Round 7 of the FNB Varsity Cup takes place on Monday with four fixtures on the card. This is the final round of the regular season, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals next week, so there is plenty on the line across all matches.
Before we get into the action let’s take a look at the current standings.
LEAGUE TABLE SNAPSHOT
After six rounds the UP-Tuks lead the standings on 26 points, putting themselves in a strong position heading into the final round.
The NWU Eagles are 2nd on 23 points, while Maties (21 pts) and UJ (21 pts) occupy the remaining playoff positions, although both still have work to do to secure their semi-final spots and seeding.
Just outside the top four are the UCT Ikeys (17 pts), who will need a result and other outcomes to go their way to break into the playoffs.
UFS Shimlas (16 pts) are also still mathematically in contention but face a tough path into the top four.
At the bottom end, Emeris (8 pts) and CUT (4 pts) are out of playoff contention.
Odds and bets will be added later in the day when available
UJ vs UP-Tuks
UJ have continued their strong run and are firmly in the playoff picture. They come into this off a solid 29-13 away win over CUT and previously beat Shimlas 29-17 at home.
UP-Tuks sit top of the table and have been the most consistent side this season, although they have shown some vulnerability, including a recent loss to NWU Eagles away. Last week they edged Emeris 27-24 at home in a game where they started over 30 point favourites.
With both teams already in the top four, this match could play a key role in determining semi-final seeding.
Betting- click here to bet
UJ 4.75
Draw 29.00
UP-Tuks 1.20
Handicap: UJ +10.5
Verdict
Both of these sides have plenty to play for with Tuks looking to top the table and UJ to secure a spot in the last 4. I am expecting Tuks to deliver a strong performance on the road.
BET: UP-Tuks -10.5 at 1.85
CUT vs Maties
CUT have struggled throughout the campaign and remain bottom of the table. They were again beaten last week, going down 29-13 away to UJ.
Maties are currently inside the top four but not yet guaranteed their playoff position. They come into this off an excellent 30-26 win over NWU Eagles, following a big away win over Ikeys.
This is a must-win match for Maties, and while a win will guarantee their semi-final spot they could still finish 2nd on the log if the Eagles lose and mathematically, they can still top the log but that must be 1000/1 at lease as it would require Tuks to lose without getting a bonus point.
Betting – click here to bet
CUT 16.00
Draw 56.00
Maties 1.03
Handicap: CUT +22.5
Verdict
Maties will be looking for a big win and I expect them to get it
BET: Maties -22.5 at 1.85
NWU Eagles vs UCT Ikeys
NWU Eagles sit 2nd on the table and will be targeting a strong finish to secure a favourable semi-final position. Despite a narrow loss away to Maties last week (30-26), they remain one of the most consistent sides and are also a tough nut to crack at home.
UCT Ikeys are 5th and need a win, and potentially a bonus point, to have any chance of breaking into the top four. They have been inconsistent but dangerous, capable of both big wins and heavy defeats.
This fixture has significant playoff implications for both sides.
Betting – click here to bet
NWU Eagles 1.33
Draw 26.00
UCT Ikeys 4.00
Handicap: NWU Eagles -8.5
Verdict
This should be a great game and the one thing I am expecting is points and I will be on overs at anything under 70.
BET: Overs on points if quoted under 70
Emeris vs UFS Shimlas
Emeris have struggled for most of the season and sit near the bottom of the table. They were narrowly beaten 27-24 by UP-Tuks last week and have shown signs of improvement.
Shimlas are still mathematically in contention for the playoffs but will need results elsewhere to go their way. They come into this off a solid 40-33 home win over UCT Ikeys.
Shimlas will target a bonus-point win and hope for favourable results in other fixtures.
Betting- click here to bet
Emeris 8.00
Draw 36.00
Shimlas 1.08
Handicap: Emeris +17.5
Verdict
Emeris will take a lot from pushing Tuks last week and Shimlas should be out of the playoff race come kick off. I am going for a big upset.
BET: Emeris win at 8.00
Look out for total points markets which will be available closer to kick off.
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
