A change in the format of this year’s edition of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge meant the quarter-finals were scrapped, but as the tournament nears the playoffs after seven pulsating rounds of action, a number of clashes this weekend will indeed be like knock-out matches.
The men from Johannesburg will only have one option in Kimberley this weekend – they need to beat the home side by 48 points or more and prevent them from getting a bonus point in order to play next weekend.
For Tafel Lager Griquas there are a number of options to make sure they qualify, but they will be looking at the maximum points as they can still top the log.
For that to happen though, the iSG Pumas, who are four points ahead at the top of the standings, need to lose in Welkom where the Down Touch Griffons await.
For the Vodacom Blue Bulls and Leopards (in Pretoria), only bragging rights will be at stake.
The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias’ clash with Valke at Hage Geingob Stadium will provide the Namibians one last chance to claim a win and end the tournament on a positive note.
The home side scored an upset in their last match played in last year's tournament, when they shocked the Valke in Kempton Park, so they will fancy their chances.
North Section fixtures:
Friday 7 June:
Vodacom Blue Bulls v Leopards
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 14h00
Referee: Ruhan Meiring
Saturday 8 June:
Tafel Lager Griquas v Xerox Golden Lions XV
Venue: Tafel Lager Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 14h30
Referee: Paul Mente
Down Touch Griffons v iSG Pumas
Venue: HT Pelatona Projects Stadium, Welkom
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Ben Crouse
Windhoek Draught Welwitschias v Valke
Venue: Hage Geingob Stadium, Windhoek
Kick-off: 16h00
Referee: Quinton Immelman