After a false start on the opening day of the season champions Gardens will be determined to hit the ground running when they face Hankey Villagers in Kariega on Saturday.
Confusion reigned when Gardens arrived at the NMU Stadium from Kariega for their much-awaited opening match of their Score EPRU Grand Challenge title defence last Saturday.
It emerged crossed wires between the Madibaz and EPRU officials may have been the cause of an embarrassing situation which left Gardens players on the sidelines kicking their heels.
It was later decided to award Gardens a 28-0 walkover win and five log points.
The Madibaz will have a bye this week because they are playing against the Central University of Technology in a Varsity Cup promotion match.
The students will be hurting before Friday’s promotion clash after they surrendered a 17-3 halftime lead against Varsity College in a dramatic Varsity Shield semifinal two weeks ago.
Thanks to a second-half fightback, College pulled off a 24-20 win which left the Madibaz on the ropes.
Villagers were also left kicking their heels when they were also awarded a 28-0 walkover win against Joubertina United.
Both teams will keen to make an impression after last week's frustrations and the crowd at Derrick Ferreira Stadium can expect an entertaining clash.
Kruisfontein United will be keen to make it two wins from two when they host Park at the Sports Complex in Humansdorp on Saturday.
Beaten by Gardens in the 2023 final, Kruisfontein kicked off their campaign on a high note with a hard-fought 22-15 away win against Progress at the Central Field in Kariega.
Park will travel to Humansdorp with their tails up after an impressive 31-28 win over Despatch Oostelikes in their opening game at Londt Park.
After an indifferent EC Super 14 campaign, Park showed tremendous resolve at the end to hold Oostelikes at bay.
Oostelikes, who were one of the surprise packages last season, have a bye this week.
Harlequins, who registered a narrow 20-14 win over Central at the Adcock Stadium, face another stiff test when they travel to Makhanda to face a formidable Brumbies side.
Both sides have title aspirations and Saturday's showdown will give an good indication of how far they can progress in the competition.
Brumbies, who were beaten 29-20 by Trying Stars in the opening round, will be keen to make full use of home ground advantage.
The only other match in the Top 12 scheduled for Saturday pits Joubertina United against Trying Stars.
In the Middle 12 group, the showdown between Spring Rose and Kwaru at the New Brighton Oval is expected to produce fireworks.
The action also promises to be fast and furious at the De Wet Stadium when Despatch host Kirkwood in a high stakes encounter.
Saturday's fixtures:
Top 12: Central v Progress, Kruisfontein United v Park, Gardens v Hankey Villagers, Joubertina v Trying Stars, Brumbies v Harlequins.
Middle 12: Despatch v Kirkwood, Jeffreys Bay v Evergreens, Motherwell v Star of Hope, Born Fighters v United Barbarians, Missionvale v Suburban, Spring Rose v Kwaru.
Bottom 12: Police/Crusaders v Ecelsior, Windvogel v Adelaide Rangers, Aberdeen v Orlando Eagles, Kareedouw Tigers v African Bombers, St Marks (Gqeberha) v Easterns Gqeberha.
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