Western Cape continued their amazing run at the Spar netball championships yesterday with a fourth win in succession, but their coach believes they face their toughest test yet today.

The defending champions will come up against Gauteng in what will be a competition of strength, height and power at the Hoy Park sports complex, as well as a battle to determine who tops the round robin phase.

Annelie Lucas, the Western Cape coach, knows victory over the equally strong, unbeaten Gauteng would make it almost inexorable that her side will defend their championships trophy.

"[Today] is the most important day for us. We have two important games, starting with KwaZulu-Natal then Gauteng," she said after Province's 48-39 win over Free State yesterday. "Us beating Free State makes it easier for us to go all the way, but no tournament is ever won on the third day. We need to get to the final."

The top two in the eight-team round robin stage will meet in the Saturday's final, with officials confirming a new format that does away with the semifinal stage.

Province's spot seems secure but there's a three-way battle to join them among second-placed Gauteng, Free State and North West.

"It's difficult to tell who will be there with us. I looked at the scoreboard and realised Free State have almost the same goal average as us. Our biggest threat is likely to come from Gauteng and Free State," Lucas said.