Marlow captain: Nelius van Heerden

Marlow Landbou captain Nelius van Heerden believes his team is ready for a tough encounter when his side travels to Oakdale Landbou in a FNB Classic Clash.

Van Heerden knows his side are underdogs heading into the match as Oakdale have had the better of them in recent years but he wants that to change.

"They have gotten the better of us in recent years and that makes this game so much bigger for us. Hopefully we can head there and walk away with the win," he said.

The matriculant who will take up his position at blindside flank is currently in his third year of playing for the first XV has represented Eastern Province Country Districts in 2012 and 2013.

"Playing in the Craven Week was a big learning curve for me. I had the opportunity to test my ability against the best in the country," he added.

School pride and passion runs through van Heerden's veins as he described wearing Marlow's first XV jersey as being the highlight of his career thus far.

"I experience the highlight of my career every time I have been able to wear the first XV jersey but I know that this coming game (against Oakdale) will rank up there in the highlight reel," he said.

Despite having some lows this season, Marlow will draw inspiration from some good results they've had against Framesby, Brandwag and Rondebosch as they head into the biggest match of their season.

"We will go into the game with an experienced team. Currently we have 10 matriculants and five players who are in grade 11. So it's safe to say that we are at full strength," he said.

Van Heerden believes their hosts won't change their style of play for the match and expects a physical game.

The young man hopes to study law at UFS-Kovsies and also represent the university in the Varsity Cup competition.