The North-West University (NWU) Young Guns put on a strong show in their Varsity Cup Young Guns clash against Stellenbosch University (Maties) on Monday 10 March, securing a hard-fought 33-31 victory to climb to the top of Group A.
Both teams were level on nine points going into the game, setting the stage for a crucial encounter. The atmosphere at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Grounds was electric, with the passionate NWU supporters creating a stimulating environment.
From the outset, the Eagles applied relentless pressure on Maties’ defensive line, dictating the tempo and capitalising on their attacking opportunities. By the 28th minute, the Eagles had stamped their authority on the game, taking a 7-0 lead. Their dominance continued as they maintained their momentum and executed their game plan effectively, extending the scoreline to 21-7 just before the break.
“We played really well in the first half. Our defensive line was solid, we controlled possession, and the tries we scored showed our brilliance,” said head coach Hannes Esterhuizen. “We were in complete control at 21- 0, but conceding that late try before half-time was disappointing.”
Maties, a team to never back down, launched a determined fightback in the second half and signalled their intent with an early try. The Eagles briefly extended their lead, but the visitors refused to back down and capitalised on the Eagles’ defensive lapses. In a dramatic final few minutes, the visitors piled on the pressure and threatened to snatch victory, but the Eagles dug deep and held on for a nail-biting two-point victory.
“Our performance in the second half was below our standard. We lost focus, made unforced errors, and conceded penalties that gave Maties line outs to play from. They punished us on the counter-attack and our discipline let us down at critical moments,” said Esterhuizen.
Despite the nervy finish, this crucial win sees the Eagles claim the top spot in Group A and demonstrates their ability to build a commanding lead. However, their second-half struggles highlighted areas that require urgent attention. “We may be leading the group, but nothing is guaranteed. Every game from here is a must-win,” Hannes stressed. “We are entering the knockout stages of the tournament, and our focus is on the next game.”
With this victory, the Eagles have set the tone for their Varsity Cup Young Guns campaign. While the result will boost their confidence, the lessons they learnt from the game will undoubtedly influence the way they play in the future.
