Gardens look for improvement

GARDENS will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing start when they host Ntlaza in what should be a thrilling Super12 rugby clash at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Uitenhage tomorrow.

Having lost many of their influential players last year, the Uitenhage side are still trying to find their form in the competition.

They will, however, come at the Mthatha team with guns blazing to redeem themselves after some scrappy play and poor defending in their first game.

Gardens will want to impose themselves on the visitors to make sure they dominate in their backyard.

Tournament newcomers Ntlaza will have all the odds stacked against them as Gardens won all their home fixtures last year. The Mthatha team have started well and will be looking to maintain their momentum after beating Buffaloes 15-0 in their first encounter.

They will be revitalised after having had a break when their match against Stars of Hope was called off due to a water-logged field last week.

They can make a huge statement with back-toback wins when they face the champions.

Meanwhile, traditional rivals Harlequins and Despatch will square off at the Adcock Stadium in Korsten.

Harlequins are yet to chalk up their first win in the competition after having had a good run last year.

The fixtures are (3.30pm start): Star of Hope v Breakers (Jabavu Stadium), Buffaloes v Park (Buffalo Park), Gardens v Ntlaza (Derrick Ferreira), Kruisfontein v EL Police (Sport Complex), Harlequins v Despatch (Adcock A), Berlin Tigers v Swallows (Berlin)