The Eagles booked their place in the decider with a commanding 50–10 victory over Maties in their semi-final clash at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom. It was a performance that underlined their title credentials, particularly after a ruthless second-half display.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, NWU overturned their earlier defeat to Maties this season with a composed and clinical outing. The first half was tightly contested, with both sides locked at 10–10 at the break after trading tries and penalties. 

The hosts did, however, suffer an early setback when experienced centre Matthew Fortuin was forced off with an injury. The Eagles emerged after half-time with renewed intensity, raising the tempo and asserting their physical dominance.

Stephan Krugel. Photo: ASEM Engage

Within the opening stages of the second half, they crossed for three quick tries to seize control of the match. Their attacking accuracy and sustained pressure proved too much for Maties, who struggled to gain any foothold against a well-drilled defence.

With momentum firmly on their side, NWU continued to pile on the points, playing with confidence and flair. The visitors were completely shut out in the second half as the contest turned into a one-sided affair.

Luan Van der Walt. Photo: ASEM Engage

Ricardo Fourie, Jordan McLoughlin, and captain Stephan Krugel all dotted down, while Logan Janeke grabbed a brace in an impressive all-round display. Jamain Dampies and Gary Otto also crossed the whitewash, with a penalty try adding further gloss to the scoreline.

Maties’ only reply came in the first half through a try and a penalty by Janlu Basson, but they had no answers after the break.

In Pretoria, Tuks produced an equally impressive performance to secure their place in the final, beating UJ 53–34 in a high-scoring semi-final at Tuks Stadium.

Munashe Dukuswa. Photo: Catherine Kotze/ ASEM Engage

In front of a lively home crowd, the match lived up to expectations, with both teams opting for an expansive approach. Tuks, however, proved more clinical when it mattered.

UJ made the early running, breaking through the defence before Tholithemba Sibisi finished off a slick move. Their momentum was halted soon after when they were reduced to 14 men, allowing Tuks to work their way back into the contest.

Munashe Dukuswa crossed to level matters following sustained pressure, but UJ’s discipline let them down at key moments. 

Akha Mjawule. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/ ASEM Engage

Missed kicks at goal and another stint with a player in the sin bin opened the door for the hosts. A late penalty from Divan du Toit ensured the teams went into halftime level.

UJ started the second half strongly, with captain Kamo Molefe scoring from a driving maul to edge them ahead. Tuks responded almost immediately, as Kobus Janse van Rensburg went over to keep the scoreboard ticking.

From there, the momentum began to swing in the hosts’ favour. Akha Mjawule’s incisive try handed Tuks the lead, before Jean Fourie powered over to extend their advantage. Dukuswa then completed a well-deserved hat-trick, with Jacques Oberholzer and Mjawule adding further tries as Tuks pulled clear.

Renier Grobler. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

UJ continued to fight, with Sibisi grabbing his second and flyhalf JT Kapank also crossing, while Francois Prinsloo added a late score. However, they were unable to match Tuks’ relentless attacking output.

In the end, Tuks’ ability to capitalise on UJ’s errors proved decisive. The victory not only secured their place in the final but also guaranteed home-ground advantage as they chase a sixth Varsity Cup title.

Mo Gcina. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

Monday’s final at Tuks Stadium in Pretoria kicks off at 19:00, with both teams eager to cap off their campaigns in style.

Meanwhile, in Bloemfontein the University of the Free State’s Young Guns team secured their place in the final of the Young Guns competition with a dramatic last minute 46–40 win against Tuks.

With just about two minutes to play, Tuks, held a 40-39 lead in the semi-final. Then the UFS lock, Renier Grobler, charged down the exit kicked by Tuks, and won the foot race to dot the ball down for the match-winning try.

Over at the Green Mile in Cape Town the UCT Young Guns beat UJ’s Young Guns 50-31 in the other semi-final. The final between UFS and UCT in Pretoria will be contested at 16:00 on Monday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm