The Varsity Cup semi-final presented by Steinhoff International, saw North West University (Pukke) smash University of Johannesburg (UJ) out of the cup at UJ Stadium.
The game ended with Pukke winning 35–7. The atmosphere was electric and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Pukke supporters attended the game in great numbers.
It was clear from the start that Pukke was in control and intended to keep it that way. Pukke full back Rhyno Smith, secured the first penalty, setting the standard for the rest of the game. They followed up with the first try of the game by Sylvian Mahuza taking them to a strong 12-point lead against UJ.
UJ missed two penalties early in the match, which propelled them into the tough game ahead. UJ scrumhalf Devon Mare swiftly shot through the strong Pukke defence to score a try and conversion by Divan Nel, putting UJ on the scoreboard with 12–7.
It was a short-lived moment as Pukke scored another penalty kick adding three more points to their lead. Their success continued with a try by Smith for Pukke and then again a fantastic drop kick leaving them with a 29–7 lead at the end of first half.
The second half was in favour of UJ who dominated the ball in their half with dozens of missed opportunities for tries. The line-outs could have been better for UJ, which would have resulted in
neater try-attacking plays. Pukke did not seem deterred by the constant wall of pressure by UJ and managed to score two more penalties towards the end of the game.
