The virtues of the style of rugby that the Shimlas have been playing has been extolled from all corners. Pundits praised their enterprising playing style and willingness to run with the ball. A loss against Wits exposed some cracks preventing an impressive win, and then, on Monday, 14 March in Bloemfontein, the NWU Eagles caused a quake with a 32–22 win against the men from the University of the Free State.
The Eagles got off to a rollicking start and led 20–0 after outside centre Tino Swanepoel had dotted down twice. Nivan Petersen slotted two penalties and two conversions.
A red and a yellow card did little to aid the Shimlas’ task against the rampant Eagles, and when Naiden Jaarts scored with less than ten minutes to go, the game was in the bag.
Scrumhalf Riaan Genis was named the FNB Player that Rocks.
Sadly, the Eagles still occupy the seventh position on the overall log, although only Ikeys and Maties have won more games. The two log leaders have won four of their five games, while the Eagles have now won two.
Next up is Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. Will the Eagles be able to claim their third win on the trot? Kick-off is at 19:00 on 21 March 2022.
Unstoppable! The NWU Eagles’ Ruben du Plessis storms ahead against Shimlas. Photo: Asem Engage/Hannes Naude
Bertie Jacobs
