The North-West University Eagles go into their crucial semi-final encounter against UCT-Ikeys this Friday, 28 May free of any pressure as the underdogs against a top of the table Ikeys team who has the favourite tag firmly stitches to their jerseys.

The men in the blue and white hoops will take on an NWU team who beat CUT on Tuesday to reserve their spot in the semi-finals.

On paper, the unbeaten Ikeys should beat the NWU in Pretoria just like they did in the group stages (42-36) but the knockout rounds are a different animal altogether.

NWU head coach, André Pretorius, is relaxed in the build up to the semi-final having firstly made the top 4 goal he set out at the start of the campaign.

According to Pretorius his team can play worry free rugby as the underdogs, whilst Ikeys will have all the pressure on them to win on Friday.

“UCT are definitely the favourites and we are the underdogs going in to the match. All the pressure will be on Ikeys in the semi-final. We have the freedom to play with nothing holding us back. We know what we have to do against Ikeys and we believe we can cause an upset on Friday,” stated Pretorius.

He also mentioned that Ikeys’ strength lie in their kicking game, but that teams are also less likely to take chances when under pressure.

“Ikeys had the luxury of having a big gap on the log and they could take more chances with an expansive game in pool stage. Things are normally a bit closer with knockout rugby and you can’t afford to take too many risks on the ground. We will want to put the pressure on them,” he added.

Photos: Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

The NWU has escaped the jaws of defeat on numerous occasions this competition, most recently against Wits, UJ and the Ixias and are no stranger to winning crucial games – something that definitely count in their favour come the do or die semi-finals.

“The close games have definitely brought the boys together. We fight for each other. We had numerous players who had to step up with injuries and I am more than pleased with how each team member responded,” he mentioned.

Only 80 minutes stand between Ikeys and NWU for a semi-final spot – the team that handles the pressure best will most likely take one step closer to the title.

The match will kick off at 19:15 on Friday, 28 May.

Player to look out for: NWU: André Fouché (flank), Jeandré Leonard (lock), Gustav du Rand (hooker), Chuiner van Rooyen (fullback)

Ikeys: James Tedder (fly-half/fullback), Connor Evans (lock), Rethabile Louw (wing), Evardi Boshoff (centre)