After being boosted by an influx of talented young guns, small-town team Trying Stars wants to upset the apple cart and go all the way in the EC Super 14 club rugby tournament, coach Alan Cannon says.
The ambitious Alexandria club, who kicked off their campaign with an impressive 41-17 home win over Central last week, face United Barbarians in round two on Saturday.
Barbarians will be looking to bounce back after they were beaten 29-24 by Joubertina on the opening day of the season.
“We have some new players we brought in for the Super 14,” Cannon said.
“Stars want to improve on last season, when we ended fifth, and now we really want to go all the way.
“It was an experience for the young guys to play against Central last week.
“They managed to showcase their talent with good performances.
“There were a few flaws, but nothing we cannot work on.
“I’m excited and happy we won our first game, which is a big confidence booster for the guys.
“The team worked hard during the off-season and we are looking forward to the rest of the Super 14.
“This is an opportunity for the young guys to put their names on the map.”
Cannon said the withdrawal of Kruisfontein United, Harlequins, Gardens and Despatch Oostelikes from the Super 14 had taken the pressure off his team.
“I don’t think the tournament has lost any gloss because of the withdrawals and this is an opportunity for the youngsters to come through,” he said.
“We can give them exposure on this platform.”
Cannon said Stars were planning to excite fans during the Super 14.
“We all know Stars like to play running rugby and that is our brand,” he said.
“I am looking forward to seeing how far we can progress and our goal is to end top of our group.
“We had a few obstacles in 2024 and hopefully this time it will be a different story.
“It is our time to rewrite the script.”
Sparks are sure to fly at the Jabavu Stadium in KwaNobuhle when Progress bid for a second consecutive victory when they face Star of Hope.
In their opening game, two-time Super 14 champions Progress romped to a 51-17 win over Grahamstown Brumbies and Star of Hope were edged 24-20 by Park.
Thanks to their win, Park will be well set for the playoffs if they beat Grahamstown Brumbies in round two.
After their loss at Londt Park, Star of Hope are facing a do-or-die tussle in their bid to reach the knockout stage.
A titanic struggle is on the cards in Graaff-Reinet, when Central host a Joubertina side who will have their tails up after beating United Barbarians in their opening game.
The nail-biting Joubertina vs Barbarians clash was rated as the match of the week after a thrilling contest between two of the newcomers to Super 14.
In the Border Conference, Super 14 champions EL Police will be shooting for their second win when they face Old Selbornians.
There will be a capacity crowd at the Sports Complex in Humansdorp when Kruisfontein United take on Gardens in a repeat of the 2024 Grand Challenge final.
This is the main game of a double-header in circuit two of the block friendlies being played among the four EP clubs who withdrew from the Super 14.
Gardens, who were beaten 24-18 by Kruisfontein in an action-packed 2024 Grand Challenge final, beat Despatch Oostelikes 29-11 in a block friendly last Saturday.
In the early game of the double-header at 2.30pm, Harlequins face Despatch Oostelikes in Humansdorp.
Saturday’s fixtures:
EP Conference (all 3.30pm kickoffs): Group A: Grahamstown Brumbies v Park (Rhodes University), Star of Hope v Progress (Jabavu Stadium). Group B: Central v Joubertina (Botanic Stadium), United Barbarians v Trying Stars (Patensie).
Border Conference: (all 3.30pm kickoffs): Old Selbornians v EL Police, Komga United v Moonlight, FB United v Swallows, Young Leopards v Ncera Leopards.
Block friendlies, circuit two at Sports Complex in Humansdorp: 2.30pm: Harlequins v Despatch Oostelikes, 4pm: Kruisfontein United v Gardens.
After losing their opening three matches, the EP Queens will be hunting for a first win in the SA women’s Premier League when they host the Free State women at Cillie High in Gqeberha at 1pm on Saturday.
The Herald
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