Pirates vs. Buffaloes (Friday), 5pm Legends
Heathens vs. Warriors, 4:30pm Kyadondo
Kobs vs. Rams, 2:30pm Legends
Rhinos vs. Mongers, 4:30pm Legends
The Nile Special Rugby Premiership returns this weekend as early as Friday when two inform sides in Buzz Pirates and Toyota Buffaloes square off in what on paper looks like the game of the weekend. Pirates are enjoying a stellar season, sitting second on the log standings on 47 points, six behind leaders Hima Heathens.
Buffaloes were a pain to watch earlier in the season due to the absence of key players like Eric Kasiita, Pius Ogena, Kevin Keremundu, Solomon Okia and James Odongo that were all part of the national sevens side playing in the HSBC World Series. Buffaloes now have a full strength side and were unplayable as they outwitted moneybags Shell Rimula Rhinos at Kyadondo last week. With all their troops intact, Buffaloes have the firepower to push Pirates to the limit.
Kobs surprisingly swept Mongers away 55-19 at the ‘house of pain’ last week, boosting their confidence despite being third on the log. They host Rams on Saturday in a game they are expected to gather maximum points to keep the pressure on both Pirates and Heathens.
Heathens host Warriors who looked lost against Pirates last week. Warriors will need to fix their porous defence if they are to leave Kyadondo with a respectable score line as they take on a Heathens side that are league top scorers. Meanwhile Rhinos, fresh from a disappointing outing at Buffaloes will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they host Entebbe Mongers who themselves had a game to forget against holders Kobs last Saturday. Impis will have a day off as their opponents Gulu Elephants are serving a one-year ban from all rugby competitions following disqualification for giving away two walkovers in the league.