Three teams are still unbeaten with the third round of the SA Cup looming but one of these, the third-placed Airlink Pumas, will have a big challenge on their hands when they welcome the Toyota Cheetahs, currently fifth on the log, to Mpumalanga on Friday evening.
Log leaders and defending champions, Suzuki Griquas, travel to East London to take on Border Bulldogs at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, where the men from Kimberley are heavy favourites to continue their unbeaten streak, having won their opening two games this season and remaining undefeated since the competition's inception last year.
The Bulldogs, who put up a good fight in their 48-22 loss to the Phangela SWD Eagles last week, will need to significantly up their game to challenge the defending champions.
Meanwhile, the Eagles will look to build on their first victory when they face their eastern neighbours, Eastern Province, at Outeniqua Park in George. The hosts are playing their second consecutive home game and will be motivated to leverage home ground advantage against an EP side still seeking their first win.
Probably the biggest match of the weekend features last year’s runners up, the Pumas, taking on the Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
The Free Staters bounced back from their opening round loss with a strong performance against the Leopards in Potchefstroom, but they will face a stern test against Jimmy Stonehouse's well-drilled Pumas side.
In last year's corresponding fixture in Bloemfontein, the experienced Pumas whitewashed a youthful Cheetahs 50-0. A fierce battle is expected as the Free Staters aim to avoid losing further ground on the leading teams, with only the top four qualifying for this year's Carling Currie Cup Premier Division.
On Saturday, the Valke have their second consecutive clash against one of the top sides when they host the Kavaliers at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park. The Kavaliers, who narrowly lost in a thrilling contest last week in Welkom, will be eager to return to winning ways.
The weekend's action concludes with the Leopards taking on the NovaVit Griffons in Potchefstroom. The visiting Griffons are favourites to maintain their unbeaten run, while the Leopards, having managed just one converted try and conceded 135 points in the first two rounds, will be aiming to improve their performance.
Fixtures
Phangela SWD Eagles v Eastern Province - Friday @ Outeniqua Park, George (3pm)
Referee: Jonathan Lottering
TV: Live stream on SS
Border Bulldogs v Suzuki Griquas - Friday @ Sisa Dukashe Stadium, East London (3pm)
Referee: Dylen November
Airlink Pumas v Toyota Cheetahs - Friday @ Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit (7pm)
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
TV: Live stream on SS
Valke v Sanlam Boland Kavaliers - Saturday @ Barnard Stadum, Kempton Park (3pm)
Referee: Paul Mente
Leopards v NovaVit Griffons - Saturday @ Olën Park, Potchefstroom (3pm)
Referee: Hernus Coetzee
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