The five-time champions thrashed the Ixias 54-0, handing the Bloemfontein side their first defeat of the campaign. Maties crossed the whitewash eight times, with Carel van der Merwe and CJ Erasmus each bagging a brace of tries.

Meanwhile, at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein, defending champions the University of the Free State Shimlas edged a resilient UJ 49-45 after the Johannesburg side trailed 40-14 at half-time.

Bradley Giddy. Photo: Hannes Naudé/Asem Engage

The Shimlas ran riot in the opening forty minutes, building a commanding lead that ultimately saved them from defeat. The fiery flanker, Ramon Uys, was once again the standout performer for the Shimlas and, for the second week in a row, earned the Man of the Match accolade. 

Uys scored a brace of tries in the first half, while Liam Shamburg and Vice Hofmeyer also dotted down. Scrumhalf Hlumelo Klaas and winger Lilitha Lunqe each flew in for a point-of-origin try.

For UJ, former Grey College flyhalf and SA Schools fullback, Alzeadon Felix, was exceptional – especially in the second half. His brilliance played a key role in the visitors' comeback. He also scored a stunning point-of-origin try, which, at this stage of the competition, is arguably the try of the tournament.

Shimlas captain Nkoka Ngobe told OFM Sport tough wins build character. “Rugby is a pressure game, and I think when the pressure is against us, we must learn to absorb it – not concede penalties – but rather soak up the pressure, get out of our 22, and get back into the game,” said the Shimlas outside centre.

“When we’re under pressure, we tend to make silly mistakes, but the most important thing is to stay composed. We need to reset, relax, and get back to the tryline like we know how. Then we just keep going and grind out the win.”

?????? Ja no let's just call this try of the season so far.

The @uj_sport Orange Army just sensational. Former SA Schools flyhalf, Alzeadon Felix puts the finishing touch on a superb effort.#NxtLevel #RugbyThatRocks@go2uj pic.twitter.com/XgLbiVACQ3

— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) March 3, 2025

Shimlas flyhalf Bradley Giddy, a former Grey College and SA Schools A pivot before Felix, had an outstanding performance with the boot, slotting six conversions and a massive 55-metre long-range penalty.

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, the two-time champions, North-West University Eagles, claimed their first victory of the season with a 39-34 win over Wits. The Eagles scored six tries, with Tsepo Tlaka, Hanro Venter, Guhan du Bois, Luhan van der Walt, Ricardo Fourie, and Jordan McLoughlin all crossing the whitewash.

At the Green Mile in Cape Town, last year’s runners-up, the UCT Ikeys, defeated the University of Pretoria Tuks 36-29, handing the team from the capital their first loss of the campaign.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg