UCT Ikeys secured their spot in their fourth consecutive Varsity Cup final after a commanding 48-35 victory over UP-Tuks at the Tuks Stadium in Pretoria. 

In a thrilling encounter on Monday, the Capetonians delivered a decisive performance, effectively denying the Stripe Generation a place in the 2025 final.

Thomas Nel. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/ ASEM Engage

The Ikeys started strong, establishing early dominance with two quick tries within the first ten minutes, courtesy of Thomas Nel and Luke Burger. While Tuks responded with three penalties from Jandre Burger, UCT maintained their momentum. 

A period of heightened intensity saw both sides exchange further points before UCT capitalised on Tuks being temporarily reduced to 14 men, with Xola Nyali crossing the whitewash. MJ Nel’s try following a powerful maul extended UCT’s lead to 15 points at the half-time break.

Tuks emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigour, with Kamohelo Tlome’s break setting up Andile Myeni for their first try of the second stanza. However, UCT responded swiftly as Nel completed his brace. Keagan Blanckenberg further stretched the visitors’ lead. Despite a spirited fightback from Tuks, which included a try from substitute Cayno February and another from Bom Louw, UCT’s defence held firm. Ntokozo Makhaza’s accurate boot sealed a well-deserved 48-35 victory for the Ikeys.

Ramon Uys. Photo: Luigi Bennett/ASEM Engage

Meanwhile, in Stellenbosch, Maties celebrated their 150th year by booking their place in the final against their Cape rivals, UCT, with a hard-fought 19-7 win over defending champions, Shimlas. In a tense semi-final at the Danie Craven Stadium, wet conditions following earlier rain contributed to a tight, tactical affair.

Maties applied early pressure, capitalising on Shimlas’ unforced errors. Flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden Smith converted this pressure into three well-placed penalties, giving the home side an early advantage. Shimlas fought back in the second quarter, increasing their intensity, particularly when Maties were temporarily reduced to 13 players due to two yellow cards. The Bloemfontein outfit managed to secure a penalty try, narrowing the gap to 9-7 at half-time.

Luan Botha. Photo: Luigi Bennett/ASEM Engage

After the break, Maties’ right wing, Grant de Jager, made a significant impact, chasing down a kick from Van Heerden Smith to score a memorable point-of-origin try from his own half. Despite missing the conversion, Van Heerden Smith added another penalty, extending Maties’ lead to 19-7. In a match largely dominated by forward play, De Jager’s opportunistic try and persistent threat in attack proved pivotal, securing Maties’ place in the highly anticipated Varsity Cup final against UCT.

Had Shimlas managed to secure a second consecutive semi-final victory against Maties in Stellenbosch, the final would have been contested at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein, despite them having finished fourth on the log. This is due to the Ikeys not having adequate floodlights at their home ground, the Green Mile in Cape Town.

Monday’s final, which is sure to be another classic encounter at the Danie Craven Stadium, will kick off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg