The Eagles have had an up-and-down campaign thus far with three wins and three losses in their six games to date.

With the semi-finals looming, a win in Potchefstroom this evening will be imperative.

Eagles captain, Sampie Swiegers, told OFM Sport that they will target a bonus point win.

“Unfortunately, we lost against the Maties in Stellenbosch, but this week against the Madibaz it is going to be a crucial game for us with the playoffs around the corner.

“Five-points is definitely something that we are going to work for tonight. It's going to be a hard game and definitely not going to be easy.

“The Madibaz is a team that should not be underestimated, so we've prepared very well for them.

“I think that the boys are ready and up for the challenge.”

Kick-off at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds is at 19:00. At the same time, the Orange Army of UJ will host the second placed Shimlas in Johannesburg.

NWU Eagles – 15 Heinrich Botha, 14 Pienaar van Niekerk, 13 Theunis Pretorius, 12 Isrome Phatudi, 11 Tino Swanepoel, 10 Martin Venter, 9 Sylvester Hassien, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Kagiso Woodbridge, 6 Chris Vermaak, 5 Ruben Dreyer, 4 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 3 Sampie Swiegers (captain), 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Ruben du Plessis.

Replacements - 16 Chyle van Zyl, 17 Jason Jansen, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Wihan Nel, 20 André Fouché, 21 Riaan Genis, 22 Nivan Petersen, 23 Keenan Twigg.

Madibaz – 15 Kyle Cyster, 14 Jade Stoffels, 13 Reese Cambier, 12 Troy Delport, 11 Kholiwe Khonza, 10 Siphosethu Dlongodlongo, 9 Anovuyo Moyikwa, 8 Arnouw Nel (captain), 7 Leon van der Merwe, 6 Alwaba Bobelo, 5 Terrance Siyaya, 4 Dylan Halgreen, 3 Marco Nortje, 2 Ruan Jonker, 1 Endinako Kuse.

Replacements - 16 Kyle Erasmus, 17 Likhona Dywili, 18 Aqhamile Limba, 19 Umna Tokwe, 20 Siphelo Sanyinyi, 21 Wayne Moss, 22 Brandt Fields, 23 Lennox Holster.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport