NWU outclass UWC 40-19 in Varsity Cup clash in Potchefstroom

Centurion — North West University (NWU) Eagles scored five tries to two as they outclassed University of the Western Cape (UWC) 40-19, in their Varsity Cup game, at Fanie du Toit Sports Ground, in Potchefstroom, on Monday.

After an opening half which was tightly contested, which saw the hosts enter the break with a two point advantage — it would be NWU who shifted gears in the latter stages of the contest to run out convincing winners.

After dominating the opening exchanges, UWC’s second meaningful foray into the NWU 22 saw wing Peter Williams diving over for the opening try in the eighth minute after a number of phases. UWC centre Lyle Hendricks added the conversion from a tight angle to make it 7-0.

FULL TIME and an epic battle in Potchefstroom ends with the Eagles outscoring their Cape rivals by five tries to two.FNB NWU 40 - 19 FNB UWC#RugbyThatRocks proudly brought to you by @FNBSA and @SteersSA pic.twitter.com/GBPnA69qEV

NWU responded with a well-worked move from a line out inside the UWC 22, with flank Heinz Bertram barging his way over in the 13th minute. Nivan Petersen added the extra two to make it 7-7.

From the restart, NWU put together a clever backline move after good front foot ball from a rolling maul. Fullback Heinrich Botha burst into the 22 as he latched onto a chipped kick from Petersen, before expertly offloading to flyhalf Riaan Genis who dotted for the score in the 16th minute. Petersen had no problem from straight in front with the conversion to make it 14-7.

Another strong maul from NWU saw Vernon Paulo falling over the line for his side’s third try. Again, Petersen was successful with the conversion to see his side out to 21-7 lead.

UWC finally stopped leaking points as they cut the deficit to 11