Before the Sharks and Western Province go head-to-head in the domestic showpiece in Durban on Saturday, two other very important games will take place – the final legs of the Currie Cup promotion-relegation series.
While the Leopards have a handy 15-point lead as they head to George to take on the SWD Eagles, it is in the other play-off – the Eastern Province Kings against the Pumas – where the real drama will be.
Deadlocked at 36-all after last week’s first round, the two teams in PE have everything to play for.
We look at this weekend’s matches!
Friday, October 29:
SWD Eagles v Leopards:
(Outeniqua Park, George – Kick-off: 17.00; 15.00 GMT)
The Leopards are favourites to remain in the Currie Cup and only require two log points from their clash against the SWD Eagles at Outeniqua Park on Friday to keep their status as a Premier Division competitor.
The Potchefstroom side secured maximum points from their first promotion/relegation game against their George opponents at Olën Park on Saturday and boast a superior points differential -15.
The result means that the hosts must secure maximum points from their fixture against the Platinum Leopards and deny their opponents any log points when these sides meet on Friday.
The SWD Eagles will fancy their chances of causing an upset over the Potchefstroom side as they have enjoyed a solid home run at Outeniqua Park during the last couple of seasons.
The side, coached by Johan Lerm, have only lost four home games during the last two seasons in George. They secured home victories over the Falcons (57-35), Griffons (42-27), Border Bulldogs (33-12) and the Boland Cavaliers (45-36) this year, but conceded a 19-17 defeat to the EP Kings in week six of the First Division round robin.
The Eagles defeated the Griffons (32-30) in their semifinal clash played at Outeniqua Park but then lost the final of the First Division against the Eastern Province Kings earlier this month by 16-12.
The Leopards on the other hand will have the chance of breaking their duck on the road when they travel to George for their second promotion/relegation game against the Eagles. The visitors did not win one away game this season.
Teams:
SWD Eagles: 15 Jandré Blom, 14 Bobby Joubert, 13 Sinethemba Zweni, 12 Bevin Fortuin (captain), 11 Joe Breytenbach, 10 Ambrose Barends, 9 Dougie Hellmuth, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Shaun Raubenheimer, 6 Lyndon Hartnick, 5 Henry Grimes, 4 Hendrik Eksteen, 3 Wikus Harmse, 2 Johannes Grobler, 1 Jacobus Terblanche.
Replacements: 16 Jandré de Beer, 17 Anton van der Westhuizen, 18 Lubabalo Mtyanda, 19 Danzel Manuel, 20 Eric Zana, 21 Deroy Rhoode, Marchell Potts.
Leopards: 15 Danie Dames, 14 Dumisani Matyeshana, 13 Cornelius Rautenbach, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Colin Lloyd, 10 Clayton Durand, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Reginald Kember, 7 Willem Koch (captain), 6 Victor Joubert, 5 Edrich Linde, 4 Christo van Niekerk, 3 Eric Coetzee, 2 Gavin Williamson, 1 Bennie Uys.
Replacements: 16 Stoffel Duvenhage, 17 Divan Kotze, 18 Brad Mockford, 19 Bennie Adams, 20 Theo van Wyk, 21 Joubert Engelbrecht, 22 Sarel Marais.
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Mlungiseli Mdashe, Phillip Bosch
TMO: Johann Meuwesen
Eastern Province Kings v Pumas
(Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth – Kick-off: 19.10; 17.10 GMT)
In the other promotion/relegation game of the weekend, the Eastern Province Kings will have the chance of advancing to next year’s Premier Division competition if they can topple the Pumas at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.
Both sides are currently on three log points after they played out an exciting 36-all draw at the Puma Stadium in Witbank last Friday. The Pumas ran in six tries while the Kings scored four five-pointers from that game.
However victory for either side in Port Elizabeth with guarantee themselves a place in next year’s Premier Division while the loser will face a season in the First Division.
The EP Kings have been in superb form at home this season and have only conceded one defeat at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – against the SWD Eagles (25-8).
However, The Pumas have showed they can win away from home – having beaten the Lions (34-27) in Johannesburg and the Leopards (27-26) in Potchefstroom.
Teams:
Pumas: 15 Carl Bezuidenhout, 14 Vainon Willis, 13 Shaun Venter, 12 Tian Meyer, 11 Allistair Kettledas, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Hendrik van der Nest, 8 Christo le Roux, 7 Corné Steenkamp, 6 Jaco Bouwer, 5 Marius Coetzer, 4 Luan Velthuizen, 3 Ashley Buys, 2 Hannes Franklin (captain), 1 Ronnie Uys.
Replacements: 16 Hans van Dyk, 17 Dawie Steyn, 18 Dee-Jay Terblanche, 19 Willem Serfontein, 20 Eduan van der Walt, 21 Ricardo Croy, 22 Johan Jackson.
Eastern Province Kings: 15 Anthony Fenner, 14 Paul Perez, 13 Wayne Stevens, 12 De Wet Barry (captain), 11 Norman Nelson, 10 Monty Dumond, 9 Gerrie Odendaal, 8 JJ Gagiano, 7 Devin Oosthuizen, 6 Jacques Potgieter, 5 Willem Stoltz, 4 Rory Duncan, 3 André Schlechter, 2 Jaco Fourie, 1 Pumlani Nodikita.
Replacements: 16 Nio Halangahu, 17 Riaan Vermeulen, 18 Lungelo Payi, 19 Darron Nell, 20 Donald Stevens, 21 Mlindazwe Nqoro, 22 Jaco Bekker.
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Assistant referees: Dilbert November, Marc van Zyl
TMO: JC Fortuin
Article courtesy of Rugby 365
Tweet
Status quo to remain.
I am hoping the EP make it into the premier division
@war1 (Comment 2) :
It WILL solve a whole lot of potential problems for SARU.
Who did Kaplan piss on to get this game?
I’m glad he has it though, very little chance of it being cocked up by some poor reffing call. I just hope he ignores his TJ on vital calls and goes to the TMO.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 3) : And it will be nice to see EP back in the premier division, it will be tough on the Pumas though, they did so well this season
These games are not on here. 🙁 Hopefully RSG will have commentary. 😳
Long live the King(s)! 😎
@McLovin (Comment 7) :
I didn’t know you’re a fan of Cheeky??
@wpw (Comment 8) : I’m a multi-layered character. In more ways than one. 😉
@McLovin (Comment 9) : And no, even I don’t know what that’s supposed to mean.
I do have a soft spot for the Eastern Cape though.
I hope someone is giving us score updates.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 12) : If you can access justin tv – http://www.justin.tv/kostazoo2#/w/505030672
There are about 3 spectators
What happened to Bevan Fortuin. He was playing well for the Cheetahs, played a couple for the Boks and then completely dropped off the radar.
Eagles 7 – 0 Leopards
6 mins
Eagles 7 / 0 Leopards
8 min
@lostfish (Comment 15) : his hair got in the way
@robdylan (Comment 18) : hehehe, then how does Ashley Johnson see?
Eagles 7 – 3 Leopards
12 mins
Clayton going for PK
Eagles 7 / 3 Leopards
12 min
@lostfish (Comment 20) : who are we screaming for 🙄
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 22) : It is a difficult decision as neither team deserves to play in the premier division.
Walking bonus point teams in the CC.
gee the kids seem to enjoy the game 🙂
Eagles 7 – 6 Leopards
18 mins
Eagles 7 / Leapords 6
18 min
Eagles 7 – 13 Leopards
20 mins
Who scored?
Leopards 13 / 7 [email protected]lostfish (Comment 27) : i’m going to leave u with this game
i’ll cover the Eastern Province Kings v Pumas game if its ok 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 28) : Leopards number 8, intercept try
Eagles 10 – 13 Leopards
24 mins
Okay So SWD have to win by more than 15 to go up to the Premier Div.
Eagles 15 – 13 Leopards
29 mins
well it looks like swd is giving a good fight
SWD 15 / Leopards 13
@KSA Shark © (Comment 32) : I think 15 is what they said.
@lostfish (Comment 35) :
Yip it’s correct.
While the Leopards have a handy 15-point lead as they head to George to take on the SWD Eagles, it is in the other play-off – the Eastern Province Kings against the Pumas – where the real drama will be.
I posted the article, you’d think I’d remember what I posted. 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 36) : Oops, I must admit I just skimmed over the article and missed that too 😳
@lostfish (Comment 33) :
29minutes at 17:38???????
Did the game start late or has there been a shedload of stoppages? Article says it shoulda started at 17:00
Eagles might have scored, going to the tmo
Eagles 20 – 13 Leopards
38 mins
Gee that was quick HT 🙂
@KSA Shark © (Comment 38) : It started around 17:10
@lostfish (Comment 42) :
Thanks.
@lostfish (Comment 40) :
this is goling to be a close affair on who goes through to the Premier Div.
