The FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals are set following a dramatic final round of league action. The top four have now been confirmed, and we’re down to two high-quality matchups with a place in the final on the line.
Before we get into the games, let’s quickly recap how things finished.
LEAGUE TABLE SNAPSHOT
UP-Tuks topped the table with 31 points, confirming their status as the standout team of the season.
NWU Eagles finished 2nd on 28 points, while Maties secured 3rd with 26 points.
UJ claimed the final playoff spot in 4th on 21 points, holding off the challenge from UCT Ikeys (19 pts) thanks to the Eagles fighting back to beat Ikeys in a thrilling match.
Shimlas (16 pts), Emeris (13 pts, having delivered an 8.00 play for us last week) and CUT (4 pts) round out the table.
SEMI-FINAL FIXTURES
NWU Eagles vs Maties – Click here to bet
This is a fascinating clash between two well-matched sides who have both shown strong form this season.
NWU Eagles come into this off a high-scoring 56-53 win over UCT Ikeys in the final round, underlining their attacking strength and reliance (they were well behind for most of the game) but also raising some defensive concerns.
Maties produced a dominant 45-23 win over CUT last week and carry solid momentum heading into the playoffs.
These sides met in Stellenbosch on March 23 and Maties won 30-26.
Betting
NWU Eagles 1.60
Draw 29.00
Maties 2.40
Handicap: NWU Eagles -4.5
Verdict
This looks evenly matched. NWU have home advantage and attacking firepower, but Maties have the structure and composure to push them.
Having watched both these teams plays this season I think the Eagles are the stronger side.
BET: Eagles -4.5 at 1.90
UP-Tuks vs UJ – Click here to bet
UP-Tuks have been the benchmark side all season and showed their class again in the final round with a convincing 51-22 win over UJ away.
UJ scraped into the playoffs but have struggled against the top teams, and that Round 7 loss to Tuks highlights the gap between the sides.
Tuks have been dominant across the board and will be confident of justifying a short price and progressing to a home final.
Betting
UP-Tuks 1.02
Draw 61.00
UJ 12.00
Handicap: UP-Tuks -25.5
Verdict
This looks one-sided on paper. The main question is whether Tuks cover a big handicap, but based on recent form, they should have too much class.
BET: UP-Tuks -25.5 at 1.90
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.
