Last year’s clash between the sides is still fresh in the memory. The Cheetahs edged the Elephants in Gqeberha, claiming a dramatic 47–35 victory after a late surge in the Friendly City, despite being under pressure for much of the match.

With neither side enjoying the best of starts to their campaign, there is plenty on the line heading into this fixture.

Armand Grobler - Eastern Province

Eastern Province are still searching for their first win of the competition, having gone down 29–23 to the Valke, suffered a heavy 47–10 defeat to the Pumas in Nelspruit, and narrowly lost 26–22 to the SWD Eagles at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week.

The Cheetahs, meanwhile, have had a mixed run. They went down 34–24 to the Boland Cavaliers at home, bounced back with a dominant 64–7 win over the Leopards in Potchefstroom, and saw last week’s clash against the Pumas in Bloemfontein abandoned due to persistent lightning after 35 minutes, with the hosts trailing 10–7 at the time.

Earlier this year, the Cheetahs were scheduled to face the Elephants in a warm-up match in Cradock - roughly halfway between Bloemfontein and Gqeberha - but that fixture was called off six days before kick-off due to a prop injury crisis in the EP camp.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Coetzee said Saturday’s clash is a significant one for both teams, although he believes the pressure may weigh slightly heavier on the hosts following last week’s no result.

“Both provinces haven’t had the best start to the campaign, so there’s definitely a sense of desperation in both camps heading into this match,” said Coetzee.

“I’ve seen real growth in our team. We’re in a much better place than we were before - there’s been steady progress and improvement.”

Coetzee added that missing the earlier friendly against the Cheetahs did set them back, but believes the side is beginning to find its rhythm.

Eastern Province captain and former Cheetahs lock Mzwanele Zito - Eastern Province

“Missing that friendly against the Cheetahs set us back slightly, but we’ve used the time to clear the cobwebs, sharpen our systems, and reduce individual errors,” he said.

“The players are starting to gel nicely and, despite the challenges, it’s helped build resilience within the squad. There’s still a very positive vibe in the camp.”

Regarding the match being played at Shimla Park, Coetzee admitted it presents its own challenges, but insisted the team is embracing the occasion.

“Playing away from our usual home ground can be frustrating, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and giving it our best in Bloemfontein.

EP versus Pumas in Gqeberha - Eastern Province

“This is a big match for both teams - you simply can’t afford to walk away without points. It could prove to be a tipping point in the competition.

“We’re under no real pressure. We’ll go out there, express ourselves, and play our game - but we know it’s going to be a proper battle.”

Saturday’s clash at Shimla Park on the University of the Free State campus is scheduled to kick off at 13:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport