Students and Spring Rose set to dig deep for tough challenge

NMMU will be looking to continue their winning ways when they lock horns with Spring Rose in their EP Grand Challenge encounter at the south campus tomorrow. As in previous seasons, the students have started this campaign on a positive note and will aim to put Rose to the sword.

But Rose have proved to be difficult for NMMU to beat. With both sides coming off wins in their previous outings, they will both be full of confidence.

While NMMU demolished Kruisfontein last week, Rose had to dig deep to beat struggling Harlequins. Tomorrow's clash will be a new ballgame for both sides.

At Adcock Stadium, it will be former Eastern Cape Super 12 champions versus the current champs when Quins welcome Gardens.

Quins, who finished the Super 12 and started the Grand Challenge on a losing streak, will have a mountain to climb against the strong Rosedale outfit.

After losing some key personnel last month, Quins will hope to improve their status with a spirited performance.

Gardens, who were tested to the limit by PE SAPS, will be confident of victory, but they know the northern areas side are no pushovers.

PE SAPS will play against Caltex Crusaders at Kemsley Park, with the young Saders side keen to redeem themselves after a disastrous performance against a ruthless Gap Despatch.

The home side will also aim to turn their fortunes around after going down against Gardens.

Park will want to repeat their gutsy showing last weekend against African Bombers when they meet Kruisfontein at Londt Park.

They left it to the dying minutes against Bombers and that is something they will set out to change this week.

Kruisfontein, on the other hand, go into the game as wounded lions after being humiliated by NMMU in Humansdorp.

Bombers will travel to Grahamstown to play Brumbies. Both sides lost their previous games and this should be a thriller as they try to avoid another defeat.

All matches start at 3.30pm. -Mkhululi Ndamase