This weekend marks yet another significant moment for our clubs, as several teams play their final first fixtures, potentially determining promotions and relegations. Additionally, our DHL WP Rugby Women’s side advances to the finals of the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division.
Following this week’s midweek games, we witnessed both Maties and UCT climb a few spots on the log upon their return to the league. Maties secured a narrow 13-11 victory over Helderberg in a closely contested game, while UCT defeated Hamlets 35-19. For most clubs, their goals are aimed at securing positions within the top six, with some striving to be in the top two of that range, all while avoiding relegation. Relegation involves the bottom two teams of each league and a subsequent playoff for the thirteenth position.
Given that several teams still have games in hand, any predictions at this stage would be premature. However, it’s evident that Villagers, UCT, and Maties remain strong contenders. NTK faces UCT this week and understands that mathematically, this is their final opportunity to avoid the thirteenth position. Meanwhile, Tygerberg will host Hamlets, and Kuilsriver will host Villagers.
Fans can anticipate an exciting match between former league champions Durbell and Maties. Currently, Durbell boasts a 67% win percentage compared to Maties’ 60%. Additionally, Durbell enjoys the advantage of playing on their home turf.
In Super League B, SK Walmers continue their winning streak and remain unbeaten. This week, they will face third-placed All Saints, who are playing their final match of the league. Although SK Walmers have a game in hand, they have already secured a top-two finish, as have Franschhoek. The competition in the mid-table now appears restricted as Bellville aims to secure additional points in their final match against Young Peoples. Collegians, on the other hand, have two games in hand and will face CPUT this week. Towards the bottom of the table, several teams still have games in hand, and key matches include Langa against Strand and Belhar against Hands and Hearts.
In Super League C, some teams have now completed their first-round matches. Mathematically, van Der Stel-Evergreens and Macassar could be overtaken by Hamediehs if Hamediehs secure a five-log-point victory over Kraaifontein. Pniel Villagers, currently in the sixth position on the log, will have to watch from the sidelines as Scottsdene in seventh faces Albions, and Busy Bees go against Blue Jet. All these teams are in contention to make the top six.
In the promotion league, Young Wesleys will host Gardens, Elsies River will host Manenberg Rangers, Strand United will face off against Atlantis, and Whistling Wheels will travel to Titans. Sir Lowrians continue to lead the league, with Strand United, Atlantis, and Manenberg Rangers following closely in the top spots.
Our DHL WP Rugby U21 side is ready to begin their campaign in the SA Rugby U21 Cup. The clash between the coastal rivals, which kicks off at 13h00 on Saturday at City Park, features our team against the Hollywoodbets Sharks U21.
This weekend is monumental for WP Rugby as our DHL WP Rugby Women’s side competes in the final of the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division in Pretoria. Once again, we go head to head with our counterparts from the north, the Blue Bulls ladies. This final promises to be a classic north-south derby within the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division.