Watertight security will be in place at “Die Hok” on Saturday when log-leaders Gardens lock horns with Kruisfontein United in a repeat of the 2023 and 2024 Score Energy Drink EPRU Grand Challenge Cup finals.
The powerhouse clubs have dominated EP club rugby in recent seasons and a thrilling contest is expected to unfold between two well-matched sides.
After a crowd invasion marred an abandoned match against Progress two weeks ago, Gardens have announced plans to significantly beef up security at “Die Hok” for the Kruisfontein clash.
Among many new measures put in place to ensure the safety of players, fans and officials is fencing to enclose the playing field and additional law enforcement.
When the teams met in a first-round clash in May, Gardens emerged narrow 28-21 winners after a hard-fought battle at the Sports Complex in Humansdorp.
While unbeaten Gardens have swept everything before them this season, Kruisfontein are starting to recover after a slow start to their campaign.
Confident Kruisfontein coach Frank Domingo says his team have the firepower to make it three cup final appearances in a row.
In the 2023 final, Kruisfontein were beaten 28-23 by Gardens at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but they gained their revenge in the 2024 final when they beat the same opponents 24-18 at the Adcock Stadium.
Domingo says the standard of the EP club is improving, and there are no easy matches in the Top 12.
After enjoying an air of invincibility in previous seasons, the Purple Lions have been beaten by Harlequins, Gardens and Park in the opening rounds of the Top 12.
Three consecutive wins at the end of the first round, however, have boosted Kruisfontein's chances of retaining their title.
Gardens coach Julian Daniels said he could not single out a particular club that posed a threat to his team's hopes of Grand Challenge glory.
“All the Top 12 teams are a threat to us,” he said.
“When they play Gardens, they bring their A game, so that is a plus point.
'Every team poses danger because they are all playing the Top 12.
“In every game Gardens have to pitch and we give 150%.”
The only match Gardens have failed to win this season was a second-round tie against Harlequins when they were held to a 15-15 draw at the Adcock Stadium.
At the Patel tournament in George over the Easter weekend, Gardens rose to prominence on the national stage when they beat top teams Groot Brak, Bridgton and Robertson on their way to lifting the coveted trophy.
While the Gardens versus Kruisfontein will attract much attention, the clash between Harlequins and Progress at the Adcock Stadium also promises to be a showstopper.
Two weeks ago, Harlequins moved into second place on the Top 12 log behind Gardens when they beat Park 34-21 at Londt Park Gqeberha.
It was a vital win for Harlequins, who are hot on the heels of unbeaten log leaders Gardens after wins over Trying Stars and Joubertina United in their previous two matches.
Third-placed Park will be keen to start the second round with a flourish when they host Star of Hope at the Londt Park.
When the teams met in the first round at the Javabu Stadium in KwaNobuhle, Park ran out convincing 29-16 winners.
Saturday's Grand Challenge fixtures:
Top 12: United Barbarians v Brumbies, Gardens v Kruisfontein United, Park v Star of Hope, Trying Stars v Joubertina, Harlequins v Progress.
Middle 12: Spring Rose v Hankey Villagers, Evergreens v Central, Missionvale v Motherwell, Jeffreys Bay v Kirkwood, Despatch v Kwaru, Police/Crusaders v African Bombers.
Bottom 12: St Marks v Suburban, Middelburg Eagles v Aberdeen, Windvogel v Easterns, Kareedouw Tigers v Orlando Eagles, Helenvale v Born Fighters.
The Herald
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