Both teams are still very much in the hunt for a spot in the semi-finals and the winner will also assure themselves of a place in the last four.

The pressure will be on the Shimlas as they are currently fifth in the standings, while the Ixias, in turn, are in fourth. Their defeat to the NWU Eagles in Potchefstroom did see them slip two places in the standings, however, they remain confident.

The Shimas will want to build on their momentum after grinding to a 26-25 victory over UJ last week.

The Shimlas have been boosted with the return of their influential captain, Thabang Mahalasi, who has recovered from his Achilles tendon injury and has been named in their starting line-up at flank.

The coach of the Shimlas, André Tredoux, told OFM Sport that Monday’s game is being treated like a quarter-final by his team.

“The Ixias have been playing some really great rugby this year, and you can see it in the results,” said Tredoux.

“Monday evening's game is almost like a quarter-final with the semi-final spot still up for grabs.

“We've prepared well and hopefully the boys can do the business and we are looking forward to a cracking game of rugby.”

The coach of the Ixias, Melusi Mthethwa – who is also an assistant coach to Pieter Bergh at the Griquas – told OFM Sport that the aim is to reach the knockout round, the focus is solely on their city rivals for now.

“Regarding the semi-finals, to be honest, we are not looking that far ahead, we are just wanting to do well on Monday and take it one game at a time,” said Mthethwa, who previously coached at the Cheetahs and Shimlas.

“We will see what happens after the game and if we get a win, it will be really awesome. From there we will tackle the next game and see what happens.

“The boys are really excited and they look ready for the match.”

Monday evening’s Bloemfontein derby at Shimla Park kicks off at 19:00.

Meanwhile, at the same time the log-leading North West University Eagles will tackle the Ikeys in Cape Town.

Shimlas - 15 AV Maceve, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Joose Nel, 11 Asanda Kunene, 10 Litha Nkula, 9 Chadd Adams, 8 Kwezi Dlamini, 7 Thabang Mahlasi, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Dylan Sjöblom, 4 Pierre Uys, 3 Frankie dos Reis, 2 William Moffat, 1 Johan Schutte.

Replacements - 16 Liyema Mgwigwi, 17 Brian Nkosi, 18 Henty Beukes, 19 Reinier Viljoen, 20 Tyreec Liedeman, 21 Lohan Potgieter, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Ethan Wentzel.

CUT Ixias - 15 Lushan Vergotine, 14 Adielson Gouveia, 13 Lesley Botha/ Zachery Bester, 12 Jandré de Beer, 11 Sipho Malumane, 10 Tyler Sefoor, 9 Xavier Swartbooi, 8 Francois Bester, 7 Ulrich Stander, 6 Janco Cloete, 5 Matthew Sekekele, 4 Phindile Marubelela, 3 Zean Augestyn, 2 Tiaan Drotskie, 1 Hendrik Bessenger.

Replacements - 16 Albert Venter, 17 Mamello Moshoaliba, 18 Sisipho Nofuya, 19 Jurie van der Walt, 20 Daniel Venter, 21 Bongi Mkhwebane, 22 Lesley Botha/ Zachery Bester, 23 Johannes du Toit

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport