MATIES CLIP EAGLES’ WINGS — CAN THEY STILL FLY?

Nehema Ntumba

@nehema_ntumba

 

The FNB Varsity Cup game between NWU Eagles and the Stellenbosch Maties on the 24th of February was nothing short of emotional.

 

The game started with an electric atmosphere, an energetic performance of the cheerleaders, an over-the-top flag show, and the arrival of the Rassie Erasmus with the accompaniment of a helicopter. These theatrics proved the notion true, that the NWU takes great pride and joy in rugby. The crowd flocked in numbers to support their beloved Eagles, beaming with pride while they sang the national anthem. However, despite the crowd’s excitement and intensity, the Eagles still fell short, losing 27-29 to the Maties.

 

The game kicked off with the Maties taking a 7-0 lead, with their players, Grant De Jager, a loose forward, scoring a try and Christiaan van Heerden Smith, a fly half, landing a conversion. Although the beginning of the match left the home crowd slightly on the edge of their seats, the Eagles returned to the game with Isrome Phatudi, a left centre, scoring a thrilling try and Stehan Heymans, a fly half, landing the conversion.  The crowd’s excitement soared, reaffirming their belief that the Eagles could secure a highly sought-after win.

 

The game continued with this thrilling trend, with both teams giving their absolute best, however by half-time the Maties took the lead, 22-20. The crowd’s frustration was evident as the Eagles kept teasing tries but never landing any that could give them the lead.

 

After some entertainment from the MC and kiss cams that set up students for a new flavour of the week, the second half was underway. Ezekiel Ngobeni,  captain of the Maties and a scrum half, gave the home crowd another reason for their blood pressure to rise by scoring a phenomenal try with the accompaniment of Christiaan van Heerden Smith’s conversion.

 

At this point of the game, it felt as if all hope was lost, with one fan saying, “Watching the Eagles play is like watching Manchester United play, they always choke at some point”.

 

However, the Eagles didn’t let this adversity get to them, despite being 9 points behind. Divan Du Toit, a scrum half, drove through a powerful scrum to score a try and Stehan Heymans landed another conversion. The score was 29-27, with the Maties close to victory and the Eagles battling hard to stay in the game. This part of the game was the climax, with each team itching to score a try and being so close.

 

The last moments of the game left Eagles fans on their feet as the Eagles were just inches away from bursting on the scoreboard, however despite the valiant effort, the Eagles still fell short to the Maties, with the final score being 29-27.

 

The disappointment was extremely apparent, with the home fans leaving immediately after the umpire blew the final whistle. Despite last night’s loss, the Eagles showed that they would not go down without a fight.

 

The closeness to victory in Monday’s match showed the potential this team has, however this raises the question, will potential be enough to allow these Eagles to take their flight? This is a question that can only be answered by the Eagles themselves.

 

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo