The all-Collegians' derby between Durban and Maritzburg at Woodburn Stadium in the capital on Saturday should be an enthralling encounter with the home side having improved tremendously this season. Certainly their performance against the 2013 Fidelity Security champions Jonsson College Rovers a fortnight ago, albeit with a few Sharks players in their lineup, would have left them feeling a lot more confident as they prepare to face the side that has won the Moor Cup more times than any other club in the Province.

Currently top of the Premier Division log, SA Home Loans Durban Collegians now have a six point cushion over their closest rivals Rovers and will want to secure their lead, but Ricoh Maritzburg Collegians have been a revelation this season and will undoubtedly be prepared for the challenge from surely the favourites to take the league this year.

The Maritzburg side are sure to have great support this weekend as the old rivals square up to face each other. Maritzburg Collegians, founded in 1903, celebrated their centenary in 2003 and who could forget the late Josie Nel, the then widow of the legendary 1937 Springbok captain Philip Nel, handing his valuable Springbok blazer to the now 111 year old club at a most memorable banquet.

Durban Collegians was founded three years later in 1906 and also have two Springbok captains on their honours' board, namely Tommy Bedford and Wynand Claassen. So, with so much proud history behind each club, we can expect a memorable afternoon of rugby with new friendships and wonderful rugby camaraderie.

In Durban, Rovers will host another hugely-improved side in Amanzimtoti on their home grounds on Kings Park 3. Rovers let matters slip against Maritzburg Collegians in their last outing, dropping a valuable log point in their 19-3 win over their hosts in the capital. Toti, on the other hand, will want to improve on the first round result against the eight-time champions and will be going all out to spoil their party. Certainly Rovers can ill-afford to drop more log points as the clubs enter the last four rounds.

In the other games, Nashua Crusaders entertain their neighbours Varsity College at their Ranleigh Crescent headquarters in Durban North, which sees Saders as possible favourites to take the honours, while Thanda Zululand Rhinos are at home to FNB UKZN Impi in the bottom of the log battle for survival. All games kick off at 3.30pm

There is also a huge battle going on in the South Section of the First Division with Richards Bay hosting South Coast Warriors while Harlequins, who seem to be back on track, host Hillcrest out on the Bluff and Jaguars entertain Ballito Dolphins with Westville Old Boys travelling to the Durban campus to meet UKZN Durban. All these games also kickoff at 3.30pm

Meanwhile, Glenwood High School, fresh from hosting the Under 13 Craven Week are now busy in association with the KZNRU hosting the National Under 16 Girls rugby tournament with some highly entertaining rugby being played.

Jos Robson