Cheetahs need to go big against Border

With just two rounds remaining before the 2026 SA Cup semi-finals, the pressure is mounting as teams battle for a place in the top four, and with it, qualification for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division.

At the top of the standings, Suzuki Griquas have created a seven-point buffer, putting them firmly on course for a home semi-final. Behind them, however, the race is open, with three semi-final spots still up for grabs and every log point proving crucial in the closing stages of the league phase.

The Toyota Cheetahs take on Border at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday at 3.30pm. For the Free Staters, nothing less than a convincing victory will suffice as they look to stay within striking distance of the play-off positions.

The Cheetahs are currently level on 25 log points with the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers but sit just outside the top four due to an inferior points difference, adding further significance to this weekend’s clash.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Franco Smith, 11 Michael Annies; 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger; 8 Sisonke Vumazonke , 7 Neels Volschenk (capt), 6 Ramon Uys; 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Curtly Thomas; 3 John-Kelly Okonkwa, 2 Juan Smal, 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt. Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Carl Wegner, 20 Juan Venter, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 23 Jaco van der Westhuizen.

Border v Toyota Cheetahs - Saturday @ Sisa Dukashe Stadium, East London (3.30pm)

Referee: Hanru van Rooyen