The temperature in Bloemfontein is about to rise several degrees. On Monday night, the FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB CUT Ixias will lock horns in a city derby that promises fireworks, passion, and the kind of intensity that only local bragging rights can generate.
When the whistle blows at 19:00 at CUT Stadium, two sides with contrasting fortunes and identical hunger will collide in what shapes as one of the matches of the round.
Shimlas seek redemption after Tuks mauling
The Shimlas arrive licking their wounds from a 38-22 loss at the hands of FNB UP-Tuks in round two. That defeat stung, and Henri van Heerden, the exciting loose forward who forms part of the leadership group, made no bones about his team’s determination to bounce back.
“CUT is always a great game to play. It’s a Bloem derby, so it’s always exciting rugby to watch and very competitive between the rivals,” Van Heerden said.
“Every player looks forward to it, and the whole squad is really excited for what should be a great week and a big match.”
The Shimlas’ challenge has been complicated by injury concerns, most notably the heavy knock sustained by captain Bradley Giddy against the Striped Generation. His availability remains uncertain, but Van Heerden insists the team’s philosophy will see them through.
“Injuries are unfortunately part of the game. We do have a few, but here at Shimlas we believe strongly in a ‘next man up’ philosophy,” he explained.
“We back the players who come in, we believe in our squad depth, and the guys stepping up are eager and ready to do the job.”
That squad depth will be tested against opponents who may arrive as underdogs but carry the dangerous mindset of a team with nothing to lose and a point to prove.
According to André Tredoux, head coach of Shimlas, CUT will be highly motivated for this fixture.
“You can’t underestimate them, they have brilliant scrumhalf and are very good of playing from your mistakes. We will have to show up from the first minute,” he said.
Ixias hunting breakthrough victory
The FNB CUT Ixias are still searching for their first win of the 2026 campaign after a brutal opening fortnight. A home defeat to the NWU Eagles was followed by a comprehensive hiding from defending champions the Ikey Tigers, leaving them winless and wounded.
But captain and hooker Tokelo Ntaopane insists his young side possesses something that can’t be coached, character.
“It was definitely a tough start for us as a group. But the team has a lot of character,” Ntaopane said.
“What excites me most about this team is the fight. We’ve got a young squad with a real hunger to learn and plenty of room for improvement. The character each player shows and the willingness to keep coming back for more is special.”
The Ixias may be the smaller university, the so-called “little brothers” in this Bloemfontein rivalry, but they’ve proven before that they can topple the Shimlas when nobody gives them a chance. That history provides belief, and Ntaopane knows the home crowd will create an electric atmosphere.
“We fight for one another, for the team, and especially for the CUT community. No matter what has happened in previous seasons, the supporters keep showing up in numbers,” he added.
Making history under lights
For the Ixias, Monday night represents more than just a chance to register a first win. It’s an opportunity to forge their own legacy and create a moment their community will remember for years.
“The gents are excited for the Bloem derby. It’s a big one. From the start of the year, we’ve spoken about making history, and with what we’ve learned and been through, the boys are ready,” Ntaopane said.
“Playing at home with our crowd and the support from management and the CUT community makes it even more exciting. It’s going to be a great game.”
Process over points
While the Ixias are desperate for that breakthrough victory, the Shimlas are taking a more measured approach. Van Heerden emphasised that his team remains process-driven rather than results-obsessed.
“Winning is important, everyone wants the five points every week, but we are very process-driven as a team. Our focus is on following the right processes, because we know that if we get those right, the results will take care of themselves,” he said.
It’s a philosophy that speaks to the Shimlas’ traditional strength and experience in the competition, but on Monday night, philosophy meets passion. The team that executes under pressure, handles the emotion, and capitalises on moments will claim the bragging rights.
