Varsity Cup Round 2: Maties, UP-Tuks, Ikeys and NWU Eagles dominate

ROUND 2 of the 2026 Varsity Cup saw a series of commanding performances as several teams stamped their authority in the competition. The Maties, UP-Tuks, Ikeys, and NWU Eagles all delivered decisive victories, while some sides responded to early setbacks in emphatic fashion.

Maties bounce back in style

The Maties recovered from last week’s defeat to claim a 39-19 home win over UJ. The visitors struck first through Kamo Molefe and extended their lead to 16-8 at halftime, despite an early try from Rynhardt van der Linden.

The second half belonged to Stellenbosch. CJ Marx sparked the comeback, followed by hooker CJ Erasmus crossing from close range. Mckyle Volmink and Ryan Manuel added further tries, and captain Ezekiel Ngobeni capped the victory with a powerful score to seal the win.

NWU Eagles storm home

NWU Eagles continued their strong start with a 63-15 victory over Emaries. Wing Therlow Prins led the attack, scoring a hat-trick, while the forwards and backs combined seamlessly throughout.

Despite two quick responses from the visitors in the second half, NWU regained control and finished with a comprehensive win, securing back-to-back victories.

UCT Ikeys dominate Cape derby

UCT Ikeys opened their home season in spectacular fashion, dismantling CUT 83-34 at the Green Mile. The match produced 17 tries, with Aidan Norris, Matthew Beckett, Connor Jack Gordon, and Jack Benade among the scorers.

The Ikeys maintained relentless attacking pressure throughout, leaving the visitors with little room to respond.

UP-Tuks claim second straight win

UP-Tuks edged out Shimlas 38-22 at a rain-soaked Shimla Park to maintain a perfect start. The conditions made expansive rugby difficult, but the visitors’ forwards dominated.

Chad-Lee Valentine, Dillon Smith, Barnard Nortjé, and Akhona Kunene all scored tries, while Divan du Toit’s accurate kicking helped build and maintain a decisive lead.

Looking ahead

Round 2 confirmed the potency of several teams early in the Varsity Cup season. The Maties, NWU Eagles, Ikeys, and UP-Tuks all demonstrated that they can respond to pressure and control matches from the front, setting the tone as the competition heads into the mid-season fixtures.