The old foe has fallen. On Monday 17 February the North-West University (NWU) claimed its first scalp in the 2020 Varsity Cup season when the boys in purple beat Shimlas 27-19 in Potchefstroom.

A packed Fanie du Toit sports field saw the host score three tries through Eugene Harem, Danny du Plooy and Akhona Nela.

Flyhalf Wihan von Wielligh was a general par excellence. He was named Player that Rocks after a commanding performance that included pin-point precision from the tee with three conversions and two penalties.  

Being the NWU’s first home game of the season, this win was not only important but necessary after successive losses to Tukkies and Ikeys.

The first loss was a heartbreakingly narrow 42-40 loss to Tukkies on their home ground, before succumbing 31-22 against Ikeys at the notoriously difficult UCT Rugby Stadium.

Next up for André Pretorius’ team will be a face-off against Wits in Johannesburg, followed by UJ and Maties on the NWU’s home ground in Potchefstroom. Thereafter the NWU team will take on UWC in Cape Town and CUT, again in Potchefstroom.

They are currently in fifth position on the overall log, and still have every opportunity to reach the play-offs.

Only time will tell how the next battles will end, but it is sure going to be entertaining.