Seven-try NWU Eagles got back to winning ways in the Varsity Cup with a convincing victory over Wits in Potchefstroom.
The 51-22 victory at the Fanie du Toit Stadium makes it three out of four for the defending champions while handing Wits their second defeat of the season and temporarily moves the Eagles into first place.
Hooker Chyle van Zyl opened the scoring before NWU showcased their attacking prowess, with centre Christiaan Vlok bagging his first Varsity Cup try. Winger Naiden Jaarts scored a point-of-origin try immediately off the kickoff as the hosts ran into a 23-point lead.
Great work by Windvogel who offloads to give Christiaan Vlok his first FNB Varsity Cup try for @theNWU Eagles!#RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/rGrmSPgKc8
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) March 11, 2024
Hooker Dewet Lottering got Wits onto the scoreboard but it was short-lived as loose forward Marvelous Mashimbyi crashed over to give the hosts the four-try bonus point.
Tries from fullback Setshaba Mokoena and flanker Dewet Fourie brought the visitors back into the game as they headed into the break trailing 30-22.
Van Zyl went over for his double shortly after the restart before winger Keano Windvogel shattered any hopes of a Wits fightback with the Eagles’ sixth try to make it 44-22 with 10 minutes left to play.
Flanker Hennie du Randt surged over for the final try of the match, bringing up the half-century as the hosts wrapped up a fantastic performance.
NWU will look to continue the momentum next week when they travel to face struggling UJ while Wits will look to bounce back when they entertain the UCT Ikeys.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images