Half Time over
SWD 20 / Leopards 13
42 min
SWD 20 / 16 Leopards
48 min
@KSA Shark © (Comment 43) : true but whoever goes through will be a walking bonus point
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 45) : I lost my feed 😐
Bonus try SWD
SWD 25 / 13 Leopards
53 min
@lostfish (Comment 47) : its back
@lostfish (Comment 47) : ag no
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 48) : Eagles kicker missed another one – he might end up costing his team.
@lostfish (Comment 49) :
SWD 25 / 16 Leopards
55 min
@lostfish (Comment 51) : true but still some time 😕
@lostfish (Comment 46) :
it’s quite sad that it will probably be Leopards and Kings going through.
No sad for the kings, they need to be premier div for a smooth SARU future, but for the pumas not going through and yet the team below them on the log does (probably) stay in the 1st div.
try SWD going to TMO
@KSA Shark © (Comment 55) : It will be a blow for the Pumas, they deserve to be in the 1st division more than SWD or the Leopards.
Tryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy SWD
SWD 32 / 16 Leopards
63 min
@lostfish (Comment 57) :
Agree 100%.
Pumas are going to have to play out of their skin.
Gee the fans are going mad all u hear is
EAGLES EAGLES
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 58) :
16 margin.
😕
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 60) :
All 3 of them?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 61) : is that for SB 😕
@KSA Shark © (Comment 62) : There are a few more, when I commented on that I hadn’t seen the main stand and there were a few people sitting isolated on another stand. It seems to have filled up quite a bit since the game started.
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 63) :
No.
Eagles have to win by 16 or more to get promoted to the premier Division.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 62) : no i lost you somewhere 😳
all 3 of them 😕
@lostfish (Comment 64) : 😉
@KSA Shark © (Comment 65) : ok so far so good then 🙂
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 66) :
Fish said there were only 3 supporters early on, so i was making a joke about that.
@lostfish (Comment 64) : @KSA Shark © (Comment 67) : thats what happens when fathers teach there girls about the game 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 69) : Thanks 🙂
Well SWD better get more points on the board because we now how it comes back to bite u just before FT 🙂
TRY Leopards
SWD 32 / 21 Leopards
76 min
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 73) :
😛
11 point margin.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 74) : Leopards are camping 10 metres from the tryline with a penalty advantage in hand
Try Leopards
Try Leopards
SWD 32 / 28 Leopards
79 min
The penalty was awarded and Leopards took a quick tap
@lostfish (Comment 76) :
So that all but seals it.
Leopards stay in the 1st Division.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 74) : 4 MP
@KSA Shark © (Comment 79) : Pretty much. They are hanging onto it and keeping the ball in hand and waiting for full time.
Full Time score
SWD 32 / 28 Leopards
81 min
Leopards stay up
Shame i feel for the Leopards Captain didn’t really hv anything to say but will work on it 🙁
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 84) : SWD captain don’t you mean??
oh one more to go
EPK v Pumas 🙂
@lostfish (Comment 85) : 😳
yes i do that because i’m into between SW and the dame ironing and got caught up
but thanks 😉
Congrats to the Leopards.
If only there was a way for both the EP Kings and Pumas to play premier Div.
Gee looking at the sea i could and almost thought is was durbs sea
those waves oh my they do look very inviteing
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 90) :
They can still see the sea???????????? it got dark here at 17:45.
Back in a bit quick cleanup
@KSA Shark © (Comment 91) : oh i think u must come back to SA my friend
and game is on
Monty kicks off
The Wet Barry hasn’t changed, he is still a walking penalty machine.
TRyyyyyyyy EPK
EPK 7 / 0 Pumas
7 min
It is Monty that is on loan when is he coming back to Sharks
C’mon pumas!!!!!! (Futile i know)
sorry wrong thread but my nerves are nearlly gone for tomorrow and then a friend of ours from Sabi phones and tells me he is in durbs for the finals he is 👿 and 😈
try EPK by JJ
EPK 12 / 0 Pumas
16 min
@KSA Shark © (Comment 99) : help please with comment 98 😳
C’mon Kings!
Le Roux Tryyy
EPK 12 / 7 Pumas
23 min
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 98) : I don’t think he is on loan, I think it is a permanent move.
@lostfish (Comment 105) : ok thanks 😉
@lostfish (Comment 105) : do u stay in SA 😕
EPK 12 / Pumas 10
31 min
sorry mwe pc just froze 😳
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 107) : No, I live in France.
How is that for the CC final we get Joubert and Kaplan is blowing the EP / Pumas game?
try EPK with 2 moves and had to go TMO
EPK 19 / 10 Pumas
34 min
@lostfish (Comment 109) : thanks thats is where me want to go one day
@lostfish (Comment 110) :
yeah my thoughts exactly.
