BLOEMFONTEIN – The men’s rugby teams of the University of the Free State (UFS) Shimlas and Ixias of the Central University of Technology (CUT), are pressured to secure their Varsity Cup status. They are bound to do so in their crucial two remaining matches, to be played on 23 and 30 March, respectively. Cup glory eludes local teams
The two teams continue to navigate poor form which has them in a predicament in the ongoing tournament. The Ixias face relegation, while the Shimlas face the prospect of not qualifying for the semifinal. This situation was further compounded after both teams failed to improve their respective positions in crucial round-five matches played on Monday 16 March.
The match in which Shimlas lost 17–29 to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was one of the must-win matches for both sides in their aspirations to secure a berth in the semifinal. The win propelled the UJ to fourth position, as the UFS descended to sixth position.
The Shimlas’ remaining matches are against the fifth-placed University of Cape Town (UCT) on Monday 23 March in Bloemfontein, and against the Emeris Comets on 30 March in Durban.
The CUT’s narrow 24–26 loss to the Durban-based Emeris extended their losing streak to five matches. Ixias’ remaining fixtures are against UJ on Monday, and Maties of Stellenbosch University (SU) on 30 March. CUT’s benefit is that both matches will be played at home in Bloemfontein.
