The clash delivered exactly what supporters expected from the long-standing intervarsity rivals - a physical contest that eventually opened into an entertaining, high-tempo battle.

The first half was dominated by the forwards, with both packs locked in a tense struggle for control. While there were occasional attacking movements from the backlines, much of the early contest was decided in the tight exchanges, where powerful carries and disciplined defence set the tone.

Zack Serfontein scored a brace of tries for NWU - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

NWU struck first when hooker Jordan McLoughlin powered over from a well-constructed maul. Shimlas created similar opportunities but struggled to convert their chances close to the tryline, missing several promising chances inside the NWU 22m area.

The hosts eventually found a breakthrough when scrumhalf Erich Visser dotted down from a maul to open their account. However, the visitors quickly regained momentum. Tighthead Jason Oosthuizen crossed soon after, before outside centre Matthew Fortuin produced a moment of brilliance. After gathering a bouncing high ball, Fortuin raced through the defence to score a point-of-origin try, giving NWU a valuable 19–7 lead at half-time.

The tempo increased noticeably in the second half as the match opened up. With both sides prepared to attack from deep, the final 20 minutes in particular produced the type of fast-paced, entertaining rugby that the Varsity Cup is known for.

NWU scrumhalf Zack Serfontein proved influential as he crossed for two tries, while Visser also completed a brace for the Shimlas. The home side stayed within striking distance when winger Kirwin du Preez scored two quick tries to keep the scoreboard pressure on the visitors.

However, the decisive moment came when NWU flanker Ricardo Fourie, a product of Grey College, forced his way over for a crucial point-of-origin try that ultimately secured the result for the Eagles.

NWU’s ability to convert opportunities into points proved decisive, particularly during the first half. While the Shimlas mounted a spirited fightback later in the match, missed chances and defensive lapses earlier in the game proved costly.

Hanro Venter scoring for NWU late in the game - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

Speaking to OFM Sport after the match, Fourie said it was important for the team to respond strongly after their previous loss and to build momentum with several challenging fixtures still ahead.

“We’re very proud of the team. We worked hard this week after the UJ match,” said the former Grey College star.

“Last week our hearts were broken, but we told each other we would come back and just stick to our structures and plans. If we stay within the system, the win will come naturally. I’m really proud of the guys who fought so hard - we couldn’t have asked for a better victory.

“Varsity Cup rugby, in a nutshell, is like a Test match that later turns into champagne rugby. In the first half you have to squeeze the opposition and wear them down. Once you’ve made them tired, the opportunities will come in the second half. Then you can attack on the edges or go straight through them - but it all starts with that hard work in the first half.

Erich Visser scored a brace of tries for the Shimlas - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

“We’re going to grab this momentum with both hands. The games ahead definitely won’t be easy, so we just need to keep the momentum, not get ahead of ourselves, stay grounded and keep moving forward.”

Meanwhile, the University of Pretoria Tuks delivered a dominant performance in Pretoria as they thrashed the Central University of Technology Ixias 78–17 at Tuks Stadium.

Over at the Green Mile, the defending champions, the University of Cape Town Ikeys thumped the University of Johannesburg 87-28 in a largely one-sided affair, while over at the Danie Craven Stadium, the University of Stellenbosch Maties proved to be too strong for a spirited Emeris (Varsity College) with a 55-20 victory.

Scorers:

UFS: Tries – Erich Visser 2, HJ de Beer, Kirwin du Preez 2 Conv. – Tiaan Kriek 3

NWU: Tries - Jordan McLoughlin, Jason Oosthuizen, Matthew Fortuin, Zack Serfontein 2, Hanro Venter, Ricardo Fourie Conv. - Ruan van Willing 2, MJ Mostert

Morgan Piek OFM Sport