After its victory of 52 – 33 over the Griffons, the Northern Cape Griquas is celebrating a fourth win in this year’s SA Cup series.
While the Griquas are heading to round five of the SA Cup holding the number one position in the log standing, the team of the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) have played their final match in this year’s SA Varsity Shield.
SPU impressed as first time participants
SPU suffered a defeat of 40 – 57 against the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on Friday, 28 March, in round seven at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.
SPU, a s first time participants of the SA Varsity Shield this year, impressed with their eagerness and spirit, although they only won two of their seven matches. In all the matches the Gemmies were worthy opponents, giving their rivals a difficult time.
The scores of their seven matches are respectively, with SPU’s first 41 -37, 20 – 22, 36 – 43, 20 – 21, 39 – 33, 28 – 38, and 40- 57.
On Friday, SPU dominated the first half, with Khanya Kama opening the scoring in the 11th minute with a penalty. Bokamosa Maphisa added to the lead in the 15th minute, though the conversion was missed.
Despite losing Leslie Ruiters to a yellow card for a deliberate slapdown, SPU continued their momentum.
Jan Potgier’s 24th-minute try extended the lead, followed by Thando Shipalana’s score from a rolling maul. By the 28th minute, SPU led by 18 – 0.
At halftime, SPU was firmly ahead by 28 – 7.
The second half started well for SPU, with Tyron China adding another try, pushing the score to 33-7.
However, UWC’s captain, Romauld Nsombamanya, led a comeback. He scored in the 45th, 48th, and 52nd minutes. Soon after that the score was levelled at 33 – 33.
UWC then took the lead when Ruiters’ second slap-down resulted in a penalty try. SPU managed one last try, but Juma Amisi’s score sealed UWC’s 57 – 40 victory.
The semi-final matches of the SA Varsity Shield took place on Friday, 4 April.
‘Walked off field victorious’
“As the final whistle blew in our last Varsity Shield fixture on Friday, 28 March, the scoreboard may not have reflected a win – but in every other sense, we walked off that field victorious,” stated SPU in a media statement.
“This year marked SPU’s debut in the Varsity Shield. We didn’t just show up. We played. We fought. We held our ground. We finished in the top five and, more importantly, we qualified for the 2026 Varsity Shield.
“That’s no small feat for a university which is just over a decade old and competing against institutions with more than a century of rugby heritage.
“From the very first match to the final face-off, our team gave their all. They made every pass count, turned every try into a statement, and wore the SPU jersey with pride. And we did it together – as a team, as a university, as a community. We made history!
“To our young men, we are proud of you. This tournament was a test of character, resilience, and heart. You showed up – every single time. You stood tall. You played with heart. You gave us moments we’ll never forget,” the statement read.
“What our team has accomplished is extraordinary. They represented more than just SPU Rugby – they carried the hopes, pride, and spirit of every student at this university. They showed us what it means to lead with resilience, to rise under pressure, and to grow through the experience. We are deeply proud of each one of them,” says Nicole Morris, Dean of Student Affairs.
SPU is equally grateful to the community who showed up for its team – at the stadium, online and in spirit.
“Your unwavering support made this journey even more meaningful,” the statement concludes.
Rugby galore this weekend
On Saturday, 5 April, the Griquas meet the Boland Kavaliers at 14:00 on the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.
Before his main event, a clash takes place between the Gemsbok Invitational Team and the Kimberley Invitational Team. These teams will be featuring a mix of talented Griquas players, Sol Plaatje University stars, and local club standouts.
The public is invited to attend.
Visit Griquas Rugby – G.W.R.U. on Facebook for more information.
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