Cheetahs out to bounce back as battle for Currie Cup spots continues
Today at 06:12 AM
ROUND ONE PREVIEW: It's still early days in the race for Currie Cup qualification, but the five teams on the wrong side of the scoreboard from last weekend's SA Cup opening round will be eager to bounce back this weekend.
Two matches will be staged on Friday and the remaining three on Saturday afternoon.
Holders Griquas, last year's runners-up, the Pumas, and the Boland are eyeing their second win this weekend, while the Cheetahs will want to atone for their stumble in the opening round.
The SWD Eagles and Border Bulldogs kick off the weekend's action when they clash on Friday at Outeniqua Park in George, while the Cheetahs host the Leopards later in the day in Bloemfontein.
The Bulldogs gave a spirited first-half performance last week in East London against the Griffons before running out of steam in the second stanza, while the Eagles were overrun by the Pumas in Nelspruit. Based on last week's result, the Bulldogs will fancy their chances; but the Eagles will be equally determined to show they are capable of a much better performance in front of their supporters.
The Free Staters will be hopeful that the return to action by some of their injured regulars will boost their winning chances when they take on the Leopards at home.
They came unstuck last weekend against the Cavaliers in Wellington when a high penalty count dented their hopes of an opening win.
Friday, March 14:
SWD Eagles v Border Bulldogs
(Outeniqua Park, George - Kick-off: 15.30; 13.30 GMT)
Teams:
SWD Eagles: TBC
Border Bulldogs: TBC
Referee: Dylen November
Cheetahs v Leopards
(Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick-off: 18.00; 16.00 GMT)
Teams:
Cheetahs: TBC
Leopards: TBC
Referee: Paul Mente
Saturday, March 15
Griquas v Falcons
(Griqua Park, Kimberley - Kick-off: 14.00; 12.00 GMT)
Teams:
Griquas: TBC
Falcons: TBC
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Eastern Province vs Pumas
(Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha - Kick-off: 15.00; 13.00 GMT)
Teams:
Eastern Province: TBC
Pumas: TBC
Referee: Sean Muller
Griffons v Boland
(North West Stadium, Welkom - Kick-off: 15.00; 13.00)
Teams:
Griffons: TBC
Boland: TBC
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
