NWU Eagles defeated the Ikey Tigers in a top of the table Varsity Cup clash at a packed Fanie Du Toit Stadium to book a home semi-final as the competition enters the playoff stages.

The 30-18 victory makes in four wins in a row for the defending champions who end the regular season with only one defeat as the men from Potchefstroom look to make it back-to-back titles.

The first half produced some scintillating rugby as both teams traded blows. Loose forward Hennie du Randt opened the scoring for the Eagles with a point-of-origin try, before Ikeys winger Ntokozo Makhaza crossed the whitewash.

Makhaza converted and added two further penalties to his tally but the Eagles edged ahead with tries from fullback Luan van der Walt and hooker Chyle van Zyl as they headed into the sheds leading 21-13.

The second half was a much tighter affair, the first points coming from Ikeys’ replacement hooker Johan Lombard, who went over off the back of the rolling maul in the 68th minute, setting up a grandstand finish.

Ikeys, searching for the winning score, began to run from everywhere, leaving gaps open for Eagles winger Naiden Jaarts to exploit. He took full advantage, running in under the poles for another point-of-origin try, sealing a hard-fought win for the hosts.

The Eagles’ victory secures their position at the top of the table, while defeat for the Ikeys leaves them in fourth place. This sets the stage for a rematch of last year’s final in Potchefstroom next weekend.

Meanwhile, Shimlas will make the trip to Stellenbosch to face Maties, who secured second place by beating CUT 26-20 in wet conditions in Bloemfontein.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za