The Currie Cup First Division kicks off this weekend, with the defending champion Griffons facing the Border Bulldogs in East London.
After lifting the trophy last season, the Northern Free Staters head into the new campaign with a target on their backs and will be eager to make a strong statement at Police Park on Saturday.
The Griffons showed glimpses of their quality during the recent SA Cup, but a late dip in form means coach Jacques Juries’ side will be determined to hit the reset button and start their title defence on the right foot.
That task may not be straightforward against a Border team that proved competitive when the sides met in Welkom earlier this year and will be desperate to improve on their SA Cup showing.
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While the champions begin their campaign on the road, two other fixtures could have a major bearing on the race for the semi-finals.
In Potchefstroom, the Leopards host the SWD Eagles in what shapes up as one of the matches of the opening round.
The Eagles narrowly missed out on Premier Division qualification in the SA Cup and arrive with plenty of momentum after a strong campaign under former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
They will also draw confidence from their emphatic victory over the Leopards in their final SA Cup fixture, although the hosts will be motivated by memories of last year’s win over the George-based side.
Meanwhile, the Valke welcome Eastern Province to Kempton Park.
Last season’s runners-up finished ahead of EP in the SA Cup standings and have enjoyed recent success in this fixture, making them favourites on home turf.
However, the men from Gqeberha, coached by former Springbok boss Allister Coetzee, have shown they are capable of upsetting more fancied opponents and pushed the East Randers all the way when the teams met earlier this year.
With only a single round of league matches before the semi-finals, there will be little margin for error.
The top four teams will advance to the playoffs on 18 July, with the First Division final scheduled for the following weekend.
Round 1 fixtures
Saturday, 13 June
Border Bulldogs vs Griffons, Police Park, East London (3pm)
Leopards vs SWD Eagles, Olen Park, Potchefstroom (3pm)
Valke vs Eastern Province, Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park (3pm)
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Currie Cup First Division battle lines drawn appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Currie Cup First Division kicks off this weekend, with the defending champion Griffons facing the Border Bulldogs in East London.
The post Currie Cup First Division battle lines drawn appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
