The North-West University (NWU) Young Guns (YGs) will lock horns with the Stellenbosch YGs in a showdown third-round Varsity Cup Young Guns clash at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday, 10 March. With both teams boasting a 100%-win record so far, this encounter promises to be a fierce battle with only one team able to continue their perfect winning streak.

Team form and Stats

The NWU Eagles are coming off a 21-15 victory over Wits YGs in their last outing, showcasing their determination to continue their winning ways. Meanwhile, Maties flexed their attacking muscles as they thrashed the University of Pretoria (Tuks) YGs 62-39, scoring ten tries and six conversions at the Danie Craven Stadium.

With both teams sitting on nine points in Group A, this match is more than just a battle for bragging rights, it’s a pathway to the top of the standings and a step closer to the ultimate prize. The last time these two powerhouses met, NWU Eagles dismantled Maties 55-26 in Stellenbosch, leaving them eager for revenge.

NWU Eagles head coach, Hannes Esterhuizen acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, but remains confident in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion.

“Maties are a dangerous side, especially with their fast and skilful wingbacks. We will have to try and keep the ball away and not give them too much space to exploit, said Esterhuizen.

While acknowledging NWU’s defensive weaknesses, he stressed the need for sharper execution.

“We tend to be a bit narrow in defence, se we need to work harder to get the numbers up on the defensive line. But up front we can take them on. This game is a massive test for us and whoever wins will go top of the log and that is a huge motivator for the boys.”