Saturday Showdowns: Four Games, Endless Possibilities

Saturday's fixtures – all kicking off at 3pm – are set to be defining moments in the season.

Boland Kavaliers vs Border Bulldogs (East London)

At Police Park in East London, the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers are looking to bounce back after a tight loss to Griquas last weekend. For them, every point now counts. They face a Border Bulldogs side that has yet to register a win this season. With pride on the line and their campaign hanging by a thread, this is do-or-die for the Bulldogs.

Leopards vs Airlink Pumas (Potchefstroom)

In Potch, the revamped Leopards under former Springbok assistant coach Matt Proudfoot will be tested against the explosive Pumas. Jimmy Stonehouse’s men are one try behind Griquas in total tries scored – 51 from five games – and they’ve been lethal with Danrich Visagie and Clinton Swart sharing kicking duties.

If there’s one team that can go toe-to-toe with Griquas, it’s the Pumas.

Toyota Cheetahs vs Phangela SWD Eagles (Bloemfontein)

At Toyota Stadium, the Cheetahs, now coached by former Springbok World Cup winner Frans Steyn, are coming off a gritty win over the Griffons. That result put them back in semi-final contention, and they’ll be determined not to lose momentum. But the SWD Eagles are unpredictable, and the Cheetahs will have to be sharp from the first whistle.

Valke vs NovaVit Griffons (Kempton Park)

In what might be the match of the weekend, Valke and Griffons will lock horns in a clash that could shake up the standings. Griffons are clinging to third place with 18 points, just ahead of the Cheetahs, while the Valke are lurking with 15 points and a burning ambition to climb. With both teams having won three games apiece, this is a true six-pointer.

The Griffons will rely heavily on flyhalf Andrew Kota, who’s in brilliant form with 57 points to his name – tied for first on the points chart. Valke’s defence will need to keep a close eye on him, especially within kicking range, or risk watching the game slip away one penalty at a time.

The Road to the Premier Division

With only a third of the league phase left, the picture is becoming clearer – yet more intense. Griquas and Pumas are sitting pretty at the top with 25 league points each, courtesy of five bonus-point wins. The Griffons are holding third with 18 points, but the Toyota Cheetahs are breathing down their necks on 17. Just behind them, the Kavaliers and Valke are locked on 15 points apiece.

This weekend’s results could be the turning point. One loss could knock a team out of contention; one win could launch them into the top four.

That’s the beauty of this competition – it’s not just about the leaders but about the stories unfolding beneath the surface. The underdogs chasing glory, the mid-table teams clawing for every point, the passionate fans rallying behind their squads.

In the end, the SA Cup isn’t just about who wins – it’s about who dares to dream. And right now, there are still a few teams left daring to believe they belong among the best.

#boland-kavaliers

Chasing pack gear up to challenge Griquas and Pumas in SA Cup showdown