Second half dominance saves the day
The Maties’ Varsity Cup team waited until the second half of the encounter against UJ at the Danie Craven stadium last night to secure its first win of the 2026 season, after stumbling over the Shimlas hurdle last week.
The Varsity Cup Round 2 saw Maties produce a dominant second-half display to overturn a halftime deficit and defeat UJ 39-19 at a packed Danie Craven Stadium. The Maroon Machine ran in five second-half tries to seal a convincing home victory in Stellenbosch.
Maties bounced back in style to defeat the visitors in a packed Danie Craven Stadium awash in maroon. After last week’s defeat to Shimlas, the hosts showed resilience and composure to overcome a determined Orange Army outfit who arrived high on confidence following their win over Emeries.
UJ struck first momentum through a powerful rolling maul finished by Kamo Molefe, before captain Thabang Mphafi extended their lead to hand the visitors a 16-8 halftime advantage. Earlier, Maties winger Rynhardt van der Linden had broken the deadlock after sustained pressure, while flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden Smith kept the scoreboard ticking with the boot.
The second half belonged to the home side. CJ Marx ignited the comeback early, and hooker CJ Erasmus powered over from close range to edge Maties ahead. From there, the momentum swung firmly. Mckyle Volmink dotted down in the corner before centre Ryan Manuel produced a classy finish to stretch the lead.
Captain Ezekiel Ngobeni capped off a commanding final quarter with a powerful try, sealing an emphatic 39-19 victory and a much-needed response from the Stellenbosch outfit.
SCORERS
Maties: (8) 39
Tries: Ezekiel Ngobeni (X2), Rynhardt van der Linden, Ryan Manuel, Mckyle Volmink, CJ Erasmus, CJ Marx.
UJ: (16) 19
Tries: Kamo Molefe, Thabang Mphafi.
Player of the Match: CJ Marx (FNB Maties)
Other Varsity Cup matches ran out as follows:
NWU 63-15 Emeries
The FNB NWU Eagles stormed to a commanding 63-15 victory over FNB Emeris at Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom, producing a dominant performance from the first whistle. The hosts quickly set the tone with a disciplined defensive display and clinical attacking rugby, outscoring FNB Emeris in the opening half and leaving their opponents struggling to gain any real foothold.
Emeris managed only a single try before the break as the Eagles’ defence proved rock solid, while the home side capitalised on every attacking opportunity. Emeris came out in the second half determined to fight back, crossing for two quick tries in succession, but their momentum was short-lived. By the final whistle, the Eagles had left no doubt as to their superiority, delivering a comprehensive and emphatic victory that will boost confidence for the remainder of the Varsity Cup season.
UCT Ikeys 83-34 CUT
An absolute try-fest unfolded at the Green Mile as UCT Ikeys ran riot over visiting CUT. A total of 17 tries were scored in Cape Town, keeping the fans entertained and on the edge of their seats.
The defending champions were intent on bouncing back from their defeat on the road in the opening round and flexed their muscles against the visitors who had hopes of silencing the home support.
UFS Shimlas 22-38 UP-Tuks
UP-Tuks claimed back-to-back wins in the Varsity Cup after beating UFS Shimlas 38-22 at a rain-soaked Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.
The wet and slippery conditions, more reminiscent of a European game, made expansive rugby nearly impossible, turning the contest into a gritty battle of attrition dominated by the forwards.
Both teams had opportunities to chase extra points during the power play, but neither could take advantage.
Ultimately, FNB UP-Tuks were far more clinical inside the 22, while Du Toit’s composed and tactical kicking kept the scoreboard ticking and sustained the pressure when it mattered most.