagles mounted a spirited comeback. Applying sustained pressure, they capitalised on errors and a series of yellow cards against UJ. Flanker Ricardo Fourie took control, scoring a hat-trick of tries to edge his side into a 29–28 lead with just minutes remaining.

The former Grey College star Ricardo Fourie scored a hat-trick of tries for NWU - Christiaan Kotze/ASEM Engage

But UJ refused to fold. In a dramatic finish, captain Thabang Mphafi crossed the line after a well-worked final attack, sending the home crowd into celebration.

UJ held their nerve in the closing moments to secure a memorable victory - their second of the campaign.

Over in Pretoria, it was the battle of the five-time champions, with the University of Pretoria Tuks beating the University of Stellenbosch Maties 33-17 to remain the only unbeaten team in the competition. In Durban, the defending champions, the University of Cape Town Ikeys claimed a 32-10 victory against Emeris to back-to-back wins.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport