Scramble for play-off places in Women’s Premier Division

The two top sides in the Women's Premier Division will clash in Pretoria in a repeat of last year’s final, while matches in Durban, East London and Uitenhage could have crucial consequences for the remaining semifinal contenders.

The Bulls Daisies will host DHL Western Province in what could be a precursor to the final next month, but the defending champions will run out at Loftus Versfeld on Friday fully aware of what happened in their previous encounter this year.

The Capetonians were the only team to beat the Daisies in the last two years when they won 22-10 in their previous match on 25 May, so they have the confidence and knowledge of how it can be done.

The WP team to play in Pretoria on Saturday show a number of personnel changes from that day, with the most significant the inclusion of Camelita Malone to start at scrumhalf and Anuschka Groenewald at openside flanker, although she normally plays at hooker. Both are highly rated but will be tested by more experienced and street wise opponents with numerous international caps.

The visitors will be acutely aware of the sharp shooting abilities of Jakkie Cilliers, who has scored 137 points already in the season, a new record in the competition. At Loftus, her range will be amplified and any lack of discipline by WP could cost them in a match that could be determined by a few points only.

The other semifinal contenders can all be regarded as favourites in their matches this weekend, if earlier encounters this year are anything to go by.

The Sharks Women host their counterparts from the Free State in a match they won 34-17 in Bloemfontein last time around. The Free Staters’ last victory was in May and they will find a fired-up home side at Hollywoodbets King's Park.

The KwaZulu-Natalians are well aware of their inferior points’ difference in relation to the other top sides, so they will need some big scores in their last couple of matches.

Border Ladies await the Golden Lions Women in East London and should have more than enough in the tank to repeat their 38-24 win in Johannesburg in late May. Bonus points will be non-negotiable at Baysville High School, as points difference in their fourth-place tussle with the Sharks could determine the final placing.

Sanlam Boland Dames travel to Uitenhage with the knowledge that a full house against the EP Queens will keep their ambitions to finish second on the log alive, especially if Western Province trip up in Pretoria. For that, they need a strong finish and some confidence following some recent losses.

The Bolanders outplayed the Queens 49-0 in their previous encounter in Hermanus and will be looking for more of the same. A home win for EP will be a massive upset.

Match information:

Bulls Daisies v DHL Western Province

Date: Friday, 19 July 2024

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 2:30pm

Referee: Stiaan Marx

TV: SS Variety 2

Sharks Women v Free State Women

Date: Saturday, 20 July 2024

Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 12pm

Referee: Caleb Hibbert

EP Queens v Sanlam Boland Dames

Date: Saturday, 20 July 2024

Venue: Central Fields, Uitenhage

Kick-off: 12:30pm

Referee: Siya Mhana

Border Ladies v Golden Lions

Date: Saturday, 20 July 2024

Venue: Baysville High School, East London

Kick-off: 1:30pm

Referee: Aneka Fick

First Division expand footprint in fifth round

The SWD Eagirls look set to enhance their position at the top of the log in the Women’s First Division on Saturday when round five of the competition kicks off.

The Eagirls will travel to Oudtshoorn for the first time this season to host Griquas Women, while the Pumas Women await the Valke Women in White River, another new venue for the Mpumalanga side.

The Leopards will have the familiar surroundings of Olën Park in Potchefstroom when they face their neighbours, the Griffons Women.

The home team should have too much firepower for their visitors in the clash in the North West province, especially since the Griffons are still searching for a first win, but the Leopards will underestimate them at their own peril.

The Leopards have not managed to get their attack going, and scored only 13 tries so far and will be keen to exploit the Welkom team’s defence, which has been porous to say the least.

The Eagirls have secured good wins at the Bridgton Sportsground in the past and current form suggests another good outing. They struggled against the Pumas last weekend though and that is something Griquas will be well aware of.

The Eagirls have serious strike power among their backs, while the visitors prefer to keep it close to the pack, so a nice clash of styles await the crowd in Oudtshoorn.

The most significant clash with regards to log positions will take place in White River. The Pumas have surprised with their attacking play so far and their 19 tries in five matches is proof of that.

The Valke, who had a bye last week, have also scored 19 tries, but only played four matches, so attacking rugby awaits. A win for either side could move them into second place on the standings.

Limpopo Blue Bulls Women are currently in second place, but they have a bye this weekend and could be overhauled by the end of the round.

Match information:

Leopards Women v Griffons Women

Date: Saturday 20 July 2024

Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom

Kick-off: 12pm

Referee: Yohane Halgryn

SWD Eagirls v Griquas Women

Date: Saturday 20 July 2024

Venue: Bridgton Sportsground, Oudtshoorn

Kick-off: 1:30pm

Referee: John McDuling

Pumas Women v Valke Women

Date: Saturday 20 July 2024

Venue: White River Rugby Club, White River

Kick-off: 2pm

Referee: Blessings Sibande