HANGING ON WITH A TIGHT ROPE

Cristine Struweg

@C_r_i_s_1_0

The last round of the group stages of Varsity Cup 2025 is here, and the Eagles still have a little bit of hope. The Eagles, fifth on the scoreboard, will take on the team from the Free State, CUT, sixth on the scoreboard, at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground. The Eagles are the only team not in the top four, that still has the opportunity to secure a top four spot.

In order for the Eagles to move into the top four, a few things needs to happen. First, should the Eagles lose their game against CUT but secure both available bonus points – one for losing within seven points and the other for scoring more than four tries – they will gain two points and bring their total up to 19 points.

However, since Shimlas, currently on 17 points, is also playing, they need to lose their game and not score any points, either through a losing bonus point or by scoring four tries or more.Second, if the Eagles win with less than four tries against CUT, they score four points, which brings their total points to 20.

Finally, if the Eagles win with a four-try bonus point, and Shimlas win without a four-try bonus point, they will both have 21 points. They will then look at the point difference between these two sides. Currently, the Eagles are leading with a 77–point difference versus a -22–point difference for the Shimlas.

Shimlas will take on the top team, Tuks, at Tuks stadium, but since they have failed to win a game away from home this season, the odds are against them. While it might seem far-fetched for the Eagles to play in the semi-finals the possibility is there. Nevertheless, the Eagles have everything to play for in their last home game.

Edited by Isabel Burgers