Regarded as one of the six Test unions a decade or two ago, Eastern Province used to be one of the most difficult opponents within South African rugby structures. Playing at the then-called Boet Erasmus Stadium, many provincial and touring international sides left Port Elizabeth with their reputations shattered by the men in red and black hoops. The last couple of years were difficult for EP, but they remain focused on climbing the ladder back to the top echelons of provincial rugby in the country.