Set to face off at Mercury Drive on Saturday afternoon, a win for either side would see them secure the all-important double chance, with the currently-second-placed Rumbalara one win ahead of the Purples, who sport a stronger percentage.
Adding an extra dimension to this blockbuster clash, both sides enter this round in sparkling form, with Rumba dropping just one game since round three and Nathalia winning its past six games.
Serving as perfect preparation for the upcoming finals series, Purples coach Blaise Mortimer said her team could not wait for the challenge.
“It is definitely going to be a tough one and we are certainly looking at it as being a dress rehearsal for the finals,” Mortimer said.
“Teams like Rumbalara are going to provide the calibre of netball we are going to come up against in the finals and it will be a great tussle between second and third.
“I feel like we play very similar styles of netball which will make for a great game.”
And with the carrot of a top-two finish on the end of it, Mortimer said her team would be desperate from the opening whistle.
“There is so much to play for on Saturday,” she said.
“It would absolutely be ideal if we came away with the win and took that second spot on the ladder, but we know Rumba won’t make it easy for us.
“You can never underestimate how important it is to have a second chance come finals time, and we will come to Rumbalara this weekend determined to get it.”
The second meeting between the two sides this season, a weakened Nathalia couldn’t match the Rumba juggernaut back in round 11, falling 41-21 on its home court.
But Mortimer said that day was a true turning point in her team’s season, with the Purples not dropping a game since.
“We took a lot away from that game, we’ve had injuries, illnesses, people away and all those sorts of things, so we’ve come away from that and built a very versatile side,” she said.
“We’ve looked at what we need to improve on, got to work on that and now have a good side that is playing great netball.
“I hope we can definitely take it up to Rumba this weekend and put in a much better performance than in round 11.”
Around the courts, top four sides Deniliquin Rams and Moama will be eyeing big victories leading into the finals as they face Cobram and Moama.
While it can’t play finals, Congupna will be hoping to finish its season with an upset as it welcomes sixth placed Mulwala to Memorial Park.
Tongala will be looking to bring winning form into its first final as it travels to Finley.
Meanwhile Echuca United and Barooga will be playing for pride at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
