18 Aug 2016

Defending champions Gaborone Hogs will visit the SSKB Stadium for a potentially explosive Super Rugby clash against UB Rhinos at 2pm on Saturday (August 20).

The match has a huge bearing on teams that will reach the Super Rugby final since the two foes are trailing run-away log leaders BDF Cheetahs with the campaign left with two rounds of matches to conclude.

Cheetahs are currently perched pretty at the top of the standings with 15 points, followed by the Hogs with 10 points, while Rhinos are third with nine points. 

LKC Jaguars props the table with three points with all teams having played four matches. 

The two teams at the top after six matches will contest the final.

Cheetahs can secure their berth in the final if they beat Jaguars in the second match at 4PM on Saturday. 

If the Hogs emerge victorious on Saturday, they could also seal a place in the final at the expense of Rhinos.Therefore, Rhinos find themselves in a tantalizing situation of needing nothing but victory against the Hogs to avoid getting eliminated from the race.

If Rhinos manage to win this weekend, the university team will then face another must win encounter, against Cheetahs in their last match next weekend for them to sneak into the final.

Rhinos' coach Mooketsi Ramakele said their preparations for the match have gone according to plan. “In our last match against Hogs we had a challenge of going out of our 22 metre line, but we have worked on those mistakes and the guys have responded well. ” Ramakele said in an interview on Thursday.

He said some of his players have picked knocks after playing consecutive matches for the past four weeks. 

Ramakele also said they have worked on mental strength of players to make sure that they do not feel the pressure of the occasion. 

The Hogs romped to a 25-0 victory over Rhinos in the league first round. They also narrowly beat Rhinos 28-25 in their first Super Rugby clash few weeks back. 

This is something which will give the defending champions a psychological edge on Saturday. 

However, Rhinos will not be short of confidence themselves after beating Jaguars 20-12 last weekend. ENDS