The final round of the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 1 kicks off earlier than usual, when Sanlam Boland Dames take on the Sharks Women on Friday in Durban, where victory for the visitors will book their spot in the 2026 final.
Should the Dames win in Durban, the Isuzu Bulls Daisies will be waiting at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria next weekend in what will be the Bolanders’ first final appearance at this level.
The defending champions must still face the Golden Lions Women’s charge in their Jukskei Derby on Saturday to maintain their winning streak in the competition, where their dominance ensure they had booked their spot in the final even before the final league round.
DHL Western Province will be cheering for the Sharks on Friday. They meet the EP Queens in Gqeberha on Saturday knowing that a Boland win will mean they miss out on the final for the first time in a number of years.
However, should the KwaZulu-Natalians pull off a surprise win, factors such as bonus points and points differential could come into play.
In the other fixture of the day, the Border Ladies will be desperate for their first win of the season, although victory over the Free State Women at Police Park in East London would still not be enough to avoid the wooden spoon in 2026.
The Free Staters finally have the services of a fit again Sikholiwe Mdletshe available, with the Springbok Women wing returning in a much-changed backline, with Bernice Strydom back at centre, Anelca Hess at fullback and Juanine Jacobs at flyhalf.
The performances of the two Springbok Women in the Border side, Aphiwe Ngwevu and Nombuyekeso Mdliki, will be massive for the hosts if they want to record that elusive win.
The Boland side that outplayed WP last weekend was tweaked slightly, with Chloe Adams moving to the left wing after playing off the bench last weekend. Adams had a big impact and got her reward, but she also brings another kicking option to the Dames.
Adams kicked two clutch conversions against WP and her kicking out of hand will compliment that of Eloise Webb and Felicia Jacobs, who already offer the visitors a right foot/left foot kicking combination.
For the Sharks, a strong finish to their season will be massive. They had their moments, but in the end, just could not play at a high level consistently, hence their lowly log position.
For DHL Western Province, the slightest of hopes will drive them and having to win with a big score will no doubt spur their attack. WP coach Jongi Nokwe pulled an interesting selection card, naming Logan Welman on the wing, with big carrying Sinazo Mcatshulwa at No 8 and Nomsa Mokwai at flanker.
Welman could become the first well-established hybrid player in the women’s game, should Nokwe’s foresight be rewarded.
The Gauteng derby will be a hard-fought match, with the Golden Lions Women’s pack of forwards hoping to give the Daisies their biggest test of the season come scrum time and lineout mauling.
The match will be refereed by Precious Pazani, with the Zimbabwean match official’s Rugby World Cup experience a welcome addition to this year’s competition.
Match information:
Sharks Women v Sanlam Boland Dames
Venue: KP2, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Date: Friday, 27 March
Kick-off: 12h30
Referee: Thabiso Mbatha
Isuzu Bulls Daisies v Golden Lions Women
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Date: Saturday, 28 March
Kick-off: 11h00
Referee: Precious Pazani
Livestream: YouTube
Border Ladies v Free State Women
Venue: Police Park, East London
Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Kick-off: 12h00
Referee: Siyanda Pikoli
Eastern Province Queens v DHL Western Province
Venue: Otto du Plessis High School, Gqeberha
Date: Saturday, 28 March
Kick-off: 13h00
Referee: Yohane Tredoux
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