Western Province and Free State will again close the 41st Coca-Cola Craven Week when they clash in the final game of the competition in Nelspruit on Saturday.
Although there is no official winner of the Craven Week, the team that wins the main game on the final day is widely regarded as the unofficial SA Schools rugby champion.
Western Province, on that basis, are the defending champions, with a possible hat-trick on the cards.
Province played, and beat, the Free Staters last year in Wellington — a repeat performance of the 2002 final in Pietermaritzburg.
Sporting big forwards and a number of pacy backs, both teams impressed in their first two outings. Predictions are difficult to make, but the historical advantage enjoyed by the Cape players should make them favourites.
Boland are a surprise choice to play in Friday’s main curtain-raiser against the Blue Bulls. The boys from the western Cape’s wine-growing region have impressed with adventurous backline play and should make full use of the honour.
The Lions will meet Eastern Province in the tournament’s third last game. — Sapa