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 Airlink Pumas, taking on the Toyota 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 Airlink Pumas whitewashed a youthful Toyota 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 Sanlam Boland 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.
Match information:
Phangela SWD Eagles vs Eastern Province
Date: Friday, 21 March
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Jonathan Lottering
TV: Live stream on SS
Border Bulldogs vs Suzuki Griquas
Date: Friday, 21 March
Venue: Sisa Dukashe Stadium, East London
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Dylen November
Airlink Pumas vs Toyota Cheetahs
Date: Friday, 21 March
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 19h00
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
TV: Live stream on SS
Valke vs Sanlam Boland Kavaliers
Date: Saturday, 22 March
Venue: Barnard Stadum, Kempton Park
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Paul Mente
Leopards vs NovaVit Griffons
Date: Saturday, 22 March
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Hernus Coetzee
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Sport Trivia: Who won the Comrades Marathon 9 times? Answer: Bruce Fordyce – completed 23 Comrades Marathon runs and won 9 times between 1981 and 1990. He has also won the London to Brighton marathon and set a world record over 55 miles.