South Africa

The University of Cape Town will be looking for revenge when they host Stellenbosch University in what promises to be an entertaining Intervarsity league meeting at Groote Schuur on Friday (kick-off 18.00 - 16.00 GMT).

The Ikeys owe the Maties one after their gut-wrenching loss in the final of the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup last month and UCT head coach John Dobson has a host of fit-again stars to choose from for this encounter at the 'Green Mile'.

Squad captain JJ Gagiano is ready to take the lead once again after picking up a nasty haematoma in that final, whilst lock Mike Ledwidge and prolific wing-cum-fullback Mathew Turner are also back to full fitness.

German international Bodo Sieber will add even more fire to the Ikey Tigers' second row, whilst loose forward Jody Birch is also eligible for selection after sitting out the Varsity Cup; along with established UCT players like Sieber and Vakai Hove - all of whom were too old to play in the Varsity Cup.

"I guess it's fair to say we owe Stellenbosch one," admitted Dobson this week. "Losing in the Varsity Cup Final was a bitter pill to swallow for the squad and it certainly contributed to our poor start to the league. That, and our long injury list - the Varsity Cup took its toll!"

Maties, after their fortuitous Varsity Cup win in the dying seconds of regulation time, have been in fine form this since then, picking up a maximum of 25 points from their first five league matches.

Dobson continued: "We all know that Maties are never an easy side to beat, even at the 'Green Mile', but we've taken 10 points from our last two matches after an indifferent start.

"Our last game, a 32-7 away win over Villagers, has given us a lot of confidence and it's great to have some guys back to full fitness for a big occasion like this.

"Intervarsities are always special affairs and we're hoping to maintain the vibe and the spirit from the Varsity Cup semifinal against Pukke - a game that we will always remember at the club for many reasons."