The gloves will be off this afternoon (Monday, 28 August) on the Varsity Netball courts when Pukke and Tuks go head to head in another classic encounter in round 2 of the 2017 Varsity Netball.

These two illustrious netball varsities started their campaigns off on winning note and would like nothing better than to remain unbeaten and claim bragging rights at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein.

Pukke triumphed over UJ 59-25 while Tuks defeated Kovsies on their home court with by 53-43 this past Sunday. Tuks will definitely be gunning to get one over Pukke for a change, after the side from Potchefstroom beat them in the final last year. This will be a difficult task as Dorette Badenhorst’s  well gelled side will look to keep their perfect record intact. Tuks, under coach Jenny van Dyk, will on the other hand be eager for success later today and will count on a number of experienced veterans on the field.

Both coaches and players have definitely seen enough of one another and a tactical chess match can be expected on the court. One move could make or break the match, especially with a two power-play looming in the 60 minutes.

Here are three key match ups in this afternoon’s cash

• Shadine van der Merwe (Tuks) vs. Anja Esterhuizen (NWU-Pukke)

Experienced and youth will collide in this match up where the experienced Tuks defender, Van der Merwe, will look to keep the young up and coming Esterhuizen at bay. The Tuks captain has been in tremendous form after a superb season in the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League and will definitely be a thorn in Pukke;s side. It will be up to Pukke and Esterhuizen to hold the momentum and sink their shots when given the opportunity.

• Marlize de Bruin (Tuks)  vs. Romé Dreyer (NWU-Pukke)

This centre court battle will be one for the ages, as both players are currently spearheading their teams’ attacks. 2017 has been Dreyer’s year and the dark haired centre will want to continue her rise with a stunning performance for Pukke. If Dreyer gets going, then she will be difficult to stop. Momentum will be won and lost in this battle today.

• Chanté Louw (Tuks)vs. Zandré Erasmus (NWU-Pukke)

Another encounter between attack and defence will occur here as the experienced defensive play of Erasmus will be a massive challenge for newcomer Louw. The latter impressed in Tuks’ opener against Kovsies where she attained a 100 per cent shooting record – on her Varsity Netball debut none the less! Maybe, Erasmus and company will have the answer that Kovsies defence did not have. A mount watering clash to say the least.

The match between Pukke and Tuks start at 17:15 and is live on Supersport 210

Teams:

Pukke: Anja Esterhuizen (GS), Claudia van den Berg (GS), Marike Maree (GS, GA), Jessica du Plessis (GA), Mandy Hermanus (WA, C), Nicole Amiras (WA, C), Romé Dreyer (C), Didi Keebine (WD), Chanté Bester (captain, WD), Simoné Rabie (GD, GK), Zandré Erasmus (GK, GD), Monique Reyneke (GK, GD)

Coach: Dorette Badenhorst

Tuks: Chanté Louw (GS), Duné Streutker (GS), Rumandi Potgieter (GA, WA), Jeanette Vermeulen (GA, WA), Anique Grobler (WA, C), Tshina Mdau (WA, WD), Marlize de Bruin (C, WD), Akosua Mensah (WD, GD), Lungile Mthembu (WD, GD), Shadine van der Merwe (captain, GD, GK), Juzelri Garbers (GD, GK), Jasmine Ziegelmeier (GK)

Coach: Jenny van Dyk