MICHAEL MENTZ

JOHANNESBURG - With a little more than 50 days to go before the SAA National Club Championships, the University of Johannesburg are still favourites to represent the Golden Lions at the prestigious competition to be held in Stellenbosch.

Their only other rivals are Roodepoort and Raiders who still have a small chance to knock out the students.

Roodepoort took a step in the right direction this weekend when they ran in 10 tries against Alberton to record a 64-13 victory.

In a match where the visitors found it hard to play within their structures, Johan de Waal and Juan Shaw both scored a brace while coach Jaco Swart also lauded the performance of Lions wing Henno Mentz.

Speaking to suparugby.com Swart said that Mentz is in great form and could be on his way back to playing some of his best rugby.

“I just think he was criticised too much on that level and only needed to start playing his normal game again,” said Swart.

What also increased Roodepoort’s chances of making it to club champs is the loss Raiders suffered against NWU-Pukke in Potchefstroom.

Raiders were not too pleased with the birthday gifts flank Savvas Nel received in the form of nine tries.

Pukke secured a 53-37 victory and this marked the seventh time they put more than 50 points past an opponent in this competition.

Tonight at 9pm UJ and Pukke will once again lock horns at the UJ Stadium in a match that could give Roodepoort some hope of sneaking a place in Stellenbosch.

Both UJ and Pukke have been playing outstanding rugby in the new Predator League and tonight’s match should be no exception. A UJ loss would benefit Roodepoort.

However, the recent return to form of fullback Earl Lewis could not have come at a better time for UJ. If the Johannesburg students have enough in the tank to counter big men like Dirco Rautenbach who ran Raiders ragged, Poorte’s dreams could be shattered.