Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-12 14:00:00
The 2024 Nile Special Rugby Championship has reached a crucial stage with all 12 teams aware of their fate heading into the penultimate round of the regular season. The teams have been divided into eight for the championship battle and four for relegation, leaving them with the task of consolidating their positions in order to determine the playoff fixtures based on the final table standings.
One of the standout fixtures of the upcoming round is the clash between Jinja Hippos and Rhinos in Jinja. Hippos have exceeded expectations this season, currently sitting in second place with 35 points, just three points behind the league leaders, Heathens. Rhinos had a strong start to the season but were overtaken by Hippos in week six and have struggled to regain their momentum since then. With Rhinos currently in seventh place with 23 points, they are likely to face Hippos in the quarterfinals, making their matchup a crucial preview for the playoffs.
Both teams are aware of the significance of the game, with Hippos coach Ricardo Quaresma acknowledging Rhinos’ strengths in the scrum but vowing to push his team to their limits. Rhinos coach Martial Tchumkam, on the other hand, admits that his team has faltered in recent matches but promises a strategic and cautious approach to avoid revealing too much to their potential playoff opponents.
In other fixtures, Pirates and Kobs, tied on 28 points in third and fourth place respectively, will look to secure wins against relegation-threatened Kampani Eagles and Rams to maintain their positions in the top four. The top four teams will face the middle four in the quarterfinals, with Pirates and Kobs aiming to keep Buffaloes and Mongers, who are just a point below them, in the bottom bracket to gain an advantage in the playoffs.
Leaders Heathens will host Impis, while Buffaloes and Mongers will face Walukuba and Warriors in away fixtures. In the women’s fixtures, Black Pearls will take on Thunderbirds in a top-table clash, with Avengers battling She Wolves and Panthers seeking their first win against Ewes.
The upcoming round of fixtures promises to be intense and crucial for all teams as they jockey for playoff positions and strive to secure their spots in the next stage of the championship. Fans can expect thrilling matchups and fierce competition as the season reaches its climax.
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