With just two rounds remaining in the SA Cup, pressure is ramping up as the race for Currie Cup qualification gathers steam.
Only the top four teams will gain entry to the Currie Cup and the financial benefits that come along with it. At the top of the standings, Griquas have created breathing room after opening a seven-point lead at the summit.
But beneath the men from Kimberley, the battle for the remaining three playoff spots has become a scrap where every log point could prove decisive.
The pressure is perhaps greatest on the Cheetahs, who head to East London on Sunday knowing anything less than victory against Border Bulldogs could leave their season in ruins.
The Bloemfontein outfit are currently level on points with the Boland Cavaliers, but trail them on points difference, leaving them outside the top four heading into the penultimate round.
After last week’s defeat to the Valke, the Cheetahs can no longer afford mistakes.
Sunday’s blockbuster clash in Nelspruit could also reshape the playoff picture. Defending champions, the Pumas host Boland in a top-four showdown, with only three points separating the two teams on the table.
A victory for the Pumas would move them closer to securing a home semi-final, while Boland could cement themselves as genuine playoff contenders with an upset away win.
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League leaders Griquas face another huge test on Saturday when they host the high-flying SWD Eagles.
The unbeaten hosts have been relentless throughout the campaign, but the Eagles – revitalised under former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer – know a shock victory would dramatically boost their hopes of hosting a semi-final.
Meanwhile, the Valke remain outsiders in the playoff race but can keep their fading hopes alive with victory over the Leopards in Kempton Park.
In Welkom, the Griffons and EP clash in another crucial encounter between two sides desperate to climb the standings.
Former Bok coach Allister Coetzee will expect more consistency from Eastern Province after their emphatic victory over Border last week.
Photo: SWD Eagles/Facebook
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