FNB UFS Shimlas ready for must-win challenge against defending champions

Accuracy, consistency, and a fast start will be the name of the game for the FNB UFS Shimlas when they take on the FNB UCT Ikeys in a must-win FNB Varsity Cup round six clash in Bloemfontein on Monday night.

The two-time champions find themselves in a tight race for a semi-final spot, and a composed, clinical performance against the defending champions will be crucial - especially if they want to avoid chasing the game from early on.

The UFS Shimlas head into their penultimate round-robin fixture in sixth place, but they’re still very much in the hunt mathematically. A win at home on Monday is non-negotiable if they’re to keep those hopes alive.

Captain and flyhalf Bradley Giddy admitted the side hasn’t quite hit the standards they set for themselves this season, but believes they have the perfect opportunity to respond in front of their home crowd.

“We’re definitely not where we’d like to be at this stage of the season, but that’s the reality. The beauty of the Varsity Cup is that you always get another opportunity to respond - and a Monday night home game against the defending champions doesn’t get much bigger than that.

“For us, it’s less about the occasion and more about putting together a full 80-minute performance that reflects who the Shimlas are. It won’t be perfect, but we need to control what we can - our effort, physicality and execution - because that’s been missing in patches.”

Giddy added that there’s no fear of the pressure within the squad. Instead, the clash presents a chance to measure the character they’ve built over the campaign - a trait the Shimlas have often prided themselves on.

“There’s a real sense of urgency in the group, but also belief. Our backs are against the wall, and we’ll learn a lot about our character. We know what we’re capable of - now it’s about delivering that performance at home and turning things around.”

Monday night’s clash between the Shimlas and the Ikeys at Shimla Park kicks off at 19:00.