While, in Cape Town, the University of the Free State Shimlas’ title defence suffered a major setback.

Ixias vs Wits

The Ixias claimed a vital 34-28 bonus-point win over the Johannesburg-based side, with hooker Tokelo Ntaopane scoring a hat-trick of tries.

Dustyn Holmes. Photo: Hannes Naude/ ASEM Engage

Leading 17-14 at half-time after a tightly contested first 40 minutes, the Ixias extended their advantage ten minutes into the second half when Ntaopane crossed the line for his second try. However, a lightning bolt struck and the rain came bucketing down, forcing the referee to suspend the match. The game was halted for over an hour and a half, and had it been abandoned, the Ixias would have been awarded the victory.

For Wits, the defeat was a devastating blow. Barring a miraculous result against the University of Stellenbosch Maties next week, they are set to be relegated to the Varsity Shield.

Xola Nyali. Photo: James Cameron Heron/ASEM Engage

The Ixias, however, are not completely in the clear. They remain in danger of a relegation play-off, with UJ currently in trouble. Next week, the Ixias face the NWU Eagles in Potchefstroom – a tough encounter, as the two-time champions are still in the hunt for the final semi-final spot. UJ, meanwhile, will host UCT Ikeys in a match that the Cape Town-based team is expected to win.

Ikeys vs Shimlas 

Meanwhile, at the Green Mile in Cape Town, the Ikeys all but secured their semi-final place and exacted revenge on the Shimlas, defeating the defending champions 40-26 to book their spot in the knockout stages.

Shimlas’ title defence is now hanging by a thread. They must secure a bonus-point victory against the University of Pretoria Tuks in the capital next week. Sitting on 17 points – just one ahead of NWU – they face a tough challenge, especially as their negative points difference of 22 puts them at a disadvantage.

NWU Eagles vs. UJ. Photo: ASEM Engage

NWU vs UJ

In a match which was also delayed due to rain and lightning, NWU kept their semi-final hopes alive with a dominant 52-7 victory over UJ at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom. This result also boosted their points difference to +82, second only to Tuks. If NWU secures a bonus-point win over the Ixias and Shimlas manage to beat Tuks, points difference could play a decisive role in the final standings.

Tukkies vs Maties

Meanwhile, at the Danie Craven Stadium, Tuks cemented their status as favourites for a record-extending sixth Varsity Cup title, handing Maties their first defeat of the campaign with a 29-19 win. It has been an incredible comeback for the Striped Generation, who earned promotion back to the Varsity Cup after being relegated to the Varsity Shield just a season ago.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg