Mixed bag of rugby teams gearing up for weekend action

COMING off a 35-10 defeat by Langenhoven Gym in Oudtshoorn, Brandwag face another searching test of their character when they take on Framesby in Port Elizabeth tomorrow at 12.30pm.

The Uitenhage school have had a somewhat patchy year so far and lost for the first time in five years to Daniel Pienaar in their FNB Classic Clash.

It will not get any easier against Framesby today, with home team flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg sure to play an influential role as they look to rack up their fourth win in a row.

Framesby have only lost twice this year, both of them close results, and they should go into this match as favourites.

Across town, another big annual clash takes place when VP host Pearson at 11.30.

VP will be motivated to regain their winning form after losing to Muir. But they will face a daunting task against a strong Pearson team.

The Summerstrand school have one player in the Craven Week A squad (Justin Antonie), and three in the B squad (Wesley Jones, Jonathan Ford and Siva Mandlake), plus another in the under-16 squad (Sithembiso Metshe), and it will take a special effort by VP to upset the odds.

Muir are at home to Westering and the Uitenhagers are getting on something of a roll. They will be looking for their third straight win, but will face a buoyant Westering outfit, who snatched a draw with a last-minute try against Union High School last weekend.

There will be another interesting showdown in Uitenhage when Daniel Pienaar host neighbours Despatch.

With only a win over Andrew Rabie in their last eight matches, Despatch will start as the underdogs, but the home side should be prepared for a competitive encounter.

Daniel Pienaar did not play last weekend because of the Craven Week trials and they will need to quickly find their rhythm to keep Despatch at bay. Otto du Plessis showed good form in outclassing Uitenhage last weekend, but they will face a much sterner test against Nico Malan at Algoa Park.

Although influential Nico eighth man Martin Groenewald has moved to Grey High, the Humansdorp side are highly capable and the elusive Selvyn Davids on the wing will keep most defences busy.

Cradock agricultural school Marlow will be looking to get back on the winning track after successive losses when they travel to Kimberley for a clash with Diamantveld.