Preview: Currie Cup qualifier, Round 2
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The Leopards and Boland Cavaliers will be determined to build winning momentum in Round Two of the Currie Cup qualifier on Saturday after solid starts to the tournament last week with bonus-point victories.
Early log leaders, the Leopards, will meet the Falcons at Olën Park in Potchefstroom, while the Griffons take on the SWD Eagles in Welkom and Griquas host the Boland Cavaliers in Kimberley.
The Leopards, who started the competition with an encouraging 45-17 victory against the SWD Eagles, will look to make the most of their home ground advantage and head-start over the Eastranders, who had a bye last week.
The Falcons, however, will be determined to hit the ground running in an attempt to stay within range of the early pace-setters in the competition. With the Leopards showing good form on attack, in particular, the visitors will have to deliver a solid defensive effort.
In Welkom, the Griffons and SWD Eagles could find themselves in a tight tussle as both teams will want to make up for their disappointing starts to the qualifier. The home side is expected to draw comfort from their First Division victory at the stadium last season.
But the SWD Eagles will be motivated by memories of their heart-breaking two-point defeat against the Griffons in last year’s First Division semifinal.
With both teams having conceded over 30 points in the opening round of matches, they will have to tighten up their defence to keep alive their hopes of a victory.
Griquas, meanwhile, will be determined to make up for their surprise defeat against Border when they line up against the Boland Cavaliers at Griquas Park on Saturday.
The Kimberley side will also look to repeat their impressive run in the qualifier last season in which they won all of their home games.
Boland, however, will enter the match with confidence after winning their opening match against the 2014 First Division champions with a bonus point, which could set the scene for a thrilling clash.
The Border Bulldogs, meanwhile, have a bye.
Currie Cup qualifiers Round Two fixtures
Saturday, June 20
Leopards v Falcons
Venue: Olen Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 14.30
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Griffons vs SWD Eagles
Venue: HT Pelatona Projects Stadium, Welkom
Kick-off: 15.00
Referee: Lesego Legoete
Griquas vs Boland Cavaliers
Venue: Griquas Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15.00
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
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