Progress are readying themselves for an uncompromising physical battle when they clash with crack Border outfit Old Selbornians in an EC Super 14 semifinal on Saturday, coach Shaun “Trok” Oliver said.
The Central Field in Kariega will be packed to capacity to watch what promises to be a bone-crunching playoff showdown between two of the Eastern Cape's most potent club teams.
In the other semifinal in Alexandria, Trying Stars take on giant-killing Border outfit Fort Beaufort United at Wentzel Park.
Fort Beaufort pulled off one of the biggest surprises in Super 14 history when they toppled champions EL Police 25-15 in last week's quarterfinals.
Progress, who are hunting a third Super 14 title after winning the event in 2021 and 2022, stormed into the semifinals when they crushed Joubertina United 43-20 last week.
“We are very excited be hosting a home semifinal against Old Selbornians,” Oliver said.
“Progress learnt a lot about ourselves during the win over Joubertina in the quarterfinals.
“We understand that when it comes to Old Selbornians it will be a totally different challenge compared to the one we faced against Joubertina.
“I know the East London team are a very physical outfit with big forwards who are capable of mixing it up with their backs.
“Old Selbornians will be very good in the lineouts and those type of things and Progress must prepare to counter that.”
Oliver said his team had to keep their eye on the big prize and maintain laser focus.
“The most important thing for us is to maintain our focus and to try to improve on the things we want to achieve on the day,” he said.
“Progress will put a big emphasis on our set pieces where we will want to play from.
“It is vital we ensure our execution is right on the day.
“We have a slogan going on at Progress, that is W is for a win.
“So it is all about a win on Saturday and we are looking forward to playing at home in front of our loyal fans at the Central Field.”
So far it is proving to be a successful season for Oliver who took over as head coach from Elroy Ligman at the start of the season.
The experienced Ligman has remained at the club as an assistant coach.
The only blip for Progress was a shock 40-26 defeat against wild cards Star of Hope in a group match played at the Jabavu Stadium in KwaNobuhle.
Star of Hope had their backs to the wall when they trailed 21-16 at halftime, but they dug deep to clinch a convincing win which sent shock waves reverberating around the Eastern Cape rugby community.
At halftime in Kariega last week in Progress' game against Joubertina, the clash was delicately balanced with home side holding a narrow 17-13 lead.
However, Progress went through the gears in the second period to emerge convincing winners and book their berth in the semis.
In their quarterfinal, Old Selbornians showed they will be a force to be reckoned with, they beat a combative Young Leopards side 19-13.
EP and Border teams competed in their own mini top 8 tournaments leading up to the quarterfinals (within the EP and Border conferences), before Saturday's cross-provincial semifinals.
The 2025 Super 14 tournament was thrown wide open when top EP teams Kruisfontein United, Gardens, Harlequins and Despatch Oostelikes withdrew after a long-running dispute over the nonpayment of match fees.
Saturday's semifinals (3.30pm kickoff):
Progress v Old Selbornians (Central Field, Kariega), Trying Stars v Fort Beaufort United (Wentzel Park, Alexandria).
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.