The FNB Varsity Cup semi-final lineup has been confirmed with UFS Shimlas set to host UP-Tuks in Bloemfontein, and the UCT Ikeys pitted against Western Cape rivals Maties in Cape Town, with both matches scheduled for next Monday.
Shimlas thrashed the Madibaz on Monday to finish the league stage at the top of the FNB Varsity Cup standings. Meanwhile, the Ikey Tigers secured a home semi-final after downing the CUT Ixias, and Maties rebounded after a poor start to edge UWC and finish third on the log.
UP-Tuks secured the fourth playoff berth after claiming a bonus-point win against UJ, and while the NWU Eagles picked up five log points from their fixture against Wits, they finished one point behind UP-Tuks in the final standings.
UWC and the Madibaz finished ninth and 10th respectively on the combined 2021-22 log and will be relegated to the FNB Varsity Shield as a result.
The first match of the day was fiercely contested by two desperate teams. UP-Tuks produced a more clinical display to secure a 36-19 bonus-point win against UJ.
The defending champions adopted a pragmatic approach in the first half and took the points when they were on offer. By contrast, UJ turned down several kickable penalties in search of four tries and ultimately a valuable bonus point.
FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals (18 April):
17h00: FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB Maties (UCT Rugby Fields, Cape Town - SuperSport channel 211)
19h15: FNB UFS Shimlas vs FNB UP-Tuks (Shimla Park, Bloemfontein - SuperSport channel 211)