Valke host Leopards in Kempton Park on Saturday

The Border Bulldogs and Phangela SWD Eagles kick-off this weekend’s second-round Carling Currie Cup First Division action when they clash from 6pm on Friday, with both teams looking for their first win of the new competition.

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 3pm. 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.

Fixtures

Border Bulldogs v Phangela SWD Eagles - Friday @ Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane, East London (6pm)

Referee: Daniel Canhenga

NovaVit Griffons v Eastern Province - Saturday @ Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom (3pm)

Referee: Caleb Hibbert

Valke v Leopards - Saturday @ Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park (3pm)

Referee: Lulutho Matomela