UCT Ikeys will be on the road against UFS Shimlas on Monday, 23 March as they look to bounce back from their Round 5 defeat in their Western Cape derby against Maties.
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The defending champions are still in the running to make the semi-finals as we head into the final two rounds.
The Ikey Tigers also know that Shimlas will want to sign off at home with a victory that would keep their slender semi-final hopes alive.
Coming off defeats
Both sides head into the clash on the back of defeats in Round 5 with UCT underperforming against Maties.
The men from Cape Town were restricted to just seven points in their derby defeat and are hopeful of returning to their free-flowing best in Bloemfontein.
UCT prop, Matthew Beckett, expects a physical battle in the Free State.
“They are a good and talented side, so we expect a fast and physical game. It will be a good challenge that we will be up for”.
Beckett adds that UCT will be fully focused on themselves at Shimla Park.
“I feel like the focus is just on us and how we can play our Ikey style and play the best we can. We understand the implications this game has on both sides and the emotions that will come with it.”
Return to winning ways
The defending champions have their sights set on a return to winning ways, having gone on a three-match winning streak – one of those coming away from home.
Ikeys have tasted victory and defeat on their two trips so far this season with their front rower admitting that: “We don’t feel there is too much pressure on us, as this is not UCT’s first time being in this situation. We understand what must be done from now onwards and as a team we believe we can do great things.
“The morale is still high, obviously it is not great to lose a derby game especially at home. But we believe in ourselves and the people around us to bounce back and be the best we can be.”
Varsity Cup Round 6 fixtures
CUT vs UJ, CUT Stadium – 16:45
UP-Tuks vs Emeris, Tuks Stadium – 19:00
Maties vs NWU Eagles, Danie Craven Stadium – 19:00
UFS Shimlas vs UCT Ikeys, Shimla Park – 19:00