The SA Cup hits round four this weekend, with the race for the semi-finals starting to take shape.
Griquas and Boland remain the early pace-setters, both unbeaten with three bonus-point wins (15 log points), while the chasing pack – led by the Pumas (12), SWD Eagles (12), Griffons (10), Cheetahs (eight) and Valke (five) – look to keep in touch as the competition nears its halfway mark.
The standout fixture is Saturday’s Western Cape derby in George, where SWD host high-flying Boland.
The Eagles come into the clash on the back of a 26-22 win over Eastern Province and have impressed with their organisation and grit under coach Heyneke Meyer. But they face a stern test against a Boland side that has scored 163 points in three matches, including a 73-24 rout of the Valke last week.
In Kimberley, log leaders Griquas will be favourites against the Griffons after racking up 250 points in three games, highlighted by a 97-7 demolition of Border. The defending champions have been ruthless so far, although the Griffons showed their resilience in a hard-fought win over the Leopards.
SA CUP WRAP: Griquas, Boland make the running
The Cheetahs, currently sixth, host Eastern Province in Bloemfontein after their clash with the Pumas last week was abandoned due to lightning. EP pushed SWD close in a narrow defeat and will be looking to build on that performance, but the Free Staters will see this as a key opportunity to strengthen their playoff push.
In Potchefstroom, the Leopards and Border meet in a battle of the bottom two, with both sides still searching for their first win of the campaign.
Sunday’s lone fixture sees the unbeaten Pumas return to Mbombela Stadium to take on the Valke. Jimmy Stonehouse’s side have looked dangerous in their opening matches and will be confident of maintaining their momentum against the visitors from the East Rand.
SA Cup Round 4 fixtures
Saturday, 28 March
Cheetahs vs Eastern Province (1pm)
Griquas vs Griffons (2pm)
SWD Eagles vs Boland Kavaliers (3pm)
Leopards vs Border Bulldogs (3pm)
Sunday, 29 March
Pumas vs Valke (3pm)
Photo: SWD Eagles/Facebook
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