The Shimlas were ruthless in their attack as they chased the bonus-point early in the game in order to ensure a semi-final at home.

The Shimlas scored ten tries in the match of which four of them were point of origin tries (seven-point tries). The 19-year-old winger, Zane Bester, scored two of this tries. The hooker, Wihan Marais, also dotted down for a brace of tries, but his were five-points that stemmed from lineout mauls.

The flyhalf and captain, George Lourens, also slotted seven conversions.

Lourens told OFM Sport that they look forward to their rematch against the defending champions, Tuks, in Bloemfontein next week.

“We had the luxury of resting a few players because we have a very deep squad.

“The boys pitched up tonight and we were able to secure the bonus-point victory.

“The boys are pumped for next week's semi-final in Bloemfontein. It's a home semi and a rematch against Tuks.

“Hopefully it will be dry this time so that we can have a real display of running rugby.”

The Madibaz in their turn have been relegated and they will play in the Varsity Shield next year.

Meanwhile, Tuks beat UJ 36-19 to book their ticket to Bloemfontein next week.

The Ikeys beat the Ixias 34-22 to secure a home semi-final as well and they will host their bitter rivals, Maties, in Cape Town.

Despite a solid 31-3 win against Wits, the North-West University Eagles just missed out the semi-finals by a single point.

Next week Monday the Ikeys will tackle Maties at 17:00 at the Green Mile, while the Shimlas face Tuks at 19:15 at Shimla Park.

Madibaz 24 (5): Tries - Kyle Cyster, Arnouw Nel, Warwick Griffin, Brandt Fields Conv. - Jade Stoffels (2).

Shimlas 72 (42): Tries - Melusi Mthabela, Wihan Marais (2), Kwezi Dlamini (1x7), Zane Bester (2x7), Ruwald van der Merwe (1x7), Thabo Ndimande, Luthando Buthelezi, Hlomla Payi Conv. - George Lourens (7).

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport