The NWU Eagles’ rollercoaster ride in the 2021 Varsity Cup has come to an end after the UCT-Ikeys beat them 54-36 in the semi-final tonight (28 May) at Tuks stadium in Pretoria.
The undefeated Ikeys put in a sterling second-half display after trailing by one point at half-time, running in eight tries in total with a combination of quality running rugby and powerful mauls.
The NWU had their moments too but conceded a bunch of tries at crucial moments that took the pressure off the favourites. Ikeys relentless consistency in attack proved too much for the NWU, especially in the second half.
André Pretorius’ men never gave up the fight, but against quality opposition their mistakes were ruthlessly punished. The NWU got out of the blocks on high gear when left wing Keano Windvogel dotted down a superb down field kick from Nivan Petersen in the 2nd minute of the match.
It was a perfect start for the NWU who had to get momentum on their side to put the favourites, Ikeys under pressure.
A massive tackle from lock, Malembe Mpofu, was also an indicator of just how pumped the NWU side was in the first 15 minutes of play.
Flyhalf, Nivan Petersen, slotted two penalties to give his side a 15-0 lead early on.
Photos: Christiaan Kotze
The Ikeys though showed why they are still unbeaten this tournament, scoring three unanswered tries through lock, Gary Porter, inside centre, Le Roux Malan and eight-man, Christian Stehlik to give his side the 21-15 lead. The NWU had the final say in the first half when their try-scoring hero, hooker Gustav du Rand dived over to give his side a well-deserved lead by lead 22-21 at half-time.
The second half was another story altogether as another hat-trick of tries in the space of 20 minutes took the stuffing out of the NWU. First, Josh van Vuuren went over from a rolling maul, before one of the stars of the semi-final, flyhalf, David Hayes, scored a superb solo try which he converted to take the score to 35-22 to Ikeys.
Rihaz Fredericks scored five minutes later with the Ikeys’ sixth try to give his side an 18-points lead with 20 minutes to go. Du Rand got his second try to try and get NWU back into the game, but it was a little too late as the seventh Ikeys try from substitute, Kyle Bowman, and eighth from Van Vuuren clinched their spot in the final.
Tuks will now take on Ikeys this coming Monday where a new Varsity Cup champion will be crowned.
NWU: 36 (22)
Tries: Keano Windvogel, Gustav du Rand (2), Caleb Louw
Conversions: Nivan Petersen (2) Penalties: Nivan Petersen (2)
UCT-Ikeys: 54 (21)
Tries: Gary Porter, Le Roux Malan, Christian Stehlik, Josh van Vuuren (2), Rihaz Fredericks, David Hayes, Kyle Bowman
Conversions: David Hayes (4), Kyle Bowman (2)
