The SA Cup resumes this weekend after the Easter break, with round five set to play a crucial role in shaping the race for the semi-finals.
The teams that make it to the top four join the Sharks, Lions, Bulls and Stormers XXIII in the Currie Cup Premier Division.
With the competition played over a single round of nine league fixtures, teams will move beyond the halfway stage after this weekend – leaving little margin for error for those chasing a place in the top four.
The headline fixture takes place in Wellington where the fourth-placed Boland Cavaliers host unbeaten log leaders Griquas in what promises to be a defining clash.
WRAP: SWD stun Boland, Griquas march on
Griquas have bagged four consecutive bonus-point victories, the most recent of those being a commanding 71-7 win over the Griffons in Kimberley. Boland, meanwhile, will be determined to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the campaign – a 33-24 loss to Heyneke Meyer’s SWD Eagles in George.
In Welkom, the Griffons host the Cheetahs in a crucial Free State derby. The visitors come into the round in fifth place after a convincing 52-19 victory over Eastern Province and will view a win on the road as vital to their semi-final hopes.
Second-placed SWD travel to Kempton Park to face the Valke after their impressive win over Boland. The hosts, meanwhile, are searching for consistency after a defeat to the Pumas before the break.
Elsewhere, the Leopards host EP in Potchefstroom as they chase a second victory of the campaign.
In Mdantsane, the bottom-placed Border Bulldogs face a tough challenge against defending champions the Pumas, who head into the round level on points with SWD and firmly in the hunt near the top of the standings.
SA Cup Round 5 fixtures
Saturday, 11 April
Boland Cavaliers vs Griquas (3pm)
Griffons vs Cheetahs (3pm)
Valke vs SWD Eagles (3pm)
Leopards vs Eastern Province (3pm)
Sunday, 12 April
Border Bulldogs vs Pumas (3:30pm)
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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