Preview: First Division, Round Two
On current form the Griffons are the favourites to win Friday’s match against the Border Bulldogs in East London, while SWD Eagles are at home to the Falcons in the second clash on Friday evening.
In Saturday's only match, runaway log leaders, the Leopards, travel from Potchefstroom to Wellington to face the Boland Cavaliers.
Border have been much improved this season and their competitiveness has created difficulty for many teams.
However, injuries to key players coupled with untimely ill-discipline, may have made the chance of winning over the weekend for the East London side difficult.
Last week in Kempton Park they allowed a 24-8 lead to slip against the Falcons after replacement prop Siyamthanda Ngande was yellow carded.
The Falcons rallied with three tries during that period to clinch a comfortable 48-27 win.
Flyhalf Masixole Banda and fullback Logan Basson are the kingpins in the Border backline and they can pose a danger to the visitors if they receive quick ball.
However, the Griffons will be buoyed by their 10-try 62-24 win against Boland last weekend, and will be hoping to maintain the momentum as they search for their fourth win in seven matches.
Although the SWD Eagles only secured a draw and a win from their six outings, they are expected to pose a stiff challenge for the third-placed Griffons.
However, the home ground advantage at Outeniqua Park in George is expected to boost the Eagles, who are currently lying fifth in the league standings.
In Saturday’s fixture in Wellington, the Boland Cavaliers will look to produce a solid performance against the Leopards.
Boland have conceded the most tries (27) in the competition so far, while the prolific Leopards have not only scored the most tries (36), but also managed to earn a four-try bonus point in each of their six consecutive wins.
This meeting will undoubtedly test Boland’s defensive resolve.
Fixtures:
Friday, September 4:
Border Bulldogs v Griffons
Venue: BCM Stadium, East London
Kick-off: 19.00
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
Assistant referees: Sindile Ngcese, Fernando Uithaler
SWD Eagles v Hino Valke
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 19.00
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant referees: Tahla Ntshakaza, Jabian Jeftha
Saturday, September 5
Boland Cavaliers v Leopards
Venue: Boland Cavaliers Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 15.30
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Assistant referees: Sindile Ngcese, Renier Vermeulen
