- Griquas and Sharks XV clash in Kimberley Friday.
- Cheetahs face Western Province Saturday in Bloemfontein.
- Griffons host Vodacom Bulls Sunday in Welkom.
- First Division playoffs approach with key weekend matches
As the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division heads into its second round this weekend, all eyes will be on the Suzuki Griquas, Hollywoodbets Sharks XV, and DHL Western Province as they seek their first victories. Meanwhile, the NovaVit Griffons aim to upset the Vodacom Bulls.
Griquas vs Sharks XV: A Battle in Kimberley
The Suzuki Griquas are set to face the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV at home in Kimberley for the second week running. After a tough loss to the Airlink Pumas, the Griquas are eager to secure their first win. Kimberley’s challenging conditions favor the home side, and the Griquas’ controlled aggression could prove too much for the youthful Sharks XV. The game kicks off at 15h00 on Friday, and the Sharks will need to adapt quickly to the hostile environment.
Airlink Pumas vs Fidelity ADT Lions: A Clash of Attack-Minded Teams
Later on Friday, the Airlink Pumas host the Fidelity ADT Lions at Mbombela Stadium. The Pumas are coming off a strong victory over the Griquas and will look to maintain their momentum. The Lions, who narrowly edged out a win against the Sharks XV, will need to bring their A-game against the high-flying Pumas. This 19h00 encounter promises high-octane rugby as both teams are known for their attacking prowess.
Toyota Cheetahs vs DHL Western Province: Champions vs Contenders
The defending champions, Toyota Cheetahs, welcome DHL Western Province to Bloemfontein on Saturday. The Cheetahs displayed their dominance with a commanding win over the NovaVit Griffons last weekend and are favored to continue their winning streak. The young Western Province side, however, must improve significantly from their previous loss to the Vodacom Bulls if they hope to challenge the champions. This match starts at 13h55 and could set the tone for the rest of the season for both teams.
NovaVit Griffons vs Vodacom Bulls: An Early-Season Upset?
Sunday’s action concludes with the NovaVit Griffons taking on the Vodacom Bulls in Welkom. The Griffons, still seeking their first league points, face a formidable Bulls side that aims to stay among the top contenders on the log. Despite the odds, the Griffons have a chance to spring an early-season surprise, making this 14h00 clash one to watch.
Premier Division Insights: Key Players and Stats
It’s still early in the season, but the Toyota Cheetahs are already making a mark on the leading scorers list. Ethan Wentzel tops the chart with 19 points from seven conversions and a try. Fidelity ADT Lions flyhalf Kade Wolhuter follows closely with 16 points, and Airlink Pumas playmaker Clinton Swart has 14 points. Among try-scorers, Gideon van der Merwe, Daniel Kasende, Jandre Nel, and Mnombo Zwelendaba each have two tries, highlighting their critical roles in their teams’ attacks.
First Division: The Road to the Playoffs
As the First Division heads towards its semi-finals, three teams have secured their playoff spots. The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, leading the log, face the Border Bulldogs in East London on Saturday. The Kavaliers, having won all four games with bonus points, are favorites to clinch a home semi-final. The Bulldogs, languishing at the bottom of the table, face a daunting task.
In other matches, the second-placed Valke host third-placed Eastern Province at Barnard Stadium. Both teams are keen to secure a home semi-final, making this clash crucial. Meanwhile, the Leopards (fourth) and Phangela SWD Eagles (fifth) battle in Potchefstroom for the final playoff spot.
