It’s Tuks v NWU in FNB Varsity Cup 2026 final

FNB UP-Tuks delivered a dominant performance in the Gauteng derby, overpowering neighbours FNB UJ to book a home spot in the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup final. Meanwhile, FNB NWU Eagles turned on the style in the second half, cruising to a commanding victory over FNB Maties at Fanie du Toit Sports Ground to secure their place in the final.

FNB NWU Eagles 50-10 FNB Maties

A dominant second-half display powered FNB NWU Eagles to a dominant victory over FNB Maties in their FNB Varsity Cup semi-final clash at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom.

In front of a sold-out Potchefstroom crowd firmly behind them, the Eagles overturned earlier season disappointment against Maties with a clinical and ruthless performance when it mattered most.

The first half was tightly contested, with both sides locked at 10-10 at the break after each crossed for a try and added a penalty. However, the Eagles suffered a setback when veteran Matthew Fortuin was forced off due to injury.

The hosts returned from half-time with intent, striking three tries within the opening 18 minutes to take control of the match. Their tempo, physicality and precision proved too much for Maties, who struggled to break through a resolute Eagles defence.

With momentum fully on their side, NWU dominated the closing stages, running in tries at will while shutting Maties out completely in the second half in a statement performance.

Tries from Ricardo Fourie, Jordan McLoughlin, Stephan Krugel, Logan Janeke (2), Jamain Dampies and Gary Otto sealed an emphatic win, while Maties could only respond through a single try and penalty by Janlu Basson.

The victory sees the FNB NWU Eagles book their place in the Varsity Cup 2026 final, capping a powerful semi-final performance built on resilience, structure and half dominance.

FNB UP-Tuks 53-34 FNB UJ

The Stripe Generation delivered a commanding performance, putting 50 points past FNB UJ to secure a home final in the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup. FNB UP-Tuks welcomed their city rivals for a high-stakes semi-final clash and rose to the occasion in emphatic fashion.

The Stripe Generation were on a quest for a sixth title but even with the Tuks stadium packed to the rafters, it was the visitors who drew the first blood.

A clean break from the Orange Army by Jeandre Uithaler sent Tholithemba Sibisi through to dot down.

When the visitors were reduced to 14 men the Stripe Generation managed to capitalize and break UJ's defence following relentless attacks as Kobus Janse van Rensburg pops it for Munashe Dukuswa out wide to level matters.

UJ had a chance to regain their lead with a penalty but JT Kapank hit it wide. The flyhalf redeemed himself minutes later from the tee and made no mistake as UJ took the lead for the second time. Lack of discipline from UJ worked in favour of the home side as once more they lost another player to the sin bin - Coun-Lee Koekman. Tuks levelled matters again on the stroke of half-time through Divan du Toit’s boot, leaving the heated half eight-all at the interval.

UJ returned from the break on a high note as Therlow Pietersen’s troops outgunned the Tuks forwards. Skipper Kamo Molefe crossed the line from a back of a maul to extend UJ’s lead. Tuks’ response was swift thanks to a Janse van Rensburg try and then Akha Mjawule sliced through the visitor's defence to allow his side to take the lead for the first time in the encounter.

Tuks unleashed their bomb squad as UJ were again reduced to 14-men. It paid off instantly as Jean Fourie powered over the line to extend Tuks’ lead. Du Toit took Tuks’ lead to 10 points from the tee before Dukuswa completed his brace.

Pietersen's troops were not going down without a fight as flyhalf Kapank crossed over the line to reduce the deficit back to 10 points but Tuks would not be denied as they powered away to a comfortable win.