Clash will determine who will face Sasol

The Protours Premier League semi-final will be played at Nelspruit’s home ground.

There is little to choose between the teams and they shared the spoils in the two league matches played earlier in the season. Both have improved as the season progressed.

Nelspruit hosted Middelburg on May 5 and blew the Highvelders off the park, winning 52-10.

On July 7 they travelled to Middelburg, where the much-improved team beat Nelspruit 41-27.

The winner of tomorrow’s match will travel to Secunda on Saturday August 11 to take on the undefeated Sasol Rugby Club.

Coach Henk van Tonder believes the Lowveld boys are going to fight fire with fire. “Both of us like to run the ball and play with high intensity. The team which holds their composure will win,” he said on Wednesday.

Nelspruit captain, Jean Botha, wants to ensure that his team remain grounded building up to the big game. “We are looking forward to a great battle as Middelburg have become a strong contender for the title after some big wins. We as a team are building towards a Gold Cup spot and the spirit in the team is at an all-time high after the weekend’s win (31-17 vs White River I)”.

In a curtain-raiser Nelspruit II will face White River II in a friendly match at 14:00.

White River II have already qualified for the Premier Reserve League final and will contest the championship against Sasol II in Secunda the following Saturday.

Tomorrow’s main match will kick-off at 15:30.

Teams
Nelspruit
Morné “Kous” Crous, Tiaan le Roux, Lloyd Malatji, Jean Botha, Dylon Sonderlund, Wilmaure Louw, Tjokkie van Tonder, Francois Koch, Jos Stander, Jos de Jager, Mishack Fakude, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Friday Mavuso, Frans Jordaan, Stephan de Jager.
The reserves will be finalised at the conclusion of the second team match.

Middelburg
Rohan Stander, Danie Malan, Christiaan Els, Jacques Louw Badenhorst, Thabo Thabang, Gerhard Munroe, Xander Kritzinger, Divan Cronjé, Phillip Range, Phillip Mansfieldt, Heinrich Cronjé, Michael Benade, JP Schonveldt, Michael Gibley, Mario Leemans.
Reserves: Armand Els, Quintin van Zyl, Hercu Oosthuizen, Franscois van Niekerk, Duhan Davel, Jean Kemp, Ryan Phiri, Freek Greyling.