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Pirates vs.Heathens has the making of a final
Stanbic Black Pirates' Brandon Kebba scrambles for a loose ball with Heathens' backrow veteran Scot Oluoch. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Both sides are tied at the top of the table with 19 points, after collecting three bonus points each but Heathens hold a slight edge with a superior point difference of 140, two more than Pirates’ count.
What was predicted as the Nile Special Rugby Premiership’s game of the season has grown into an even bigger spectacle. Saturday’s fixture at the Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere has all the makings of a final.
Both sides are tied at the top of the table with 19 points, after collecting three bonus points each but Heathens hold a slight edge with a superior point difference of 140, two more than Pirates’ count.
While it may not decide the title tilt due to the current premiership format, this match could have lasting implications on who tops the table at the end of the regular season. The tight competition, intensity and recent history between these sides make it a ‘final before the final.’ The two have shared the league titles among themselves since 2017, Heathens taking a lion’s share with five.
“Over the years, this fixture has turned into tough encounters and it’s not any different this time,” Heathens number eight Michael Wokorach who has seen it all for the last two decades in encounters of this magnitude remarks.
“The team that will show that they want it more and minimize errors will take the day. We have to keep them from damaging our defence, master our different patterns and play quick rugby,” he added.
Pirates, who are today’s hosts have been in fine form, aim to unsettle the champions.
“It’s a very important game in this part of the season but we’re not losing focus. We take it like any other game but believe we have enough resources to grind results out of it,” Frank Kidega, Pirates’ captain, noted.
National team setback
Both teams boast experienced squads with dynamic attacking threats and solid defenses. Just like last season’s final in which Heathens capitalized on home advantage to win 15-13, this fixture is expected to be a physical battle, with dominance in the breakdowns but the set-pieces will most likely be decisive.
Heathens will miss the services of their main kicker Malcom Okello who has successfully registered 18 conversions this season raking in 49 points. Alongside Nobert Okeny, the duo are among the players in the national sevens camp that are unavailable.
Pirates will also miss their top-try scorers Alex Aturinda and Roy Kizito who have scored three tries apiece so far. But all eyes will be on Michael Wokorach whose transition into a number seems complete with the bulky giant boasting of eight tries from the opening four games.
Beyond the points at stake, this clash is also about momentum and psychological advantage. A win here could set the tone for the playoffs, with both sides odds-on favourites to reach the final.
The earlier curtain raiser will serve a cracker between the top two sides in the women’s league as Black Pearls host Thunderbirds. Back in Kyadondo, Victoria Sharks will host Kobs in another determinant for the top four race as Hippos head to Mbale to face low-flying Elgon Wolves.
Nile Special Rugby Premiership
Saturday fixtures - 4pm
Men
Pirates vs. Heathens – Kings Park Arena
Elgon Wolves vs. Jinja Hippos – Mbale
Victoria Sharks vs. Kobs – Kyadondo
Buffaloes vs. Eagles – Kyadondo (2pm)
Walukuba vs. Mongers – Jinja
Warriors vs. Rhinos – Legends
Women – 2pm
She Wolves vs. Ewes – Mbale
Panthers vs. Avengers – Legends
Black Pearls vs. Thunderbirds – Kings Park
