Preview: Currie Cup prelim, Round 2
Griquas and the Leopards will be determined to build momentum in the Currie Cup qualifying rounds this weekend.
They will look to stay ahead of the chasing pack, following strong starts to the competition last week.
Only one of the seven teams participating in the qualifying round will earn the right to play in the Currie Cup Premier Division this season, while the rest of the teams will be relegated to the second tier First Division.
In Friday's matches the Falcons face the Leopards at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park and the SWD Eagles take on the Griffons at Outeniqua Park in George.
In Saturday's match the Boland Cavaliers host Griquas at the Boland Stadium in Wellington.
The Border Bulldogs have a bye.
In Kempton Park the Leopards will be tipped as the favourites to beat the Falcons after scoring 51 points against the SWD Eagles in their opening match last week, while the hosts may also be rusty as this will mark their first match in the series.
With Springbok flyhalf Andre Pretorius leading the Leopards and the likes of experienced centre Adriaan Engelbrecht and the talented wing Luther Obi on their side, the Falcons will have to hit the ground running to keep up with the visitors and possibly create an upset.
The Griffons will also go in search of an away victory against the SWD Eagles in George after securing a last-minute victory against Boland last week. With the hosts having leaked seven tries in their opening match, the Griffons may opt for a strong attacking game in the hope of poking holes in the Eagles defence.
However, they will have to work hard for a victory as the SWD Eagles have had time to iron out their defensive problems, while they also have quality players such as wing Alshaun Bock, flyhalf Karlo Aspeling and No.8 Davon Raubenheimer, who have a knack at creating opportunities on attack.
One of the key battles is expected to be between flyhalves Aspeling and Franna du Toit, who are both solid attacking players and accurate goal-kickers.
In Wellington Griquas will enter the clash against the Boland Cavaliers as favourites with form and confidence counting in their favour. The Kimberley side are widely tipped to retain the position they held in the Currie Cup last season, and if they are able to replicate the performance that earned them a convincing 52-5 victory against Border last week, they will be difficult to stop.
The Cavaliers, however, will draw some confidence from their performance against the Griffons last week which saw them lead the clash until the last minute.
Springbok Hilton Lobberts, at lock, and wing Jacquin Jansen will feature in the Griquas starting line-up and could be marked men by their former teammates. But with Griquas boasting a powerful pack and exciting backline, Boland will have to deliver a quality performance in all the facets of their game to contain the visitors.
Currie Cup Round Two qualifiers:
Friday, June 13
Falcons v Leopards
Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
Kick-off: 15.00
SWD Eagles v Griffons
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 19.00
Saturday, June 14
Boland v Griquas
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 16.00
