As a result of their good run of form, Ikeys are the only team yet to suffer defeat in the competitions but that record will be seriously threatened by improving University of Pretoria (Tuks) in their anticipated top of the table clash.
Tuks have shown some signs of improvements over the last three matches to move to second spot on the log standings and move away from Stellenbosch University (Maties) Central University of Technology (Ixias).
Central University of Technology (Ixias) vs Stellenbosch (Maties)
Maties will once again look to the brilliance of their passionate captain David Brits who was one of the standout performers for them in their last match against North West University (Pukke) where he got them to a good start with an early penalty.
On the other hand, Maties have ambitions of their own as victory can move them a few places up on the ladder.
Pick: Maties Wins at 0.07 at BetXChange
University of Western Cape (UWC) vs University of Johannesburg (UJ)
There is nothing much separating the two in the middle of the table and they both know that a win will go a long way in improving their respective positions on the log.
Pick: UJ Wins at 0.60 at BetXChange
Nelson Mandela University (Madibaz) vs University of Free State (Shimlas)
Shimlas are favourites to walk away with all the points in this meeting of the struggling teams and they will be rely on their key player in hooker William Moffat who has been in impressive form the team’s poor showing.
In their previous match, Moffat was in scintillating form as he scored a try in the second half and made 10 tackles in the match and Madibaz must have solid plans of how they are going to stop him and his powerful pack of forwards.
Pick: Maties Wins at 0.07 at BetXChange
North West University (Pukke) vs Wits University
After a good start to the competition where they won their opening two matches over Nelson Mandela University (Madibaz) and University of Free State (Shimlas), Pukke have someway lost their way with their last three matches ending two defeats and one win.
Pukke will fancy their chances against struggling Wits with flanker Constant Beckerling in their ranks who has been one of the few star performers for them so far in the season.
Beckerling has impressed with his physicality, never-say-die attitude and work rate.
Pick: Pukke Wins at 0.33 at BetXChange
University of Pretoria (Tuks) vs University of Cape Town (Ikeys)
This match has been cancelled in line with Covid-19 protocols after three Tuks players tested positive for Covid-19.
The three players, their roommates and other close contacts will be removed from the Varsity Cup Village which means they will be unable to field a team for Friday’s match.
Both teams have agreed that the match cannot be rescheduled to take place during the third Varsity Cup bubble as it would result in too many games in a short space of time and have a negative impact on their preparations for the semi-finals and possible final.
Therefore, in line with the Varsity Cup byelaws, the match will be declared a 0-0 draw with both teams receiving two log points.
