The race for the two spots in the final of the SARU u/20 Cup is wide open after some interesting results during the long weekend.
The DHL Western Province u/20 side surged to the top of the SA Rugby Under-20 Cup standings with a comprehensive 45-8 victory over the Toyota Cheetahs in Cape Town over the long weekend, while the Cell C Sharks caused an upset with a big victory over the defending champions, the Lions, in Durban.
The Capetonians overtook over the Lions, who suffered a surprise 61-30 loss to the Cell C Sharks in Durban, to take the top spot on the log.
The Vodacom Bulls u/20 had a bye last weekend and with a game in hand and only two log points less than the DHL Western Province u/20 and the Lions u/20, they are in a prime position to end the league phase at the top of the log.
Some crucial games are scheduled for this weekend with both games on Friday critical for the hopes of the Unions involved.
First up is the Toyota Cheetahs u/20 who will host the Cell C Sharks u/20 in Bloemfontein on Friday @ 12h00. Both sides have only one win out of three games and only unexpected losses from the three log leaders could open the door slightly for their championship hopes. Unfortunately for the Cell C Sharks u/20s, they found their brilliant form too late, however, they are still the favourites for tomorrow's game in Bloemfontein.
The battle at Emirates Airline Park between the Lions u/20 and Vodacom Bulls u/20 could be an unofficial "final". The Lions u/20s has been severely affected by injuries to key players during the past few weeks and this could once again cost them against a Vodacom Bulls u/20 team at full strength. The favourite? Mmmm I know who I want to win, however, ........
The last game of the weekend is between DHL Western Province u/20 and Eastern Province u/20 in Gqeberha on Saturday @ 12h00. If Western Province u/20 select a total of 10 blind players they should still win with a large margin.