The 2019 Varsity Cup will enter its fifth round on Monday the 4th of March.
Another blockbuster week of rugby action will commence with the fifth round of the 2019 Varsity Cup. The tournament is certainly hotting up with five sides in with a realistic chance of taking three of the four available semi-final berths.
Speaking of the knock-out phase of the competition, it looks almost certain that Maties will claim top spot on the log and the home final hosting rights as the giants from Stellenbosch are yet to lose a game this term. They do, face a real challenge this Monday, however, as they play host to a Pukke side that is also yet to lose a game in 2019.
UJ v Wits
UJ Stadium
16:45
To Win (80 Mins)
UJ
Draw
Wits
Handicap
UJ
Wits
We kick proceedings off with a Johannesburg Derby which will see eighth-placed UJ take on sixth-placed Wits. The hosts are having a nightmare start to the campaign which has seen them only garner two log points from their opening four games. Wits, while not having as fast a start to the season as they would like, have managed to claim seven log points from their opening four fixtures and are well-placed to claim a semi-final berth.
In terms of last week’s results, UJ registered their fourth loss of the campaign as they went down 42-23 to Ikeys in Cape Town. Wits also suffered a defeat last Monday with the men from the Witwatersrand losing 46-12 to Tuks.
Verdict: Wits
This is the ideal opportunity for the ‘Witsies’ to get back into the play-off places. UJ really are struggling this term and I can see the hosts suffering their fifth defeat of the campaign.
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Shimlas v Ikeys
Shimla Park
18:30
To Win (80 Mins)
Shimlas
Draw
Ikeys
Handicap
Shimlas
Ikeys
The next fixture of the day will see the Shimlas take on Ikeys at Shimla Park. The two sides currently sit level on points on the log standings, and a win here would greatly increase the victors chance of advancing to the semifinals.
The hosts have won two of their opening three games with their only defeat being last week’s 13-26 home loss to second-placed NWU. Ikey, who have also won two of their opening three, enjoyed a far more profitable Round 4 as they bagged a 19 point win over a struggling UJ outfit.
Verdict: Shimlas
While Ikeys have been solid at home this term, they are a team that tends to struggle on the road. I can see the Capetonians living up to their ‘woeful travellers’ tag by going down by a heavy margin to a talented Shimlas outfit.
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UWC v Tuks
UWC Sports Ground
18:30
To Win (80 Mins)
UWC
Draw
Tuks
Handicap
UWC
Tuks
Next up is a clash between a struggling UWC side and a very solid Tukkies outfit. The hosts currently occupy last place on the log standings and have failed to pick up a point from their first three games. Tuks, on the other hand, reside in second spot on the log and have won three of their first four fixtures with their only defeat being a narrow 24-26 home loss to Maties.
Last week saw UWC enjoy a much-needed bye. This will have given the newly promoted side some time to work on their weaknesses. Tuks were far more active as they notched up an impressive 46-12 bonus point win over Wits.
Verdict: Tuks
Tuks will be looking to bag a bonus point as well as up their points differential here. I can see them doing just this by putting a mammoth score over a UWC side that is way out of their depth.
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Maties v NWU
Danie Craven Stadium
19:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Maties
Draw
NWU
Handicap
Maties
NWU
We close out Round 5 with the pick of the action that sees the only two remaining unbeaten sides go head to head at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Maties continued their stunning start to their title defence last week as they registered their third bonus point victory of the season by beating CUT 15-50. The result has seen the men from Stellenbosch move four points clear of second-placed Tuks on the standings.
NWU also enjoyed a solid Round 4 showing as they beat the Shimlas by 13 points away from home.
Verdict: Maties
This is a tough one to call as NWU have been in solid touch this term and could well run the Maties close if the hosts have an off day. Maties don’t have many off days though, and this is why I’ll be backing them to clear the handicap for a very small stake.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets
