Currie Cup First Division champions Sanlam Boland Kavaliers travel to Gqeberha for their second-round clash with Eastern Province on Saturday at the Wolfson Stadium, while Phangela SWD Eagles and Border Bulldogs will slug it out in George to see who can register their first win of the new campaign.

Meanwhile, the Leopards will be aiming to make it two from two when they host Valke in Saturday’s remaining fixture in Potchefstroom. All three First Division games will kick off at 15h00.

Last week, the Kavaliers hit the road running by defeating a gutsy Valke side 46-36 in Kempton Park, and this week the side from Wellington is involved in another away game in the Eastern Cape, against the improving EP Elephants who managed to down the Eagles in an exciting round one success story.

The Kavaliers’ all-round game was too hot to handle for Valke, however, EP showed in their deserved win over the Eagles that they are dangerous on the counter with some exciting backs that can finish off in style.

EP’s defence will however be tested by the well-drilled Boland pack, while the Elephants will also have to keep out Boland’s dangerous outside backs, especially speedster Duren Hoffman and midfielder Xavier Mitchell. The duo scored five tries amongst themselves in their first-round victory over Valke.

EP will look to fullback Jayden Bantom to provide the attacking spark from the back.

SWD Eagles, coached by former Springbok Zane Kirchner, will be determined to correct matters this week as they entertain Border Bulldogs at Outeniqua Park. Last Saturday, they paid the price for a slow start which handed the momentum to EP, and the Eagles will be hoping that fullback Rosco Syster and pivot Marlo Weich can successfully pull the strings in front of the George faithful.

Border lost a thriller by just two points to the Leopards, so the Bulldogs will be licking their lips in anticipation of taking on the Eagles. They staged a great fightback in the second half last weekend, but fell just sort, and this week they will have to up their defence if they want to stand a chance of overcoming their Southern Cape opponents.

Meanwhile, in the last game of this weekend, Leopards will hope to make home ground advantage count when they welcome traditional rivals Valke to Potchefstroom. The scarlet jerseys will be smarting from their opening-round loss to the Kavaliers and will have a point to prove, so an interesting clash is expected.

Match Information:

Eastern Province vs Sanlam Boland Kavaliers
Date: Saturday, 15 June
Venue: Wolfson Stadium, Gqeberha
Time: 15h00
Referee: Ruhan Meiring

Phangela SWD Eagles vs Border Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, 22 June
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Time: 15h00
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen

Leopards vs Valke
Date: Saturday, 22 June
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Time: 15h00
Referee: Griffon Colby

Photo by SA Rugby website

Issued by SA Rugby Communications