House of Paint College Rovers will leave for Pretoria at the end of this week ranked second at the National Club Rugby Championships after narrowly losing against Pukke in last year's final in Stellenbosch.

Rovers who have been unquestionably the club side of the decade in KwaZulu-Natal will face the development side from Gauteng Impala Leopards at 1pm on Sunday afternoon and should they go through unscathed, then they will meet the winners of the the game between Shimlas from the Free State or Parks representing the Mighty Elephants once again after last being at club champs back in 2002.

It's interesting to note that Hamilton-Seapoint Rugby Club, the oldest club in South Africa, will be making their first appearance at club champs this year. The 134 year old club will be representing Western Province and should be considered a real threat for the tournament as they really have turned their fortunes around since 2005 and are undoubtedly one of the most improved clubs in the country.

Maybe it could just be wishful thinking but a 'Hammies' final against Rovers could be an ideal way to end the 2009 season. Who knows, we could just get that wish to come true? Certainly former Springbok captain the late Roy Dryburgh who played for both clubs during his illustrious career would be a happy and proud man.

Whatever the outcome we wish our KZNRU representatives well.

The Rovers squad, which will be finalised before their departure is as follows: Chris Jordaan, Wesley Bodmer, Matt de Beer, Chester Ncedo, Anton Verster, Douw Steyn, Neil Cole, Eric Ngoie, Justin Downey, TC Khoza, Michael Rhodes, Kobus du Rand, Patric Cilliers, Alistair Scwikkard (Captain), Craig Burden, Sean Brannigan, Kurt Schonnert, Nico Claasen, Shannon Rick, Jerome Pretorious, Zimele Khoza, Jacques Potgieter, Shane Spring, Ross David-Anderson, Jonno Kee, Justin Menwell, Alex Hauk, Thabo Tshabalala and Charles Emslie.

- Jos Robson - The Mercury