Old foes Maties and UCT to square off in Varsity Cup final

FNB UCT are through to their fourth consecutive FNB Varsity Cup final after defeating FNB UP-Tuks at Tuks Stadium with a decisive performance while log leaders FNB Maties earned a hard-fought victory over defending champions FNB UFS Shimlas at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. The Ikey Tigers picked up their second win over the Stripe Generation this season while the Maroon Machine avenged their loss to the Shimlas in last year’s semi-finals. The Cape sides will face off on 14 April in the FNB Varsity Cup final.

FNB UP-Tuks 35-48 FNB UCT Ikeys

UCT Ikeys completed the double on UP-Tuks to book their place in the final with a thrilling triumph at Tuks Stadium on Monday. Relentless performance from the visitors cornered Tuks to surrender a place in the finals of the FNB Varsity Cup 2025.

The Ikeys introduced themselves with two back-to-back tries to cement their dominance in the opening 10 minutes courtesy of Thomas Nel and Luke Burger. Brilliant piece of play from Nel registered the first points on the board before Burger powered over to double the lead.

Tuks responded with two penalties from Jandre Burger to reduce the deficit to just eight points. With the intensity rising, every point mattered for both sides, which saw both adding a combined nine more points, six from the visitors and three for the Stripe Generation. Both sides were then reduced to 14-men and UCT capitalized with a try from Xola Nyali.

The home side's MJ Nel powered over following a powerful maul from the UCT 22-meter line saw the Tuks Stadium erupt and UCT taking a 15-point lead at the break.

The half-time talk from Tuks proved inspirational as they returned with a try, an astonishing break from Kamohelo Tlome set up Andile Myeni for the host's second try of the night. There was an immediate respond from the travelers as Nel dotted down to complete his brace.

Keagan Blanckenberg powered over the line to stretch the UCT lead. With Tuks fighting to stay in game, substitute Cayno February flew over the line from another Tuks maul.

UCT had their name written on the final as they held firm in defense to secure their place in the final despite Tuks adding more points on the board with a try from Bom Louw. The last kick from impressive run of kicks from the spot by Ntokozo Makhaza secured victory in favour of the visitors.

FNB Maties 19-7 FNB UFS Shimlas

In their 150th year, Maties will face arch-rivals FNB Ikey Tigers in the FNB Varsity Cup final after securing a hard-fought victory over UFS Shimlas in a tense semi-final at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

With rain halting just before the match, the wet conditions made handling difficult, setting the stage for a low-scoring, tactical battle. Maties immediately put pressure on the visitors, who struggled with unforced errors throughout. The home side, led by coach Kabamba Floors, controlled the game with smart tactics, converting pressure into three well-placed penalties by flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden Smith.

Shimlas fought back in the second quarter, intensifying the pressure, especially after Maties were reduced to 13 players due to two yellow cards. Though they couldn’t capitalize on all their chances, the men from Bloemfontein earned a penalty try, closing the gap to 9-7 at half-time.

After the break, Maties right wing Grant de Jager made his mark, chasing down a kick from Van Heerden Smith to score a point of origin try from his own half. Despite missing the conversion, Van Heerden Smith added another penalty, making it 19-7.

In a match dominated by forward play, it was De Jager's opportunistic try and constant threat in attack that stole the show, ensuring Maties’ place in the final.

Final: FNB Maties v FNB UCT, 14 April, Danie Craven Stadium