Cape Town derby takes centre stage in WPD
PREVIEW: The Bulls Daisies have all but secured home-ground advantage in the Final of the 2025 Women’s Premier Division in Pretoria on March 29, so most eyes will be on Cape Town, where the other finalist for this year’s title will be determined when the league phase concludes on Saturday.
Western Province will host Boland Dames in what can be seen as the semifinal in the shortened version of the competition, which was played over a single round this year in order to assist the Springbok Women with their World Cup preparations.
The Dames (26 points) only need to draw this match to finish second, but very few sides would accept that gamble and the visitors will be chasing a Western Cape derby victory at all costs.
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The visitors from Boland can even sneak into the top spot on the log, but for that to happen, they have to win with a try-scoring bonus point and hope the Daisies don’t get any log points from their final league fixture, at home against the Free State Women.
For WP, currently on 25 points, a more adventurous approach might be needed as they need the win to finish in second place.
The two Western Cape sides are well matched, but the key will be in the Dames’ backline, where several Springbok incumbents are firing on all cylinders. Expect Aseza Hele to also be a significant influence. The Springbok No.8 has scored 11 tries already this season and is one of the most influential players in the competition.
The WP side cannot be written off though.
They are a classic example of resilience and off-the-cuff play, with strike runners such as Shaunique Hess and Voice Ndou clinical on any given day.
The Daisies need only one log point out of their round seven match against the Cheetahs Queens at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria to secure the top spot for the third time in as many years. Given their dominance this season – they are on a perfect 30 log points from their six games – it seems that they will do so again.
The Bulls’ dominance lies in their pack and a game plan where their loose forwards are well utilised as attackers out wide, with heaps of tries as a result. The Free Staters are well coached by formers Bulls Daisies forwards coach Aschin Klein, but their lack of experience against a side with 19 international players will make it a tough mission in the capital.
There are only bragging rights at stake in the Eastern Cape derby on Friday, when the Border Ladies host the EP Queens at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane to kick off the final round.
Border should have enough left in the tank to maintain their fouth place on the log, but a match between these neighbours always delivers the tightest of derbies. The Queens tasted victory only once this year, recently against the Golden Lions Women, but whether that momentum will last for the trip up the N2 remains to be seen.
The wooden spoon is at stake at Noordeheuwel High School in Krugersdorp where the Golden Lions Women host the Sharks Women.
The Gauteng side came close on numerous occassions, but failed to seal the deal and face finishing at the bottom of the log. They have actually outscored their coastal opponents with 18 tries to 17 so they have the attacking abilities, especially when play is moved to Thobile Msizazwe, with the right wing having scored six tries in as many matches.
A big win will give the KZN team some reward for a season of what-ifs and few will be surprised if they deliver that one big performance that has been evading them thus far.
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Match information:
Friday, March 21
Border Ladies vs EP Queens
Venue: Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane
Kick-off: 12.00 (10.00 GMT)
Referee: Siyanda Pikoli
Saturday, March 22
Bulls Daisies v Cheetahs Queens
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 12.00 (10.00 GMT)
Referee: Angie Bezuidenhout
Golden Lions Women v Sharks Women
Venue: Noordheuwel High School, Krugersdorp
Kick-off: 12.30 (10.30 GMT)
Referee: Stiaan Marx
Western Province v Boland Dames
Venue: Rosina Paarwater Stadium, Bellville
Kick-off: 12.30 (10.30 GMT)
Referee: Richard Bruno
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