Captain's profile: Mauritz Swanepoel
Zwartkop have been on the wrong side of the result for the last four years and Swanepoel knows they are without a doubt the underdogs heading into the encounter. However, they head into this match off the back of a what he calls a "great season."
"The team has really stepped up this season and that has contributed to it being great but we know the season is far from over and that we still have a lot of hard work ahead of us. That hard work continues in this Classic Clash.
"We are certainly heading into it as the underdogs simply because they [Eldoraigne] have been so successful in the recent past. However, we will be looking to change that on Saturday. I think we have the team that can do it.
"We are a well-balanced group of players and although we may be missing some first choice players, the team remains strong and everyone is pulling their weight. It is important to me that we play as a team and that there is a good team vibe. I always tell my team mates to never stop playing no matter the score," Swanepoel said.
The 18-year-old lock certainly has the experience, having played in the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week where he had the opportunity of playing with and against some excellent players. The honour of wearing the Bulls daisy is the highlight of his short career thus far.
That experience will need to come to the fore in what is sure to be an epic battle.
"We are expecting their forwards to come hard us because that is their traditional game plan. They have massive forwards and look to use them as much as they can. That means that there will be an epic battle at the breakdown as both schools will look to dominate in that part of the game.
"Regardless of what we expect from them [Eldoraigne], it will be highly important for us to remain focussed on our goals and work towards that. At the same time, we have to enjoy every moment and embrace it.
"It's a great privilege and honour to lead such a wonderful team. Every player has leadership qualities, which is why being named captain came as a surprise to me. But I have accepted the challenge and just want to give my best on and off the field.
"I want to play my heart out and put my body on the line for the team," he added.
Swanepoel dreams of playing the sport at university level while studying Nature Conservation.
