Boland's ultimate test to stay in Currie Cup qualification race
PREVIEW: The SA Cup resumes this weekend following the Easter break, with the fifth round marking a significant point in the competition as the race for the four semifinal places and qualification for the Currie Cup gathers further momentum.
The match in Wellington between fourth-placed Boland Kavaliers and log leaders Griquas tops the billing for this weekend.
The hosts will be eager to make amends for their away loss to the SWD Eagles, while the visitors from the Northern Cape will be trying to create even more distance between them and the chasing pack.
In Welkom, the Griffons host the Free State derby against provincial neighbours the Cheetahs, where victory will edge the winner closer to semifinal contention.
The Valke will be determined to add a second win to their solitary success thus far when they host a resurgent SWD Eagles outfit brimming with confidence after their victory last time out over ambitious Boland.
The Leopards are also in the hunt for their second win when they welcome winless Eastern Province to Potchefstroom, while in the remaining fixture, bottom of the log Border Bulldogs host the defending champions, the Pumas, in Mdantsane near East London.
With the competition played over a single round of nine league fixtures, this coming Saturday’s round carries added importance, as the teams will move past the halfway mark before the semi-finalists are confirmed, leaving little margin for error for teams chasing a place in the top four.
The standout fixture of the round sees the Boland Kavaliers host unbeaten log leaders Griquas in what promises to be a defining contest for both sides.
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Griquas will arrive in Wellington at the top of the standings after four consecutive bonus-point victories, most recently overwhelming the Griffons 71-7 in Kimberley to maintain their perfect start to the campaign.
Boland, currently fourth on the log, will be eager to respond after their first defeat of the season two weeks ago, when they went down 24-33 to SWD in George.
Recent meetings between these two sides, both in the SA Cup and the Currie Cup, have been high-scoring and closely fought, and Saturday’s encounter is expected to follow a similar pattern.
With each team keen to strengthen their hold on a top-four finish, the outcome in Wellington could have an important bearing on the final standings.
A Free State derby takes centre stage in Welkom, where the Griffons face the Cheetahs in a crucial encounter for both sides.
The visitors from Bloemfontein come into the round in fifth place on the log, having produced a composed 52-19 victory over Eastern Province, where their clinical finishing underlined their semifinal ambitions.
A victory on the road would significantly boost their chances as the league phase enters its final third.
For the Northern Free Staters, who occupy sixth position, the pressure is mounting. Their heavy away defeat to Griquas leaves them needing to capitalise on home ground advantage if they are to remain firmly in the play-off conversation.
Fresh from one of their most impressive performances of the season, SWD travel to Kempton Park to take on the Valke on the Highveld.
The Eagles were one of the big movers in round four, securing a notable home victory over Boland to move into second place on the log – a result that reinforced their credentials as serious semifinal contenders.
The Valke, meanwhile, are looking to stop a run of inconsistent results after going down to the Pumas in Nelspruit before Easter.
The Eagles are 10 points and two wins clear of their opponents, who are heavily favoured for their fourth win in five starts.
Meanwhile in Potchefstroom, the Leopards return home to face an EP side chasing its first win of the campaign.
The team from North West province gained their first win two weeks ago against Border, which moved their points tally to six, four clear of second-last EP, who have only two points and no wins.
The final fixture of the round sees Border facing a formidable challenge when they host the Pumas in Mdantsane.
The Bulldogs are winless after four rounds and were beaten 24-31 by the Leopards two weeks ago, but they will look to draw inspiration from playing at home as they seek an improved performance.
The Pumas – currently equal with SWD on 17 points, but third on the log because of points’ difference – come off a solid win over the Valke and, on form, should register a comfortable victory in the Eastern Cape.
Saturday, April 11
Boland Kavaliers v Griquas
(Boland Stadium, Wellington – Kick-off: 15.00 SAST; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Griffin Colby
Griffons v Cheetahs
(Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom – Kick-off: 15.00 SAST; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Dylen November
Valke v SWD Eagles
(Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park – Kick-off: 15.00 SAST; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Leopards v Eastern Province
(Olen Park, Potchefstroom – Kick-off: 15.00 SAST; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Christopher Allison
Border Bulldogs v Pumas
(Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane 15.30; 13.30 GMT)
Referee: Paul Mente
