Leopards look to clinch title in style
The Eagles will need to find a way to do something that no other team has managed to do in 11 previous attempts this season, and that is to beat the prolific Leopards. And to add to the weight of their challenge, SWD must do so at the home of the Leopards in Potchefstroom.
Interestingly, the 2015 cup Final will be decided between the two losing semifinalists of 2014. In last year's play-offs, and to the surprise of many, the Leopards came unstuck in Potchefstroom against eventual winners, the Valke, while the Griffons accounted for SWD in a thrilling encounter in Welkom.
After dominating the league stages once more and finishing the regular First Division season unbeaten, the Leopards advanced through to their second successive home semifinal against the Valke last weekend where they avenged their 2014 semifinal defeat courtesy of a 29-17 victory. In turn, the SWD Eagles stunned the Griffons 47-40 in Welkom.
Both finalists are renowned for their willingness to play attacking rugby, and the Final should be another enthralling affair between the sides coached by former Springboks Robert du Preez [Leopards] and Bevin Fortuin [SWD] respectively.
The Final will also be a contest between the two most prolific points scorers in the First Division this season. Just last week centre Adriaan Engelbrecht kicked 19 points to steer the Leopards to a deserved home Final. SWD in turn, have fullback Leighton Eksteen as their point scoring and attacking kingpin. He underlined his match winning abilities with a contribution of 27 points in the Eagles’ away win in Welkom last weekend.
Eksteen is leading the overall point scoring chart with 92 points, followed by Eksteen on 71.
The Leopards will be determine to wipe out their bitter disappointment of last season with one last great effort in Potchefstroom on Thursday. However, they can brace themselves for a huge challenge from the Eagles, who themselves have managed to string together some impressive victories in their successful march to the Final.
Two curtain-raisers, featuring junior provincial teams, will be staged before the Final kicks off.
The Pumas and the Down Touch Griffons will meet in the Final of the Under-19 Provincial Championship B-Division, which will be followed by the Under-21 B-Division decider between the Limpopo Blue Bulls and the SWD Eagles.
Confirmed fixtures for Thursday, October 8:
U19 Provincial Championship B-Division final:
Pumas v Griffons
Date: Thursday, October 8
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 14.25 (12.25 GMT)
U21 Provincial Championship B-Division final:
Limpopo Blue Bulls v SWD Eagles
Date: Thursday, October 8
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 16.00 (14.00 GMT)
First Division final:
Leopards v SWD Eagles
Date: Thursday, October 8
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 18.00 16.00 (GMT)
