EP want to finish the season on a high and do not view their final SA Cup outing against the Boland Cavaliers as a dead rubber encounter, Elephants coach Allister “Toetie” Coetzee says.
Though the Elephants cannot qualify for the playoffs and Currie Cup promotion, Coetzee says his team will be fired up for the showdown at the Madibaz Stadium on Saturday (3pm kickoff).
EP’s morale was boosted last week when they snatched a thrilling last-minute 20-14 win over the Griffons in Gqeberha.
Boland are still in the hunt for a top-four finish, and they will come out with all guns blazing in their bid for promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division.
Last week, EP were trailing 14-13 when explosive wing Rodney Damons dived over for a try to clinch victory for the Elephants in an enthralling contest.
Coetzee has called for fans to get behind his team and support them in their final match.
“I would like to see more people coming to support the team,” Coetzee said.
“The boys deserve more support because they delivered a special performance to beat the Griffons.
“The game had great entertainment value.
“It is important for us to finish the season on a high at home.
“If you want to make EP like it was in years gone by, when there was a fortress at the old Boet Erasmus Stadium, you have to start winning your home games.
“In our opinion, this is not a dead rubber match against Boland.
“EP want to keep growing as a team, and we are building depth.
“I want this EP group to be highly competitive and to understand that they can compete and take the next step.
“We are busy with a project, and this is not just wishful thinking.
“Last week, the Griffons knew how important it was for them to stay in the Currie Cup.
“They did not come here and give the victory to us.
“We are talking between R6m to R10m revenue difference when you play in the Currie Cup First Division or Premier Division.
“So it was a proud moment for us to beat the Griffons.”
With one round of league matches left, the Cavaliers, Griffons and Falcons are all in the race for promotion.
The Pumas maintained their status as the only unbeaten side in the competition when they edged the Cavaliers 34-32 in an exciting match in Wellington last week.
The two bonus points Boland managed to collect kept them in fourth place on the log, just one point ahead of the Griffons.
In Potchefstroom, the Falcons ensured they stayed in the hunt for qualification thanks to a crucial 45-31 win over the Leopards.
After suffering their first loss in the competition last week against the Pumas in Mbombela, holders Griquas bounced back to winning ways courtesy of a 52-5 victory over the SWD Eagles in George.
The Cheetahs remained in the top four when they crushed the Border Bulldogs 106-7 in Bloemfontein.
Going into Saturday’s final round of league fixtures, the Pumas are in pole position on 40 points, three more than Griquas, with the Cheetahs third on 32 points.
Weekend fixtures: Griquas v Cheetahs, Griffons v Pumas, Leopards v Eagles, Falcons v Border Bulldogs, EP v Boland Cavaliers.
Log (all teams have played eight matches): Pumas 40, Griquas 37, Cheetahs 32, Boland Cavaliers 27, Griffons 26, Falcons 25, EP Elephants 21, SWD Eagles 7, Leopards 5, Border Bulldogs 2.
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.