More intense rivalry for Super 12 derbies

WITH first match jitters out of the way, the Eastern Cape Super 12 club rugby tournament is in its second week, with 10 clubs playing today.

In one of the must watch games of the weekend, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) lock horns with East London Police at Potsdam Campus.

The Border Rugby derby is expected to produce fireworks as the All Blacks will be eager to continue their winning ways.

The cops, on the other hand, will be looking for their first win in Group B after going down to Buffaloes last weekend.

Last year’s bronze medallists, who are always among the top teams, will be determined to get their season back on track but the students will not make it easy for them.

In another potential humdinger, Despatch welcome Port Elizabeth Harlequins in Despatch in another Group B encounter.

Both sides lost their opening games and will be eager to avoid a second consecutive loss.

The provincial rugby powerhouse Despatch, which is always a favourite to win, go into the clash as favourites as they will have the advantage of the 16th man – the supporters.

However, Quins are former champions and are not lousy travellers.

At Buffalo Park, Buffs will entertain Progress. Both sides go into the game fresh from opening victories against Police and Despatch.

Winning against the only two teams in the competition with Cell C Community Cup experience would have boosted the confidence of both sides.

However, they will have to put their first week results behind them and concentrate on the game.

A win for either side will make for early pace setters in Group B which is regarded as the group of death.

In Group A, Cambridge will be searching for their second win at Hams Tech.

Standing in their way will be Park, who will be eager to register their first win of the campaign.

Defending champions Gardens play against Breakers in Rosedale.

The Ronnie Korkee-coached outfit will be looking to vent their frustration out on the Komani side following their surprise loss to Swallows last week.

If Breakers do not have a good plan of containing the hosts, they will be made an example of as Gardens will want to re-establish themselves as one of the title contenders. Kick-off is at 3.30pm in all the games. Fixtures: Group A: Cambridge v Park and Gardens v Breakers

Group B: Despatch v PE Harlequins; WSU v EL Police and Buffs v Progress. will