Race intensifies for Absa Currie Cup First Division semi-final slots
With just two round left to play, the race for semi-final places in the Absa Currie Cup First Division is now heading towards the final straight as all six teams go into battle again this coming weekend.
The Leopards are the runway leaders and the Potchefstroom side are assured of a home semi-final clash thanks to an eight match unbeaten run, which saw them collecting 40 league points so far.
Currently, the Hino Valke is in second spot with 24 points. However, with two league matches still to come, they are only two points in front of the Down Touch Griffons, the 2014 First Division winners.
SWD Eagles are fourth with 17 points, which is four more than Boland, while bottom-placed Border could only collect six points so far.
On Saturday, Leopards will run out as firm favourites against the Border Bulldogs, who have caused much more difficulty for opposing teams than what their log position suggest. This clash at Profert Olën Park in Potchefstroom kicks off at 14h30.
Second-placed Valke travel to Welkom to face the Griffons in what can be considered a crucial encounter for both sides. A win for the Valke will almost certainly secure them of the second home semi-final spot, and at the same time, leave the Griffons in a potential battle for third place against the SWD.
Meanwhile, Griffons will be eager to bounce back from their 34-64 defeat against the Leopards, which saw them conceding nine tries in total. The Valke outclassed Boland 72-12 last week at the Barnard Stadium in Johannesburg and their attack will again pose a big test for the Griffons’ defence.
Cape rivals Boland and SWD Eagles meet each other in a 15h30 kick-off in Wellington. Last week, SWD flyhalf Leighton Eksteen was the difference between his team and a stubborn Border, slotting 16 points to steer his side to a 31-19 win in East London.
Boland, in turn, will be determined to return to winning ways on home soil after their disappointing performance last week in Johannesburg.
The Absa Currie Cup First Division fixtures for Saturday, 19 September:
Leopards vs Border Bulldogs
Venue: Profert Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 14h30
Down Touch Griffons vs Hino Valke
Venue: HT Pelatona Projects Stadium, Welkom
Kick-off: 15h00
Boland Cavaliers vs SWD Eagles
Venue: Boland Cavaliers Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 15h30
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