First Div: Play-off race takes shape
The First Division teams will be looking to build momentum with an eye on possible semifinal places when they take to the field this weekend.
With only four rounds of pool matches remaining – including this weekend's clashes – and all six teams still in with a mathematical chance of securing semifinal berths, building momentum will be a priority for all the sides.
Adding to the excitement the Leopards, Griffons and SWD Eagles all have a realistic shot at securing the two home semifinals, which could result in a thrilling finish to the competition.
In Saturday's matches, log-leaders the Leopards take on the Boland Cavaliers in Potchefstroom, the Griffons host the Border Bulldogs in Welkom and the Falcons meet the SWD Eagles in Kempton Park.
The Leopards will be desperate to return to their winning ways to maintain their lead at the top of the table when they line up against the Boland Cavaliers after suffering their first defeat of the season last weekend against SWD.
With Boland registering victories in only two of their six matches against the current First Division teams and the fact that the team suffered a heavy 55-23 defeat against the Leopards in July, the home side will enter the clash with confidence.
However, they will be wary of complacency especially after going down to SWD.
Interestingly two players from SARU's Boland Academy have been selected in the starting line-up, centre Edwin Sass and scrumhalf Jovelian de Koker.
The Leopards, meanwhile, will be without the services of star wing Luther Obi, while Sylvian Mahuza will start at fullback in the most notable changes to the team.
The Griffons will enter their clash against the Border Bulldogs as favourites with form and home ground advantage counting in their favour.
But the visitors will enter the clash with more self-confidence than they have had all season after registering their first victory last week against the Falcons.
The East London team, however, will have to deliver a fine defensive effort, in particular, to keep alive hopes of a victory as they have conceded an average of seven tries per match this season, while the Griffons have secured four bonus points for tries.
The SWD Eagles, meanwhile, will be wary of the Falcons despite winning their last three matches and toppling the dominant Leopards, as the Falcons were the last team to beat them.
A dominant display by the Kempton Park side in June earned them a 52-34 victory against SWD in George, and while the Eagles have shown a vast improvement in their form since then, this result will be in the back of their minds on Saturday.
Interestingly the teams are closely matched in terms of their tries scored and conceded with SWD having scored 23 tries and conceded 26, while the Falcons have scored 24 and conceded 27.
First Division fixtures:
Leopards v Boland Cavaliers
Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: Olen Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 14.30
Referee: Frederico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Christie du Preez and Oregopotse Rametsi
Griffons v Border Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: North West Stadium, Welkom
Kick-off: 15.00
Referee: Marius Jonker
Assistant referees: Stephan Geldenhuys and Jan Venter
Falcons v SWD Eagles
Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
Kick-off: 16.00
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman and Sieg van Staden