HOWEVER!!!!!! Joubert IS ranked #1 in SA at the moment. 😯
@lostfish (Comment 109) : i think we should of had Kaplan 🙂
Try Pumas A Kruger
Epk 19 / 15 Pumas
38 min
@chaz (Black and White forever) (Comment 112) : It’s a nice place to live (in the south of France that is) apart from the strikes atm
@KSA Shark © (Comment 113) : That does surprise me. Who did Kaplan p*ss off??
I am so completely in 2 minds here.
I feel for the Pumas, yet gettin g the Kings into the premier div will be better for SA Rugby in the long run.
EPK going for PK
and HT score
EPK 22 / 15 Pumas
42 min
@lostfish (Comment 117) :
I was just as surprised but it does make sense (I don’t agre with it) the he is ranked #1. Why else would he have reffed the S14 final and been appointed to the CC Final?
JK Pissed someone off OR we are missing something in their performances that the assesors aren’t.
@lostfish (Comment 116) : true my heart is to go and tour to overseas but me hubby says no he got this swim and flying thing now i don’t know what he thinks because we are going for me B day in 25 April to the P islands and i can’t wait but will c if he goes otherwise i’ll take my S inlaw with
SA won the cricket by 8 wickets and with 11 overs to spare. 😎
@McLovin (Comment 122) :
Against Pakistan right?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 123) : Yip.
OK back on
Try Steenkamp
EPK 22 / 22 Pumas
43 min
@McLovin (Comment 124) :
Sounds like it coulda been Zim. 😛
@chaz (Black & White forever) (Comment 125) :
@McLovin (Comment 124) : good work Proteas
I hope our game is nt so nerve reaking as this game ❓
Try Pumas Le Roux
Pumas 29 / 22 EPK
48 min
missed sth EPK got a YC
@chaz (Black & White forever) (Comment 130) :
Have no idea who I want to win this one.
Gee these EPK are on fire
@KSA Shark © (Comment 132) : me neither 😕
EPK going for PK
Pumas 29 / 25 EPK
52 min
PK EPK
Monty converts its
Pumas 29 / 28 EPK
56 min
@chaz (Black & White forever) (Comment 135) :
I’ve just realised you are listing the visiting side 1st. 😆
I thought the Kings were leading. 😳
(Usually the home side is listed first)
@KSA Shark © (Comment 137) : well i always put the win side 1st and then the other team
Try Pumas going TMO
Try Pumas
Pumas 36 / 28 EPK
64 min
@KSA Shark © (Comment 137) : hope i’m doing ok 😳
@chaz (Black & White forever) (Comment 140) :
Doing better than okay, you’re doing damn well. 🙂
@chaz (Black & White forever) (Comment 140) :
You’re doing better than the Kings. 🙂
@KSA Shark © (Comment 141) : thanks
@KSA Shark © (Comment 142) : 😉
Oh my over the speaker 10 mins to go gee do the players from the sides need to know that hv that nt got big screen 🙄
@chaz (Black & White forever) (Comment 145) :
Announced over the stadium clock? 😯 😯 😕 😕
PK Pumas
Pumas 39 / 28 EPK
74 min
well people starting to go home must be the EPK fans
gee if it was me team i would stay and party for their win or lost
Try Pumas
Pumas 46 / 28 EPK
82 min
and Final Score
Well done Pumas. 😥
Well done Pumas
Thanks Chaz your commentary has been a great help.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 152) : thanks i had me daugther to bath 😳 the gran kids so u can get the score 😆 so i hope i’m ok even as a well none Rugby girl but still a BIG SHARK
GO SHARKS GO 
eeeeaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh SHARKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS for CC 2010
Sleep well and a brand new day shall arise just 4 the Home team
and the win or loose we will hear or not hear from the SW Province Supporters or they shall go in well like Megatron goes in HIDING
eeeeaaahhhhhhhh its a Sharks World
2010 WINNERS OF THE CC 2010 
😉
Okay night all.
Thanks for the Commentary Lost Fish and Chaz. It’s much appreciated.
See you tomorrow.
GO SHARKS!!!!!
Hard Luck EP.
Was really disappointing. But to be fair, EP`s forwards just weren`t good enough.
On the positive side, don`t you guys think the Sharks might now pick up that Stevens no 13 of EP?
He`ll want real CC exposure next year and Dbn is virtually down the road for him . . . might be worth a shot?