by Ben-Piet Lotter
The Transvaal Rugby Union (TRU) and the Transvaal Independent Rugby Football Union (TIRFU) were united in 1992, merging their rich rugby histories dating back to 1889 and resulting in the birth of the Golden Lions Rugby Union. This time also marks the formation of the TIRFU Raiders Rugby Football Club in the suburb of Bosmont. Raiders, the host of our feature game this weekend is the only pre-unity club competing in the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge and have borne the responsibility of representing several of the previously disadvantaged clubs with aplomb.
Wanderers will travel to the Raiders’ Bill Jardine Stadium on Saturday, eager to restore some pride after their loss to Alberton two weeks ago. Similarly, Raiders will be seeking redemption after narrowly going down to Pirates in their last match. Expect the Raiders faithful to give them an edge with their customary rollicking support from the stands, adding to the atmosphere on the day.
In other games this weekend Roodepoort are at home to Alberton, a tough match for the young Alberton team who will be keen to kick on from their win over Wanderers. In the ‘clash of the students’ the University of Johannesburg hosts the still unbeaten WITS. The other two undefeated teams, Pirates and PUKKE will do battle on Sir Lionel Phillips Park, with Pirates hoping to convert their home ground advantage into a win.
We look forward to another weekend of exhilarating rugby as the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge keeps gathering momentum in its third week. Get down to your local club or join us at Raiders for the feature match on Saturday as we enjoy the day with the fans, sponsors, and players.
If you are not in town this weekend you can watch the main game live, streamed on:Â https://www.youtube.com/live/32l80k-H1aU?feature=share
