There was also absolute heartbreak for the CUT Ixias, whose winless campaign ended in relegation.

The standout clash of the round unfolded in Potchefstroom, where the NWU Eagles produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season to edge the UCT Ikeys 56–53 in a match for the ages.

It was a proper armwrestle between NWU and UCT at the Fanie - ASEM Engage

Trailing 39–20 at half-time after a blistering attacking display from the visitors, the Eagles looked dead and buried. UCT had carved up the defence almost at will in the opening half, exploiting space out wide and punishing errors to build what seemed an unassailable lead.

But the second half told a completely different story.

NWU struck almost immediately after the restart, igniting belief among the home crowd at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground. What followed was a breathless, end-to-end shootout, with both sides trading tries in a relentless attacking spectacle. As the clock ticked down, the Eagles steadily chipped away at the deficit, with Logan Janeke and MJ Mostert stepping up at crucial moments to keep the hosts in the hunt.

CJ Erasmus scored a hat-trick of tries for Maties - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

With the game on a knife’s edge in the dying moments, Mostert powered over for his second try of the match. The conversion that followed completed a stunning turnaround and sparked wild celebrations in Potch. The victory not only secured NWU a home semi-final but also ended UCT’s hopes of defending their title in dramatic fashion.

In Bloemfontein, Maties confirmed their place in the playoffs with a commanding 45–23 win over the CUT Ixias — a result that also sealed the hosts’ relegation after a tough, winless season.

Maties wasted little time asserting themselves, with hooker CJ Erasmus crossing early from a driving maul. Flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden-Smith soon added another, pouncing on a loose ball at the base of a scrum to stretch the visitors’ advantage.

Devinto Vergotine flying over for his try against Maties - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

To their credit, the Ixias showed real grit. Malekela Malothane bulldozed over from close range, and Devinto Vergotine added a well-taken try as the home side fought back to level matters. A penalty from Matthys Malan even nudged CUT into the lead briefly, raising hopes of an upset in Bloem.

However, Maties regained control before the break. A penalty try, followed by a moment of magic from Louis Fourie - who dotted down straight from the restart - handed the visitors a 26–15 half-time lead.

The Ixias threatened another comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap to just three points after a penalty and a well-worked lineout try from Hope Seyaga. But Erasmus proved unstoppable on the night, completing a superb hat-trick with two more maul tries to put the result beyond doubt.

Gunter van Rensburg scores for Shimlas in their losing cause against Emeris - Gerhard Duraan/ASEM Engage

A late try from replacement prop Ammaar Burton added further gloss to the scoreline, as Maties marched confidently into the semi-finals, while the Ixias were left to reflect on a difficult campaign that ends with relegation to the Varsity Shield.

Meanwhile, UP-Tuks underlined their status as genuine title contenders with a dominant 51–22 victory over FNB UJ in Pretoria. Despite the heavy defeat, UJ held onto fourth place on the log to secure the final semi-final spot.

UJ’s progression was confirmed thanks to a strong performance from the Durban-based side, who ended their campaign on a high with an impressive 41–19 win over the Shimlas.

The Shimlas lock/flanker Maynard Kleynhans will be joining the Suzuki Griquas - Gerhard Duraan/ASEM Engage

The hosts delivered a clinical display in front of their home supporters, with Edward Sigauke leading the charge. The lively back produced one of the tries of the round, showing great awareness with a clever chip-and-chase before finishing in style.

They controlled large parts of the contest, with captain Jacques Marais and Christian Els also crossing the whitewash, while Thando Luthuli rounded off a slick team move. Although the Shimlas had their moments - including a point-of-origin try from Gunter van Rensburg - they were ultimately outplayed.

Sigauke had the final say, producing a dazzling solo effort late on that will surely go down as one of the tries of the season.

On Monday, Tuks are set to host UJ in Pretoria in the semi-finals, while NWU will entertain Maties in Potchefstroom. The kick-off times are yet to be confirmed. 

Morgan Piek OFM Sport