Tukkies, UJ summing it up
The management teams of FNB Tuks and FNB UJ will tackle their Varsity Cup fourth-round matches knowing full well that they have to better their current log positions in order to stay in the hunt for the play-offs in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
On face value, FNB UJ have the toughest ask of them all; havingto dispense of FNB Pukke in Potchefstroom on Monday. FNB Tuks, however, play at home against the bottom-placed Madibas (NMMU).
After three matches, FNB UJ are sixth on the log with eight points and they will know from the 2008 and 2009 competitions that 20 points are the minimum to secure a semifinal spot.
In both 2008 and 2009, FNB UJ just missed out on the play-offs as they finished on less than 20 points. In both years, they came fifth; with 16 points (in 2008) and 18 (in 2009).
FNB UJ head coach Hugo van As chose to not get involved into a 'mathematical debate' ahead of Monday's fourth-round of action, but he will no doubt be aware just how important a win against FNB Pukke might well prove to be.
As it is, however; UJ will not be comfortable with eight log points after three games and being in sixth position on the Varsity Cup table.
They need another 12 points, at least, to qualify for the play-offs for the first time. As such, they will most likely target the match on March 8 against FNB NMMU in the FNB UJ Stadium as the one in which they must not only get maximum points from, but also better their points' difference significantly in the process.
In the remaining three matches, against Pukke, the Ikey Tigers (March 1, UJ Stadium) and Shimlas (March 15, Shimla Park), FNB UJ will have to collect a minimum of seven points, which is possible.
Like the University of Johannesburg, FNB Tuks also have just one win from their first three matches. Tuks, fourth-placed in 2008 (24) and 2009 (20), are currently in seventh position on the log (seven points).
Of course, Tuks missed out a golden opportunity to get maximum points in their match against the FNB TUT Vikings.
The Men from Pretoria won but denied themselves the bonus point try through too many mistakes near the FNB TUT tryline.
Tuks will have to do better against the Madibas as the last three weeks of the Varsity Cup league will be especially tough. They face the Maties, away, on March 1, the Shimlas in Pretoria on March 8 and UCT away on March 15 in the run-in to the play-offs.
In fact, FNB Tuks could be in real danger of missing out on the play-offs if they do not have at least 12 points - on the log - after four rounds of action.
By Morris Gilbert