FNB UJ will host FNB UFS Shimlas today @ 19:00 at the UJ Stadium in Johannesburg. UJ can still qualify for the semi-finals if they win all their remaining league matches.
FNB UJ is currently in the sixth position on the Varsity Cup log, just two points short to qualify for the playoffs. UJ had to work hard against Madibaz (24-09) a week ago. It seems that UJ is, for now, save from the relegation ghost, however, a loss could make a big difference to avoid relegation. Shimlas is currently on 22 log points and will also be desperate to earn five log points to stay in the race for a home semi-final. Shimlas returned to winning ways against UCT Ikeys (58-07) in Bloemfontein a week ago.
UJ made five changes to their starting line-up. At the back, only one change was made with Indiphile Tyeda making his return. Up front captain Kelvin Kanenungo is the sole survivor in the loosies, while Philip Apea-Adu gets promoted from the bench at lock. Tighthead Ntokozo Hlophe is the last change, he replaces Frans Bezuidenhout.
FNB UJ – 15 Shaun-Christian Baxter, 14 Likhaya Tengimfene, 13 Musawenkosi Tshabalala, 12 Indiphile Tyeda, 11 Ilunga Mukendi, 10 Jonathan Viljoen, 9 Mpho Kubheka, 8 Buhlebenkosi Qaba, 7 CJ Masuku, 6 Kelvin Kanenungo (c), 5 Brendon Pawson, 4 Philip Apea-Adu, 3 Ntokozo Hlophe, 2 Darnell Osuagwu, 1 Kayden Kiewit. Replacements: 16 Elizee Kwitonda, 17 Andrew Siminyu, 18 Chergin Fillies, 19 Babalo Makana, 20 Connor van Buuren, 21 Keegan Joubert, 22 Ruben Liebenberg, 23 Rowan Malgas.
FNB UFS Shimlas – 15 Litha Nkula, 14 Zane Bester, 13 Janco van Heyningen, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Asanda Kunene, 10 George Lourens, 9 Chadd Adams, 8 Ruwald van der Merwe, 7 Lourens Oosthuizen, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Pierre Uys, 4 Thabang Mahlasi (c), 3 Blaine Golden, 2 Carl Wijburg, 1 Melusi Mthabela. Replacements: 16 Wihan Marais, 17 Loyiso Peteni, 18 Reinhardt Nel, 19 Reinier Viljoen, 20 Lohan Potgieter, 21 Kwezi Dlamini, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Luthando Buthelezi.