It will be a heavyweight battle between two champion teams when Kruisfontein United and Progress collide in a blockbuster Score Energy Drink EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 club rugby showdown in Humansdorp on Saturday.
Progress, newly crowned EC Super 14 champions, are planning to upset the Grand Challenge champions in front of their fervent home supporters at the Sports Complex.
Kruisfontein, who had a bye last weekend, will be eager to demonstrate they will not relinquish their Top 12 crown without a fight.
In-form Progress arrive in Humansdorp with two impressive wins under their belt and are determined to stretch their unbeaten run to three matches.
They kicked off their campaign with a 29-11 win over Despatch Oostelikes at the Daleview Sports field and followed it up with a thumping 78-0 win over United Barbarians at the Central Field in Kariega in round two.
In their only match this season, Kruisfontein were made to sweat before they edged newly promoted Star of Hope 39-34 in Humansdorp.
Kruisfontein will be keen to prove a point against Progress because they pulled out of the Super 14 because of the nonpayment of match fees.
Instead of playing in the Super 14, Kruisfontein competed in a series of friendly matches against Gardens, Harlequins and Despatch Oostelikes, who also pulled out of the tournament.
Kruisfontein, beaten finalists in the 2023 and 2024 Super 14 finals, would have been strong contenders to reach a third consecutive final if they had taken part.
After playing out a thrilling 15-15 draw against Gardens at the Adcock Stadium last week, Harlequins face Grahamstown Brumbies on the road.
Last week, a big crowd were kept on the edge of their seats throughout an absorbing encounter after Harlequins held a narrow 12-5 halftime lead over Gardens.
After a hard-fought 22-28 away win over United Barbarians in their opening game, a revamped Harlequins team are displaying encouraging early form.
After slumping to defeats in their opening matches against Progress and Joubertina United, Despatch Oostelikes will be determined to make home ground advantage count against Trying Stars.
Playing at Daleview Sports brings out the best in Oostelikes, and Trying Stars know they will be in for a testing afternoon.
Buoyed by their 24-15 win over Grahamstown Brumbies last week, Star of Hope will be hunting for back-to-back wins when they host Joubertina United at the Jabavu Stadium in KwaNobuhle.
So far, Star of Hope have shown solid early form and they could be one of the surprise packets this season.
Star of Hope coach Vuyo Nompondo said his team received good support from the KwaNobuhle community.
“The guys are getting a lot of support from the community here in KwaNobuhle, and we are very thankful to all our fans who come out and watch us,” he said.
Gardens have a bye this weekend and their next outing is against Park at Londt Park on May 3.
Saturday's fixtures:
Top 12: United Barbarians v Park, Despatch Oostelikes v Trying Stars, Grahamstown Brumbies v Harlequins, Kruisfontein United v Progress, Star of Hope v Joubertina United. Gardens bye.
Middle 12: Kirkwood v Police/Crusaders, Kwaru v African Bombers, Evergreens v Spring Rose, Hankey Villagers v Missionvale, Central v Jeffreys Bay, Motherwell v Despatch,
Bottom 12: Orlando Eagles v Helenvale, Adelaide Rangers v Born Fighters, Middelburg Eagles v St Mark's, Suburban v Windvogel United, Aberdeen v Kareedouw Tigers, Easterns v Lily White.
Logs (with matches played):
Top 12: Progress 10 (2), Gardens 7 (2), Star of Hope 7 (2), Harlequins 6 (2), Brumbies 5 (2), Kruisfontein United 5 (1), Joubertina 5 (2), Park 4 (1), United Barbarians 1 (2), Despatch Oostleikes 0 (2), Trying Stars 0 (2), Madibaz have yet to play a match because of Varsity Shield commitments.
Middle 12 (all teams have played 2 matches): Jeffreys Bay 10, African Bombers 10, Kwaru 9, Central 6, Missionvale 6, Hankey Villagers 5, Evergreens 5, Kirkwood 5, Motherwell 4, Police/Crusaders 1, Spring Rose 0, Despatch 0.
Bottom 12 (matches played in brackets): Suburban 9 (2), St Mark's (Alicedale) 6 (2), Born Fighters 6 (2), Helenvale United 6 (2), Lily White 5 (1), Windvogel United 5 (1), Middelburg Eagles 5 (2), Orlando Eagles 4 (2), Aberdeen 1 (2), Kareedouw Tigers 0 (1), Adelaide Rangers 0 (1), Easterns 0 (0).
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.