The NWU Eagles ran in seven tries to thrash Maties in Monday’s Varsity Cup semi-final in Potchefstroom.
The teams were deadlocked at 10-10 at half-time but the Eagles soared after the break to triumph 50-10 and maintain their unbeaten record at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground this season.
Maties started strongly and led through a try by prop Janlu Basson, converted by flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden Smith.
First blood to the Maroon Machine! Janlu Basson scores the opener in Potchefstroom after sustained pressure from @MatiesSport.#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/t905bjCDvi
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026
The hosts replied with a penalty by flyhalf MJ Mostert as their forward dominance started to tell.
In the 25th minute, the Eagles finally breached Maties’ defensive lines through No 8 Sean Roulston, with Mostert adding the extras.
Shortly before half-time, Smith’s penalty goal drew the hosts level.
The Maroon Machine then suffered a blow when scrumhalf and captain Ezekiel Ngobeni was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle.
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The Eagles came out all guns blazing after the break, scoring six tries and 40 unanswered points.
The charge down and the @theNWU Eagles take the lead in the first semi-final! Jordan McLoughlin goes over and the Fanie Du Toit erupts!#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/PrFeTfh4OC
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026
Left wing Logan Janeke helped himself to a brace, including collecting and finishing off a stunning cross-kick by Mostert.
There were also tries for hooker Jordan Mcloughlin, lock Stephan Krugel, and replacements Jamaine Dampies and Gary Otto.
Pinpoint crosskick from MJ Mostert and Logan Janeke runs in uncontested to score in the corner. The @theNWU Eagles spreading their wings in Potch!#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/Auqv6btYfw
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026
Mostert finished with six conversions and a penalty for a match haul of 15 points.
The show and go from substitute scrummie Gary Otto and he puts the nail in the coffin as the @theNWU Eagles punish the Maroon Machine!#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/1mSXwc7qSn
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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