We take a look at the two Varsity Cup semi-finals taking place on Monday the 7th of April from a betting angle.
After an exciting final round of league matches, we are down to the final four teams and two potentially cracking semi-finals.
Note: I have added some thoughts on the total points lines at the bottom of the preview
TUKS v UCT – Click here to bet
Tuks finished 2nd on the table, which given they had just returned from Varsity Shield last season was pretty impressive. That being said they would have been disappointed not to beat Shimlas in their final game as a bonus point win there would have seen them top the table.
Tuks won 5 and lost 2 of their 7 matches and in their three home games beat UJ by 8, the Eagles by 9 and then they lost last week to the Shimlas by 13 points, 48-35.
UCT finished 3rd on the table, only 1 point behind Tuks and they would have finished 2nd had Tuks got the bonus point against Shimlas last week.
They also won 5 and lost 2 of their matches and last week they beat UJ 49-31 on the road and that was their first away win of the season having lost by 7 points at Maties and 4 points at CUT.
Head-to-Head
These sides met in Cape Town earlier in the season with UCT winning 36-29.
Handicap: Tuks [-2.5]
VERDICT
Although Tuks have home ground advantage I feel that UCT are finishing the season stronger and are well placed to book their spot in the Final.
BET: UCT Ikeys win at 12/10
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MATIES v SHIMLAS – Click here to bet
Maties finished top of the table with 6 wins and 1 loss in their 7 games. They were too strong for Wits last week, winning 47-7 for a bonus point victory that ultimately put them top of the table.
Maties played 4 games at home this season, winning 3 and losing 1, that loss coming against Tuks in week 6.
Shimlas are the defending Champions and they needed the victory over Tuks last week to scrape into the Top 4. They have won 4 and lost 3 of their 7 fixtures and that win over Tuks broke a 3-match losing run on the road this season.
Head-to-Head
These sides met at Maties in week 1 with Maties winning 41-37.
Handicap: Maties [-7.5]
VERDICT
This should be a closely contested match and in the league fixture earlier this season I felt Shimlas were a bit unlucky to lose. They also seem to be finishing the season strong and I am going to back them to beat the handicap.
BET: Shimlas [+7.5] at 17/20
Total Points Lines
These lines are out
Tuks v UCT the line is 61.5
Maties v Shimlas the line is 64.5
I think that under 61.5 is a bet in Pretoria. Both teams are capable of playing high scoring games but there has been a lot of rain and I would not be surprised if conditions are muddy.
I am not as confident in Stellenbosch but am also leaning unders as Maties are a side that can defend well when they put their minds to it.
BET: Under 61.5 points Tuks v UCT at 17/20
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
