29/05/2026
âïž âCLASH OF THE CHAMPIONSâ AT TUKS STADIUM
đ Unofficial crowning of the best club in South Africa
One of the most intriguing facets of the Carlton Cup Competition â which would have marked its 88th anniversary this year were it not for the Covid pandemic â lies in its paradoxical power: a pool match can, at times, decide which BBRU club reigns supreme across South Africa at every level of the game, albeit unofficially.
That is why the firstâround showdown between log leaders UPâTuks and secondâplaced Naka Bulle has been the talk of the town. Supporters have already upgraded it to the Clash of the Champions â and with good reason.
UPâTuks, hosts of this muchâanticipated fixture, return to Tuks Stadium for the first time since lifting the biggest prize in tertiary rugby â the 2026 Varsity Cup, where they beat NWUâEagles in the final to become the first institution to claim the title a record sixth time.
On Saturday, they face the mighty men from the Moot â their nemesis since the postâCovid era.
However, Naka started turning the tables in 2017 when they beat UPâTuks twice in the same season (34â10 and 22â18). Since that historic season, Naka has beaten UPâTuks six more times, with the biggest margin coming in the 2023 semiâfinal (48â15). In 2021, the teams drew 28â28 in the first round.
The last time UPâTuks beat Naka was in 2024 (54â42) â a result Naka will be wise to remember. The sailing is not always smooth against UPâTuks.
Even so, the statistics favour Naka, as they have the silverware to show. They are the triple Carlton Cup and Gold Cup champions â proof of their consistency, talent, and established winning culture.
But Centurion proved that Naka is not an unshakable unit when the 2025 bronze medallist beat the defending champions in their Carlton Cup opener (34â33).
Dewey Swartbooi, UPâTuks head coach, conceded that they face a formidable opponent that has very few off days. Naka will come at UPâTuks with everything they have, which leaves the latter with only one choice: UPâTuks will also have to bring their Aâgame â the same one that proved lethal against Harlequins.
đ CENTURION
Centurion, unbeaten after two matches, will host the beleaguered Grizzlies, winless after three matches. The pressure on last yearâs runnersâup is such that they can go into the match with a doâorâdie attitude â and that is what makes them dangerous and unpredictable, because they can afford the luxury of playing highârisk rugby.
Centurion might be tempted to see Grizzlies as easy prey â but the chances of that happening are slim at best. The home side will rather focus on building further momentum.
đ HARLEQUINS
Harlequinsâ first team has a bye, with their second and third teams playing against TUT I and TUT II respectively.
Blou Bulle Afrigters Vereniging / Blue Bulls Coaches AssociationDie LigblouesNaka Bulls Rugby ClubCenturion Rugby KlubHarlequins
Rugby ClubTuksSportHarlequins Rugby Club
