The SA Cup heads into round three this weekend with the early log starting to take shape after two rounds of high-scoring action.
Griquas, the Boland Cavaliers and Pumas lead the way on 10 points after back-to-back bonus-point wins. They are followed by the fast-improving SWD Eagles (seven points), the Cheetahs (six), and the Griffons and Valke (five each), with the race for the top four places already heating up.
Friday night’s clash in Bloemfontein sees the Cheetahs host the Pumas in the standout fixture of the round.
The Free Staters got off the mark with a 64-7 win over the Leopards last week, but face a far sterner test against Jimmy Stonehouse’s defending champions, who have been clinical in wins over Heyneke Meyer’s SWD and Allister Coetzee’s Eastern Province.
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With coaches Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar pulling the strings, the Cheetahs will look to control proceedings at Free State Stadium, but the Pumas’ ability to strike from anywhere makes them a dangerous opponent.
On Saturday, Boland welcome the Valke to Wellington after a convincing win over the Griffons.
The Cavaliers have been one of the early pace-setters, with Xavier Mitchell in red-hot form, and will look to exploit a Valke side that was outplayed by Griquas last week.
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Griquas, meanwhile, will be strong favourites at home against Border.
The defending champions have been ruthless so far – including a 101-point haul against the Leopards – and show no signs of slowing down, while Border face a daunting trip to Kimberley after struggling against SWD.
In Welkom, the Griffons take on the Leopards in a clash between two sides looking to bounce back.
The Griffons were beaten by Boland last week, while the Leopards have conceded 165 points in two matches, putting pressure on their defence heading into round three.
EP host SWD in Gqeberha in what could be one of the more competitive fixtures of the weekend.
EP have shown flashes of promise but are still searching for consistency, while the Eagles continue to impress under Meyer after pushing the Pumas close and beating Border.
SA Cup Round 3 fixtures
Friday, 20 March
Cheetahs vs Pumas (6pm)
Saturday, 21 March
Boland Cavaliers vs Valke (3pm)
Griffons vs Leopards (3pm)
Griquas vs Border Bulldogs (3pm)
Eastern Province vs SWD Eagles (5pm)
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
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