Maties edge out UCT in a Cape derby nail-biter, Tuks defeat NWU Eagles in a tight encounter, and UJ trump Wits in Johannesburg.
Western Province giants Maties maintained their perfect record in Varsity Cup action on Monday night with a thrilling 31-24 victory over UCT in the Cape derby. The victory, achieved in a rain-soaked match at the Danie Craven Stadium, was secured by a late try from Maties winger Grant de Jager. Maties captain Ezekiel Ngobeni was instrumental for the home side, scoring a hat-trick of tries. Despite Ngobeni's heroics, UCT led 24-17 at halftime.
In the second half, Maties turned the tables, scoring 14 unanswered points to secure the win. It was a night of upsets and exciting finishes across the Varsity Cup. Tuks climbed to second place on the log after a decisive 26-17 victory over NWU Eagles at Tuks Stadium, despite losing a player to the sin bin in the first half. Tuks maintained their advantage throughout the match, with sensational forward play leading to a late try from Ruan van Blommestein, securing the win.Meanwhile in Johannesburg, UJ moved into third place after a dominant second-half performance against Wits. UJ outscored Wits four tries to two, capitalizing on a series of errors from the home side. UJ's Kamo Molefe crossed the try line twice, showcasing their power in the tackle. In the Bloemfontein derby, defending champions Shimlas returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 16-9 victory over CUT Ixias. Despite challenging playing conditions due to wet and lightning-soaked fields, Shimlas triumphed with a strong defensive performance and two penalties from flyhalf Bradley Giddy
Varsity Cup Maties UCT Tuks NWU Eagles UJ Wits Shimlas CUT Ixias Rugby South Africa
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fireworks expected between Maties and UCT Ikeys in Varsity Cup Cape derbyThe Varsity Cup is set for an electrifying showdown as the Maties host the UCT Ikeys at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday, 17 March.
Read more »
Varsity Cup: Maties edge defending champs, CUT slice through UJMaties marked their 150th anniversary with a dramatic 41-37 victory over defending Varsity Cup champions Shimlas at a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday.
Read more »
Varsity Cup Kicks Off with Maties Triumph and CUT's Commanding PerformanceMaties marked their 150th anniversary with a dramatic opening victory in the 2025 Varsity Cup, while CUT made a strong statement with a convincing win against UJ.
Read more »
Varsity Cup: Shimlas wack Wits, Maties edge EaglesShimlas bounced back from last week's Varsity Cup opening round defeat with a big home win against Wits, while Maties came from behind to edge the Eagles in Potchefstroom.
Read more »
Varsity Cup: Shimlas deny UJ, Maties blank CUTDefending champions Shimlas held off a second-half comeback from UJ, while Maties continued a perfect start to the 2025 Varsity Cup with a big win against CUT in Stellenbosch.
Read more »
Varsity Cup Round 3: Maties demolish CUT, thriller in BloemfonteinA 12-try thriller in Bloemfontein was the highlight of Varsity Cup Round 3 on Monday, 3 March where UFS held on to beat a surging Orange Army.
Read more »