The two front runners in the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 2 will clash in Potchefstroom on Saturday in round three of the competition when the Leopards Women host the Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women at Olën Park, in what promises to be a humdinger of a match.
Elsewhere, AVBOB Griquas Women, who had a bye last weekend, will be looking for their first win against Limpopo Blue Bulls Women in Kimberley, while the Valke Women will fancy their chances in Kempton Park against the travelling Griffons Women. The SWD Eagirls have a bye.
The Leopards will be mindful of the strike power of their opponents, who have scored 132 points in two matches on the road, while only conceding 42. The 22 tries scored by the Pumas came mostly from the backs, with Alicia Mahlalela and Megan Guambe each bagging four already, so the hosts from Potch will be well aware of those dangers.
The women from North West are also playing at home for the first time this season and that will be a boost. Their 12 tries in two matches also bagged them a full house of points, but come Saturday, there will only be one undefeated team left.
Griquas are back at full strength for their second outing and will fancy their chances against Limpopo Blue Bulls, who will travel away for the first time after two matches at home.
The visitors have some talented rugby players in their midst but if Griquas can disrupt them early, the Kimberley crowd could be cheering for a first win. The home side is without their head coach, Claudia Francke, due to her involvement with the Junior Springbok Women, but assistants Coerispa Links and Shalaine Maarman is holding the fort for now.
Valke Women head coach Catherine Lowane also missed some of the week’s preparations due to her involvement with the SA Schools Girls team, but they have hit the straps running this season and will be ready for the Griffons, who will be playing their second match of the season.
Scoring 37 points away from home, like they did against Limpopo last weekend, points to a well-drilled attack and the Barnard Stadium crowd should expect more of that.
Expect the Griffons to come out fighting though. If their pack can front up, Pinky Touto at scrumhalf and Line Viviers at fullback will explore space and find ways past the Valke defence.
Match information:
AVBOB Griquas Women vs Limpopo Blue Bulls Women
Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley
Date: Saturday 18 July
Kick-off: 11h00
Referee: Chante Olivier
Valke Women vs Griffons Women
Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
Date: Saturday 18 July
Kick-off: 12h00
Referee: Yohane Tredoux
Leopards Women vs Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Date: Saturday 18 July
Kick-off: 13h00
Referee: Kuhle Sodinga
Sw00Sh
The All Blacks perform the traditional Māori war dance, called the Haka, before each match. The Haka serves as a display of strength, unity, and respect for their opponents. The most famous version performed by the team is called “Ka Mate,” although they have also introduced other versions, such as “Kapa o Pango.”
Troubled Pie
Dirk Nannes has represented both Australia and Netherlands in International Cricket.