Paarl Rocks head coach Adrian Birrell is understandably wary of a motivated Nelson Mandela Bay Giants outfit ahead of Wednesday’s Mzansi Super League fixture at Boland Park.

The Giants beat the Rocks earlier in the tournament, but have since slipped to defeats at the hands of the Jozi Stars and Tshwane Spartans – and shared a washout with the Durban Heat.

‘They went out very strong, won their first few matches and got themselves into a good position,’ said Birrell.

‘They’re a fantastic team. Like us, they’ve blown hot and cold. They’ve had some disappointing losses, so we’re very much in the same boat as them.

‘But now they are struggling for that play-off spot, just like we are. But we are evenly matched, with match-winners on either side, so it’s going to be a fabulous match. Hopefully we come out on the right side of it.’

The Giants currently occupy third position in the six-team standings, while the Rocks are fifth. The Cape Town Blitz are at the top of the log – and have secured a home final. The Heat are last – and have been ruled out of the running. The Jozi Stars are in second place.

‘It’s obviously a knockout game. We know the maths and we have to obviously win our game. There’s no chance if we don’t win,’ added Birrell.

‘First and foremost is to prepare for the match and make sure we’re up for it. That’s it. If we pitch up and perform how I know we can, we’ll have every chance of progressing.’

Photo: Gallo