Taieri will host University in a pseudo-final at Peter Johnstone Park.
It is a top-of-the-table clash and the winner will collect the Speight’s Jug as the winner of the first round.
The fixture doubles as the Paul Sapsford Memorial.
It is also old members’ day at the Taieri club, and seasoned winger Marc Rooney will notch his 100th game for the team.
There are so many reasons for the Eels faithful to populate the embankment.
Taieri have played some sparkling rugby during the past month. They are a good watch and coach Josh Casey is delighted with how the season is coming together.
‘‘It took us a wee bit longer than we would have liked to sort of click into gear,’’ Casey said.
‘‘There were a few things out of our control that were going on in the background. But in the last month we’ve really started finding that groove and, yeah, we’ve probably been pretty lucky that we’ve been able to keep the same side out in the field pretty much, which definitely helped.’’
Their loose forward trio is arguably the most formidable in the competition.
Nick Henderson has made a positive impact on his return to the club. Sam Fischli is a force at No 8 and Thomas Bolton punches above his weight class.
Bolton is probably only about 84kg, but pound for pound, probably the toughest in the competition.
‘‘He’s been massive for us.’’
The Whaanga brothers, Matt and Josh, have teamed up in the midfield.
They are organised on defence and damaging ball-carriers.
Hooker Jared Ruwhiu-Bott has been a nice find, and first five Archie Body has been sound.
The Eels perhaps do not have a heap of X-factor, but they are a nicely balanced side with very few weaknesses.
They finish games strongly and play a structured game, which serves them well.
Discipline is one area they will need to improve.
University have been performing nicely, but have perhaps just slipped back a touch in recent weeks.
They were not terribly convincing during the 42-25 win over Alhambra-Union and were defeated 24-21 by Southern in a tense battle at Bathgate Park last week.
They will also be missing key player Stanley Solomon. The talented fullback is on Highlanders duty.
Kaikorai should have too much finishing power for Zingari-Richmond at Bishopscourt.
Alhambra-Union will be disappointed that they let a win slip against Zingari-Richmond last weekend and will be targeting a win against Harbour at the North Ground.
Dunedin have been struggling and travel to Miller Park to play Green Island.
The Sharks are not quite in must-win territory yet, but they are closing the gap.
