In a battle of experience versus youth, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles emerged triumphant on Saturday, 20 September, with a well-matched 23-16 victory over Pirates Rugby Club, claiming the 2025 Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge title. The intense physicality of the match was reflected in the scoreboard, with both teams giving their all.

Pirates piled on the pressure in the opening minutes of the game and converted a penalty kick to take an early lead. The Eagles levelled the score at the five-minute mark of the game through a superb penalty kick from Divan du Toit.

As both teams upped their game, the match became increasingly physical as they tried to break through each other’s defence. At the 15-minute mark, the Eagles’ pick-and-go tactics resulted in the first try of the game. A successful penalty kick from the Eagles stretched their lead to 10-3 after 17 minutes. Pirates responded with a try and a converted penalty at the 26-minute mark to level the score to 10-10.

The Eagles showed their courage by continuing to put pressure on Pirates’ defence. At the 30-minute mark, they responded with a successful try, taking the lead and changing the score to 15-10. Pirates converted a penalty kick before half-time, which saw the two teams going into the break with a 15-13 scoreline.

The second half kicked off with both teams attacking each other’s defence. However, the Eagles’ early attempts at their opponents’ goal post set the tone for the purple army. At the 50-minute mark, the Eagles stretched their lead to 20-13 with a well-executed try. Shortly after Divan du Toit's converted penalty kick, the scoreboard changed to 23-13. The Eagles’ defence kept Pirates at bay as they tried to attack from all angles. At the 83-minute mark, Pirates converted a penalty, but their effort was not enough to overcome the Eagles.

Then, the referee blew the final whistle, and Divan du Toit was named Castle Lager Grand Challenge Man of the Match.

Castle Lager Grand Challenge Man of the Match Divan du Toit

Champions!