Tense Affair in Bloem for Ikeys

Tonight, the Ikey Tigers will take on arguably the most competitive side in the 2015 Varsity Cup competition – Shimlas.

With 4 wins and 1 draw in the competition thus far, Shimlas are undoubtedly on a roll. However, given that the Ikeys have 3 wins in the bag, 1 draw, and only 1 loss early on, it will be a tense affair in Bloemfontein.

The Tigers sit in third place on the log, only one spot behind the Shimlas, who are second to Tuks in overall points difference. UCT coach Kevin Musikanth explains that a win for his side will cement their place in the semis: “A win puts us into the semi-final, and the same for Shimlas, so it is important for us to view this game as a quarter final,” he said.

Importantly, the Ikeys team remains the same as the line-up against Pukke last week, a game which UCT won 40-21. As such, the team are likely to have a lot of consistency going forward. “We have the added advantage of the win against Pukke in very difficult circumstances,” said Musikanth, “so the boys are against ready to go!”

After the Pukke match, the coach explained what the win represented in terms of the overall arc of the tournament: “It has obviously given us good momentum and placed us well on the log going into Shimlas,” he said. “They are the only unbeaten Varsity Cup side this year and in order to win we will need to replicate the performance shown last night.”

As such, the Ikeys will be looking to put forward some of the dazzling attacking formations, and powerful defensive tactics employed in the Pukke game. Fortunately for the team from the Cape, the Shimla’s did not have as impressive a game in Round Five, only just beating NMMU 23-21. UCT will be sure to take advantage of this, as they look to storm into the semis.

The game kicks off at 16:45 tonight, and will be broadcast on Supersport. So make sure you head down to the Ikey Tiger fan park to back your boytjies.

FNB Ikeys vs FNB Shimlas

FNB UCT-Ikeys: 15 Khanyo Ngcukana, 14 Richard Stewart, 13 Lihleli Xoli, 12 Nicholas Holton, 11 Dylan Sage, 10 Warren Seals, 9 James Alexander, 8 Guy Alexander (captain), 7 Zakeyo Tinotenda, 6 Jason Klaasen, 5 James Kilroe, 4 Mark Prior, 3 Digby Webb, 2 Chad Solomon, 1 Joel Carew.

Replacements: 16 Michael Kennedy, 17 Robin Murray, 18 Jade Kriel, 19 Luke Stringer, 20 Ryand Dugmore, 21 Guy Schwikkard, 22 Nathan Nel, 23 Kyle Whyte.