Captain's Profile: Ruan Smit
With home ground advantage, the hosts will seek a third consecutive victory on Saturday.
Despite going into this encounter as clear favourites, No.8 Ruan Smit knows that Hoogenhout are never easy opponents.
Furthermore, with additional injuries and an average season, Smit feels that the class of 2016 is in for a tough encounter.
"It has always been a challenge to play against Hoogenhout. They are worthy competitors in the Highveld League and will want to shift the momentum.
"We have experienced the highs and lows of a typical season with many injuries, but are always able to get back up and fight.
"Going into Saturday's match, we are still experiencing difficulties with key players being injured and that is always a big blow when it comes crucial encounters. But we are full of confidence that we can make our school proud and build on previous generations' success," Smit said.
If Ermelo manage to keep their record intact, Smit will be inaugurated in that illustrious list of successful captains.
"To be part of the first XV is amazing, we are a close bunch of supportive guys. Thus, to lead them is a bonus and is a great honour to be associated with such a fantastic school with a rich rugby history.
"There is pressure when it comes to captaincy, but I believe in my strength as a player and my captain’s philosophy.
"A captain should lead by example and always strive for greatness. That is the legacy I hope to leave behind when I matriculate," he added.
