Charles Sturt University (CSU) Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Garry Marchant and Macquarie University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakkie Pretorius have put pride on the line ahead of tonight's National Rugby Championship match.

The round 3 clash on Thursday 4 September will see the Charles Sturt University NSW Country Eagles take on the Macquarie University North Harbour Rays at Brookvale Oval in Sydney.

Professor Marchant and Professor Pretorius have agreed the winning team's University flag will fly over the other university's campus for two days next week.

Professor Marchant said he felt confident after seeing the CSU flag fly over Bond University this week following a similar wager with Bond Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford.

"The Charles Sturt University NSW Country Eagles had a comfortable win against the Bond University QLD Country side in round two, and we're looking forward to them putting in a strong performance in tonight's televised match," he said.

"Some friendly rivalry between our various institutions is always welcome, but the common bond is our commitment to delivering well-rounded graduates who contribute to their communities.

"Charles Sturt University firmly believes in the value of sport and community participation as one of the pillars of building strong communities and satisfying lives. And we're looking forward to seeing our colours fly over the Macquarie campus."

Professor Pretorius said he welcomed the challenge from CSU and said he would be happy to see the Macquarie University side record the first win of the season.

"I know the Macquarie University North Harbour Rays are looking forward to the contest after a bye last week, and we're looking forward to them showing their true colours on the field," he said.

"Higher education and sport share common values of aspiration, hard work, team work and, ultimately, success. We very much look forward to seeing all of those values come to life in the game tonight, and to seeing the Maquarie flag flying proudly next week."

The Charles Sturt University NSW Country Eagles are on top of the championship table after two rounds, while the Maquarie University North Harbour Rays went down in their opening round match and sat out the bye last weekend.