Maties' bid for an unprecedented 13th national club championship title received a huge boost on Monday.
They blew away fellow Varsity Cup side Tuks 43-22 in an unexpectedly one-sided quarterfinal at Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch.
The hosts, playing at the unusual venue of their own B field, scored five tries to three, with a first-half scoring blitz ensuring that the three-time Varsity Cup champions enjoyed a commanding 35-10 lead at the break.
The Blue Bulls champions fought back in the second period, outscoring Maties 12-8, but the deficit was too big to reel in.
Maties, who last won the national title four years ago, will meet NWU-Pukke (champions in 2004, 2006 and 2008) in Wednesday's semifinals, after the Potchefstroom students beat gutsy Eastern Province champions Park 37-14 (half-time 25-14) in the day's main match.
The other semifinal sees defending champions College Rovers up against UJ – a repeat of last year's quarterfinal, won 26-20 by the KZN champions.
College Rovers withstood an early onslaught from surprise package Winter Rose of Border, before running out 44-6 winners, while UJ had to pull out all the stops to beat Welkom Rovers 41-20.
In the Plate competition, Shimlas beat SK Walmers 29-15 to set up a semifinal against Noordelikes, who scored in the last minute to clinch a 29-27 victory over Springs.
The other Plate semifinal sees Progress up against Roses United.
Day Two results:
Cup:
College Rovers 44 Winter Rose 6
Maties 43 Tuks 22
UJ 41 Welkom Rovers 20
Pukke 37 Park 14
Plate:
Shimlas 29 SK Walmers 15
Roses United 40 Middelburg 22
Noordelikes 29 Springs 27
Progress 22 Kimberley Police 12
Semifinals:
Wednesday, September 21:
CUP:
College Rovers v UJ - 15.15, Stadium
Maties v NWU-Puk - 17.00, Stadium
PLATE:
Shimlas v Noordelikes - 11.45, B field
Roses United v Progress - 13.30, B field
Finals:
Friday, September 23:
Plate: 11.00
Cup: 13.00
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
