The NWU Eagles’ hiccup against the Shimlas a week ago has been followed by a refreshing gulp of points against Wits at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday, 11 March.

The Eagles lit up Potchefstroom with seven tries against the visitors from Johannesburg for a resounding 51-22 win to temporarily erase memories of their 35-26 reverse in Bloemfontein.

This means the Eagles have won three of their first four games in the 2024 Varsity Cup competition, and now occupy the second place on the overall log, behind the Shimlas. The entire top quartet on the log has suffered only one loss each.

The Eagles wasted no time in getting out of the blocks and racked up 23 points without reply from their opponents. However, kudos to Wits, who managed to fight their way back. At half-time the deficit had been reduced to 30-22.

That was where the Wits comeback stopped.

Three tries by the NWU Eagles and some staunch defence meant the second half was one-way traffic – to the delight of the home team.

Loose forward Marvelous Mashimbyi was named the FNB Player that Rocks, although it is always difficult to single out individuals in such a dominant display.

The Eagles next face UJ in Johannesburg on 18 March at 19:00, although the game will not be broadcast live.