On Saturday, the NovaVit Griffons – who lost their opening-round match against the Valke in Welkom – face another tough assignment when Eastern Province visit them in one of two matches that start at 15h00. The remaining fixture takes place in Kempton Park, where the Valke host Leopards at the Barnard Stadium.

Border will fancy their chances against the Eagles at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane. Although they finished the recently completed SA Cup without any wins, the Bulldogs gave good account of themselves at home, so SWD – who lost a thrilling encounter to EP by five points last week – will have to step up their defence if they want to leave East London victorious.

The Bulldogs were also on the losing end last week against Leopards in Potchefstroom, so Friday’s encounter with SWD could see one of the teams grab their first win of the new campaign. The Eagles won their previous meeting in this competition last year by 45-26 in George.

The Griffons, who completed in the Premier Division in the last two seasons, failed in their qualification attempt during the recent SA Cup, and with a 10-point loss to the Valke already on their books, they would want to bounce back as soon as possible.

However, they face a tough encounter against EP, who have the potential to upset away from home. The men from Gqeberha beat the Griffons in their SA Cup clash in May, but their last visit to the Northern Free State in the Carling Currie Cup First Division ended in a convincing 45-16 victory for the Griffons.

The Leopards and Valke – who clash on the East Rand this week – are leading the standings alongside EP, with all three teams on five points after the first round last weekend.

The Valke will hope that home-ground advantage in Kempton Park will tip the scales in their favour. The East Randers won last season’s fixture between the two sides 45-35 in Potchefstroom, while the Leopards’ previous win in this fixture was in May 2022, when they won 25-15 at Olen Park.

Match information:

Border Bulldogs v Phangela SWD Eagles
Date: Friday, 20 June
Venue: Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane, East London
Kick-off: 18h00
Referee: Daniel Canhenga

NovaVit Griffons v Eastern Province
Date: Saturday, 21 June
Venue: Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Caleb Hibbert

Valke v Leopards
Date: Saturday, 21 June
Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Lulutho Matomela