It will be top versus bottom when high-flying Gardens take on struggling Despatch Oostelikes in a Score Energy Drink EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 clash at the Daleview Sports Field in Despatch on Saturday.
While rampant Gardens have yet to lose in all competitions, Oostelikes are winless and at the foot of the log after four rounds.
Backed by their fervent home supporters in Daleview, however, Oostelikes will be desperate to ignite their season by halting Gardens in their tracks.
It will not be an easy task, however, and few would bet against Gardens extending their unbeaten streak against an Oostelikes side who are low on confidence.
Last week, Gardens stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to six matches when they beat Park 27-18 at Londt Park.
It was another impressive display by the success-hungry Kariega team, who are gunning for a double of Ebrahim Patel Community Cup and Grand Challenge titles.
Gardens led 15-3 at halftime in one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the weekend.
So far, Gardens have beaten Trying Stars and Park and drawn with Harlequins in what has proved to be a flying start to the Top 12.
At the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup Easter tournament, Gardens downed Groot Brak, Bridgton and Robertson on their way to lifting the trophy.
Defending Grand Challenge champions Kruisfontein United will be keen to redeem themselves after they were held to a surprise 10-10 draw by Joubertina United last week.
This result comes on the back of a disappointing showing by Kruisfontein at the Saldanha Super 8 Easter tournament two weeks ago.
They lost all three matches they played and lacked their usual spark at the national tournament.
Kruisfontein United coach Frank Domingo will have to lift the morale of his players ahead of a tough home match against Trying Stars in Humansdorp on Saturday.
Nothing less than a win will satisfy the home crowd at the Sports Complex, who have become accustomed to watching their team win in recent years.
Another team seeking redemption are EC Super 14 champions Progress, who crashed to a shock 23-21 home defeat against Brumbies at the Central Field in Kariega.
The defeat is a setback for Progress, who will have to regroup before a tough away match against Joubertina on Saturday.
Harlequins will travel to the Jabavu Stadium in KwaNobuhle in a confident frame of mind after a convincing win over Despatch Oostelikes at the Adcock Stadium last week.
Star of Hope, who will be refreshed after a bye last week, will not be an easy nut for Harlequins to crack on home soil.
The ambitious side have made an impressive start to the season and have wins over Brumbies and Oostelikes under their belt.
A hotly contested clash is expected in Makhanda when Brumbies face Park.
Saturday's fixtures (all 3.30pm):
Top 12: Despatch Oostelikes v Gardens, Grahamstown Brumbies v Park, Kruisfontein United v Trying Stars, Star of Hope v Harlequins, Joubertina United v Progress. United Barbarians bye.
Middle 12: Evergreens v Police/Crusaders, Hankey Villagers v African Bombers, Central v Kwaru, Motherwell v Kirkwood, Jeffreys Bay v Spring Rose, Missionvale v Despatch.
Bottom 12: Middelburg Eagles v Helenvale, Suburban v Born Fighters, Aberdeen v Adelaide Rangers, Easterns v Orlando Eagles, Kareedouw Tigers v St Marks, Windvogel v Lily White.
The Herald
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