Clubs are braced for heck of a firestorm in Cup fare

CLUB rugby action kicks into high gear today as the quarterfinals of the inaugural Presidents Cup knockout competition is battled out across the region.

Four cracking matches are on the cards, and some very exciting rugby should be on show for spectators.

2017 Super League champions MPM Old Selbornians face a tough challenge in university side, the Fort Hare Blues at Mike Pendock Motors Park, and both teams could be a little rusty after they had walkovers in last weekend’s first round.

“We are looking forward to accumulating some match time. We know that we will need to focus on our intensity to ensure we are able to compete effectively against a good team who were our hardest game in the league phase,” said Old Boys coach James Winstanley.

Old Boys and Fort Hare fought out a tense encounter in Alice during the league earlier this year, with the Blues holding the lead in the second half before Old Boys came back to take a tight win.

A similar match could be on the cards, with the Blues looking for revenge while Old Boys will want to get a good win to build up some momentum as they prepare for the coming Gold Cup competition.

“I expect Fort Hare to compete aggressively for the ball on the ground and try to move the ball in attack, however our focus is on our own processes and that we are able to have positive discussions at halftime and after the match,” admitted Winstanley.

Another good match should see Super League runners-up Swallows taking on Berlin Tigers at the NU1 Stadium in Mdantsane.

During the league Berlin Tigers pulled off an upset win and Swallows will be looking to overturn that result this time round.

“The guys are keen to get back on the field,” said Swallows Rugby Club president Zuko Matyeshana.

“If you remember Berlin Tigers beat us during the Super League, so it is payback time now. The Presidents Cup is a nice competition and it is also great as it will give us a chance to polish our skills for the Gold Cup.”

The other two games on show will see Border Premier League opposition taking on Super League teams.

Premier League champs Black Eagles will be hosting the Walter Sisulu University All Blacks at the Mpongo Rugby Field in Chalumna, while Premier League runners-up Young Leopards host Police at Ducats Rugby Field in Beacon Bay.

The two Super League heavyweights will not want to be upset and will be gunning for their Premier League opponents

The Old Boys-Fort Hare match kicks off at 3.30pm while the other three games start at 3pm.