Bouncing back or building momentum in the SA Cup

Four teams that started on the losing side in the opening round of the new SA Cup competition will be looking to make their home ground advantage count in the second round this weekend, with the action getting underway at 15h00 on Thursday, when the Valke host Suzuki Griquas on the East Rand.

Last week in the opening round of the inaugural competition, the Currie Cup First Division sides found the going tough against their more experienced Premier Division opponents, and this week will give them another early opportunity to test their combinations against strong opposition.

The Suzuki Griquas sped away to a runaway win last week over the Leopards in Kimberley and can be regarded as the clear favourites when they take on the Valke in Kempton Park.

The East Randers, champions in last year’s Mzansi Challenge, will be looking to cause an upset after falling just short last week against Eastern Province in Gqeberha.

Unfortunately for the men from Kimberley, they will be without the services of former Springbok Sevens player Sako Makata, who picked up an ankle injury in last week’s first-round action.

In the only encounter scheduled for Friday, the Airlink Pumas host EP from 17h00 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit and the Lowvelders will be confident of adding another win to last week’s away triumph over the Phangela SWD Eagles.

The remaining three matches all take place on Saturday at 15h00 in East London, Wellington, and Potchefstroom, respectively.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers host the NovaVit Griffons in their first home game of the competition in Wellington where the Kavaliers, with coach Hawies Fourie back as mentor, will no doubt be aiming for an improved performance following their opening-round away loss to the Toyota Cheetahs.

The Leopards couldn’t get onto the scoreboard in their first-round clash last week in Kimberley, and this week they are at home in Potchefstroom against the powerful Toyota Cheetahs outfit, who will be looking to use the encounter as good preparation for their EPCR Challenge Cup playoff came next week against Clermont Auvergne in France.

The Free Staters welcome back their skipper and lock Victor Sekekete, who has returned from a loan spell with Vodacom United Rugby Championship outfit Ospreys in Wales.

Meanwhile, the weekend’s action will conclude with the all-Currie Cup First Division clash in East London where Border Bulldogs entertain the Phangela SWD Eagles at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

Four of the five matches will be streamed live on the SuperSport Schools platform, while Friday’s game in the Mbombela Stadium between the Airlink Pumas and Eastern Province will be broadcast live on the SuperSport Rugby channel on DSTV.

Match information:

Valke vs Suzuki Griquas
Date: Thursday, 28 March
Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
Referee: Griffin Colby
SA Time: 15h00
Streaming: SS Schools

Airlink Pumas vs Eastern Province
Date: Friday, 29 March
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Referee: Christopher Allison
SA Time: 17h00
TV: SS Rugby

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers vs NovaVit Griffons
Date: Saturday, 30 March
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Paul Mente
SA Time: 15h00
Streaming: SS Schools

Leopards vs Toyota Cheetahs
Date: Saturday, 30 March
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
SA Time: 15h00
Streaming: SS Schools

Border Bulldogs vs Phangela SWD Eagles
Date: Saturday, 30 March
Venue: Sisa Dukashe Stadium, East London
Referee: Dylen November
SA Time: 15h00
TV: SS Schools

All match details are subject to change and will be kept updated on www.springboks.rugby.

SA Cup Toyota Cheetahs Airlink Pumas NovaVit Griffons Suzuki Griquas Eastern Province Border Bulldogs Sanlam Boland Kavaliers Phangisa SWD Eagles Leopards Valke

Be part of history in Cape Town this December...

In a little over two weeks’ time, Cape Town will yet again throw Rugby’s Biggest Party, when HSBC SVNS returns to the su...

Rescheduled Vodacom URC derbies confirmed...

The new dates for the two opening round Vodacom United Rugby Championship derbies involving the four South African teams...

Bulls and Sharks shine for SA in Vodacom URC...

The Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks provided a ray of light for South Africa’s teams in the Vodacom United Rugby ...

SA sides gear up for important round before break...

Another gripping round of Vodacom United Rugby Championship action awaits this weekend as the Emirates Lions face their ...

Coastal sides bounce back as Lions remain unbeaten...

The Emirates Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and DHL Stormers made it a Super Saturday for the South African franchises in ...

SA coaches flex their muscles in the Vodacom URC

As the third edition of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship starts to move towards the business end of the competition, South African coaches are flexing their muscles to dominate the race for the top eight and Investec Champions’ Cup qualification.

Springbok Women keen to end their tour strong

The Springbok Women are determined to finish their European tour on a high and deliver a commanding performance when they face the USA on Saturday.

Tries galore as SA Cup lifts off with a bang

The four Currie Cup Premier Division sides all reigned supreme in the first round of the inaugural SA Cup, which was played over the weekend, while Eastern Province won a thrilling contest against the Valke in Gqeberha.

Slotting match winners part of the job for Cilliers

Jakkie Cilliers loves kicking for poles, and added pressure – like lining up a potential match-winning kick – does not change her approach, and she admitted that some sage advice by a former Springbok flyhalf helped her adjust to this new role entrusted to her.

Benetton and Connacht's challenges hurt

There’s been a lot of talk about how Italy’s recent good form in the Guinness Six Nations might impact Benetton’s challenge in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, but the returning cavalry were not back in time to prevent the team from Treviso suffering a telling setback.

Blitzboks welcome back key quartet for Hong Kong

Philip Snyman, interim head coach of the Springbok Sevens team, has made four changes to the squad for the next HSBC SVNS tournament, next weekend in Hong Kong.

SA teams strive for another perfect round

The South African teams will be striving for another perfect round in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship as the end of the pool stages draws closer with only six rounds remaining, and the competition for quarter-final spots still wide open.

Two changes for Bok Women’s Sevens’ Hong Kong trip

Springbok Women’s Sevens coach Renfred Dazel has included the uncapped Zandile Masuku in his squad for the next HSBC SVNS tournament, in Hong Kong from 5 to 7 April, while Kyla de Vries is back after missing the North American leg due to injury.

Match official appointments to 31 March 2024

Match official appointments for the next few days have been made, with Morne Ferreira in charge of the Vodacom URC match between Italian club Benetton and Irish side Connacht in Treviso.

Springbok Women aim for positive ending to Euro tour

Reviews usually happen after matches, but for Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi some reflection before their final Test of their 2024 European tour against the USA Women in London on Saturday was needed to get her team focussed and ready for the encounter at Ealing Sport Club at 15h00 (SA time).

SA coaches flex their muscles in the Vodacom URC

Blitzboks welcome back key quartet for Hong Kong

Philip Snyman, interim head coach of the Springbok Sevens team, has made four changes to the squad for the next HSBC SVNS tournament, next weekend in Hong Kong.