The weekend is significant for two reasons. The final four teams on the log will be confirmed and with that a place in the semi-finals next weekend.
The top South African side on the log will also qualify to play in the Promotion/Relegation match, against the last-placed Currie Cup Premier Division side - should they decide to do so – in three weeks’ time.
The Jaquares XV have already clinched top spot on the standings and will host one of next weekend's semi-finals at the Fanie du Toit Sports Fields in Potchefstroom.
The scramble for the other home semi-final, and the battle for the final three remaining play-off places, however, will guarantee a tightly contested round this weekend.
All of the Down Touch Griffons, Valke, EP Elephants and Leopards are still in the running to host the other semi-final, while the Boland Cavaliers and SWD Eagles could sneak into fourth spot if results go their way.
The Welkom side are best placed with 22 log points, but they travel down to the West Coast, where the Boland Cavaliers will take them on at Transnet Saldanha Stadium in Saldanha Bay.
The home side, on 12 log points, have a remote chance of sneaking into fourth place, provided that the EP Elephants and Leopards both lose without a bonus point, while SWD also have to suffer a defeat, so they will be desperate to not only thrill their home fans in what could be their last match of the year at home, but also keep alive their slim hopes.
They will know on Friday evening already if there will be anything to play for when the Leopards take on the Jaguares XV in Potchefstroom. If the Leopards earn a win or secure two bonus points, it will be tickets for Boland and defending champions, the SWD Eagles.
The Eagles have a trip to East London, where the Border Bulldogs await on Saturday. The home side is the only one not to have won a match in the competition, meaning they will have all the motivation they need to create an upset at Police Park.
For SWD, the same applies as with Boland. They really need lady luck to smile at them with the other results, while they have to win away from home to extend their season and have a shot at defending their title.
The Valke, despite last weekend's drubbing at the hands of the South Americans, remain in the race. They need just one point from the match, although a win will secure their top four status.
They travel down to Despatch where the EP Elephants will run-out also knowing exactly what they need to do to make it into the top four.
A win for EP will be enough, but should the Leopards surprise in Potch and either Boland or SWD pull a rabbit out of the hat, a bonus point might be necessary.
All this will make for a highly entertaining match as both sides will be keen to score four tries for a bonus point.
Currie Cup First Division Fixtures
Friday, 16 August 2019
Jaguares XV v Leopards
Venue: Fanie du Toit Stadium, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 19h00
Referee: Paul Mente
Saturday, 17 August
Boland Cavaliers v Down Touch Griffons
Venue: Transnet Saldanha Stadium, Saldanha Bay
Kick-off: 14h30
Referee: Stuart Berry
Border Bulldogs v SWD Eagles
Venue: Police Park, East London
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Griffon Colby
EP Elephants v Valke
Venue: Callie de Wet Stadium, Despatch
Kick-off: 16h00
Referee: Egon Seconds
