DEFENDING champions NWU-Pukke will aim to win their fourth SAA Club Champs title in six years when they meet WP champions Hamilton in Saturday´s final, to be played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria (kick-off 13h00).Pukke advanced to the main event with a 43-16 (halftime 16-13) victory over spirited Valke champions Springs in a highly physical second semi-final at the LC de Villiers stadium on the University of Pretoria´s sport campus on Thursday. In the first semi, Hamilton powered to a convincing 34-12 (halftime 20-5) victory over KZN champions College Rovers in a match that confirmed their pre-tournament billing as one of the title favourites.

Pukke won the tournament in 2004, 2006 and 2008, while Hammies have never made it to the Club Champs in their 134-year history. But they qualified by winning the WP league for the first time since 1936 and victory over Pukke will cap off the most successful season since they were founded in 1875. The match is also the perfect climax to the South African club rugby season, as it pits the country´s best university and open teams against each other in a dream final to decide the overall club crown. If Hamilton win, they will become the first open club since Pirates in 2001 to win the Club Champs.

Free State champions Shimlas and home side Pretoria Police will contest the Plate final, to be played at the Loftus Versfeld B field on Saturday at 11h30. Shimlas beat Kuruman 49-12 (halftime 7-7) while Bobbies beat Great Brak River 52-26 (halftime 28-14) in Thursday´s semi-finals.