Thus far the Ixias have not managed to chalk up a single win in the competition and relegation is close to becoming a reality.

UWC in their turn are just one point clear of the Ixias in the standings and they too will be feeling the heat.

The Ixias flyhalf for today, Zinedine Booysen, told OFM Sport that a win is non-negotiable.

“Tonight, is definitely a must-win game for us,” said the player who is better known for wearing the number nine jersey.

“For both teams it will be a must-win game. Facing relegation now with the combined log over the last two years, a bonus point win will be fantastic at this point in time.

“It is going to be a tough one, but we are definitely looking forward to it.

“Especially with us being on tour for the last week, there has been a good vibe in the camp. There is a real buzz in the camp ahead of tonight’s game.”

This game in Bellville kicks off at 17:00. At 19:00 the NWU Eagles tackle the Madibaz in Potchefstroom while the Shimlas play away to UJ in Johannesburg.

UWC – 15 Tiaan Henecke, 14 Tasriq Mynhardt, 13 Aydon Topley, 12 Lubelo Scott, 11 Will Vraagom, 10 Lyle Hendricks (captain), 9 Conwill Conradie, 8 Romuald Ntumba, 7 Godfrey Muzanarwo, 6 Nicholas Chipanje, 5 Jaen-Louis de Lange, 4 Bronlee Mouries, 3 Riaan van der Merwe, 2 Mauritz Swart, 1 Haniel du Toit.

Replacements - 16 Husayn Banzi, 17 Keanuh Michaels, 18 Andries Engelbrecht, 19 Asive Mjoli, 20 Gino Kemp, 21 Patrick Kotze, 22 Tandile Hoyi, 23 Justin Theys.

CUT Ixias – 15 Floris Brand, 14 Gian Bester, 13 Christiaan Venter, 12 Septimus Derkesen, 11 Jacquin van Wyk, 10 Zinedene Booysen, 9 Xavier Swartbooi, 8 Luvuyo Ndevu (captain), 7 Kevin Strydom, 6 Andile Mfaswe, 5 Matthew Sekele, 4 Ulrich Stander, 3 Cohen Kiewit, 2 Tiaan Drotske, 1 Albertus Venter.

Replacements - 16 Tebogo Masemola, 17 Mamelo Moshoaliba, 18 Sisipho Nofuya, 19 Francois Bester, 20 Jan Kotze, 21 Jakobus du Plessis, 22 Tsepo Malumane, 23 Karabo Maqeba.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport