In an energetic round one clash of the 2026 Varsity Cup, the NWU Eagles delivered a statement performance in the City of Roses, overpowering CUT 59-42. Played at the CUT Stadium, the fixture saw the hosts desperate to overturn their recent poor results against the Purple Army, including a previous loss at the 2025 USSA Games.
The defining period of the match was the Eagles’ second-half comeback, when they overturned an eight-point deficit at half-time. Hooker Jordan McLoughlin played a key role in the comeback with his brace, but it was Therlow Prins who stole the show with his influential hat-trick. This victory saw NWU secure second place on the log, level on points with the early leaders, UJ.
“Tonight’s win was important,” said Coach Burger van der Westhuizen, emphasising the value of claiming a crucial away victory in challenging conditions.
The first half was action-packed. McLoughlin put the Eagles on the scoreboard, but CUT responded with tries from Jade Muller and Kehan Myburgh to level the score. Despite efforts from Luyolo Doyi and Stephan Krugel, the Eagles lost momentum, leaving their defence exposed. CUT seized this opportunity to establish a 32-24 lead at half-time.
Van der Westhuizen’s message at half-time was simple yet effective. “I told the boys we need to stick to the plan, stay in the moment, and not get flustered,” he said.
However, the second half was a different story, as the Eagles’ attack began to gain momentum. McLoughlin completed his brace, sparking the visitors’ comeback. The introduction of substitutes Guhan du Bois and Hanro Venter helped the Eagles maintain their intensity, securing a convincing victory in the Free State capital.
CUT’s defensive discipline must be recognised, as they forced the Eagles to work relentlessly to create scoring opportunities. “They are a good side, especially when they play at home. Their noisy fans made it difficult for us. We could not control the ball; it was difficult to break them. They play like a team with nothing to lose, so they put everything on the line,” added Coach Burger.
With the competition intensifying early on, Van der Westhuizen acknowledged that the road ahead remains challenging. “We take confidence from this win, but each game is going to be tough in its own right.”
Teams
NWU Eagles: Alethwa Buthelezi, Jason Oosthuizen, Jordan Mcloughlin, Raniel Turner, Stephen Krugel (captain), Ricardo Fouries, Tian van Zyl, Njabulo Dladla, Sean Roulston, MJ Mostert, Therlow Prins, Aiden de Villiers, Mathew Fortuin, Luan van der Walt, Luyolo Doyi
CUT Ixias: Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Tokelo Ntaopane, Malcom Lamont, Jean Louis Theron, Durandt van Aswegen, Jordan Davids, Oyama Frans, Hope Seyaga, Raydon Swartbooi, Kehan Myburgh, Kutlo Seyoko, Winton Abrahams, Matthys Cornelius Malan, Devinto Vergotine, Jade Muller
