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Bulls v Cavaliers in key clash
13/03/2008 14:22 - (SA)
Johannesburg - The Bulls play the Cavaliers in Brits on Saturday in what is probably the pick of this weekend's Vodacom Cup fixtures.
The Cavaliers have been impressive to date, and look like a side that, come the Currie Cup, will be as competitive as one of the non-franchise sides has been for years in the Premier Division.
They face a Bulls side who have not totally convinced this season and will also be without a host of their youngsters who are at the SA Under-20 training camp.
The Bulls first lost to the Eagles in George, and last weekend scraped home with a converted try in the last seconds to beat the Mighty Elephants in Port Elizabeth.
They will have to improve on Saturday to beat the Cavaliers, who will also be used to the heat that could make Brits a nightmare venue for visitors.
Another interesting clash on the hard surface of Olen Park in Potchefstroom will be between the Leopards and Western Province on Friday night.
Good pack
The home side are just too good to be written off quite yet, but need a good win to get themselves back into contention, and also to get their confidence levels up.
Western Province have stuttered, deceived and also impressed, but one has the impression that a good pack that plays in-your-face rugby could upset them - and that is just the type of pack the Leopards have.
Also on Friday the Pumas are at home to the Free State and are always difficult at home. Free State will be the favourites for this clash, despite the Pumas' good start to the season when they surprised the Wildebeest.
The Free State, who will also be without some SA Under-20 youngsters, are unbeaten after three outings and must be one of the favourites for the playoffs.
The Griffons are blowing hot and cold, and so are the Wildebeest. The Natalians' performances in the north-western parts of Free State through the years could well be repeated on Friday on a ground that they will undoubtedly found inhospitable.
Another loss for the Natal side will virtually spell the end of their challenge for the trophy.
The Lions are also with their backs to the wall after squandering a win over WP two weeks ago. They need to beat the Eagles at Ellis Park on Saturday to stay in the race.
Experienced coach
There are oodles of talent, and the signs have been there, even when they lost, that the Lions could go all the way.
The Eagles beat the Bulls first up, and have a shrewd and experienced coach in Phil Pretorius. This could be quite a match against a young side.
The Falcons have been struggling and are without a win, but should be too good for the Border Bulldogs at Reiger Park in Boksburg on Saturday. The Bulldogs have been disappointing, and if the Falcons lose this match, they're in a for a very long Currie Cup Premier Division season.
In the remaining match on Saturday, defending champions Griquas play at home and will be keen to get back on track after last week's close loss to the Wildebeest. They play the Mighty Elephants and should win in the heat and on the hard fields of the diamond fields.
Fixtures (home teams first):
Friday:
Pumas v Free State, 19:00
Griffons v Wildebeest, 19:00
Leopards v WP (19:10)
Saturday:
Golden Lions v WD Eagles, 14:00
Blue Bulls v Cavaliers, 15:00
Falcons v Border Bulldogs, 15:00
Griquas v Mighty Elephants (15:30)
- SAPA
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