Big clash in George highlights Women’s First Division second round

It will be an epic clash of two former finalists in Round Two of the SA Rugby Women’s First Division in George on Saturday, where the outcome could influence hosting rights for the play-offs later in the season. Elsewhere there will be action in Polokwane and Welkom.

It might be one of the most picturesque settings in the game, but all eyes will be focused on the pitch at the Outeniqua Park Stadium as matches between the SWD Eagirls and Leopards have always delivered in the action stakes.

Both sides have an experienced core of players while both coaches, Franklin Jackson (Leopards) and Elize Arendse (Eagirls) are not shy to introduce emerging talents into their squads.

The Eagirls won both matches between the sides last year including a tight 22-15 win in the semifinals of the competition and must be favourites for this one as well, but don’t expect a huge winning margin at all from either side.

The Down Touch Investment Stadium faithful will have some women’s action for the first time as well when the Griffons host the Pumas. The Welkom side had a bye last weekend, while Pumas lost to Griquas on the road. The home side could just be the freshest of the two sides.

In the remaining clash, Limpopo Blue Bulls Women welcome the Valke to Polokwane. The Valke showed good grit in last weekend’s defeat to the Eagirls, but will need a lot more of that to return victorious from Polokwane. The home side lost a close one to the Leopards last weekend and understand another home defeat could ruin their season from the get-go.

Second Round fixtures (all on Saturday, 22 June):

SWD Eagirls v Leopards Women

Venue: Outeniqua Park Stadium, George

Kick-off: Time: 12:30pm

Referee: John McDuling

Limpopo Blue Bulls Women v Valke Women

Venue: University of Limpopo, Polokwane

Kick-off: 1pm

Referee: Excellent Mnkomo

Griffons Women v Pumas Women

Venue: Down Touch Investment Stadium, Welkom

Kick-off: 1pm

Referee: Yohane Halgryn