The University of the Free State Shimlas are still very much on the hunt for a place in the Varsity Cup semi-finals after a crucial win in Bloemfontein on Monday night.
But it’s going to take more than just one result. For the two-time champions, everything will need to fall perfectly into place in the final round next Monday. On the flip side, their Bloemfontein neighbours, the Central University of Technology Ixias, are staring down the barrel, with relegation to the Varsity Shield a real possibility.
The Shimlas kept their hopes alive with a thrilling 40–33 win over the defending champions, the University of Cape Town Ikeys, in what was a classic Varsity Cup humdinger. The bonus-point victory lifted them to 16 points, although they remain sixth on the log. Heading into the final round, the Shimlas, Stellenbosch University Maties, University of Johannesburg, and the Ikeys are all battling it out for the last two semi-final spots.
For the Shimlas, the equation is simple – and brutal. They must deliver a convincing win over Emeris (Varsity College) in Durban, and it needs to be a full house of log points. Then, they’ll need a few favours.
Firstly, they’ll be hoping their crosstown rivals, the Ixias, can cause a major upset by beating Maties in Bloemfontein – preferably without the visitors earning a single log point. Secondly, log leaders University of Pretoria Tuks need to continue their strong form with a win over UJ in Johannesburg, again denying the Orange Army any log points. Thirdly, the second-placed North-West University Eagles must see off the Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Stadium in Potchefstroom – with no scraps left for the visitors.
As for the Ixias, it’s do or die. They have to beat Maties at home – no negotiations. If they can secure a bonus-point win, and Varsity College go down in Durban, the Ixias could climb to nine points and finish seventh, avoiding automatic relegation.
That would send them into a promotion-relegation playoff against the second-placed side in the Varsity Shield. Anything less than a win, however, will see them drop straight down to the second tier.
Both of Monday’s decisive clashes kick off at 19:00 – with everything to play for. – MORGAN PIEK
