The Cheetahs will look to bounce back from their opening SA Cup defeat to Boland when they face the Leopards at Olen Park on Friday evening.
The Free Staters have dominated this fixture over the past two seasons. In the inaugural 2024 campaign they recorded a 76-5 win in Potchefstroom, before securing a 69-0 shutout in Bloemfontein last year.
While the Cheetahs will be eager to get their campaign back on track in Potch, the Leopards will be playing for defensive pride after their 101-7 loss to Griquas last weekend.
In Friday’s other match, the Pumas host Eastern Province in Nelspruit.
The Pumas have enjoyed recent success against EP, winning 61-0 at Mbombela Stadium two years ago and 61-22 in Gqeberha last season.
The Pumas edged the SWD Eagles 28-26 in George last weekend, while EP showed promise despite a 29-23 home defeat to the Valke.
ROUND 1: Cavaliers cruise, Griquas raise a century
On Saturday, the Valke host Griquas in Kempton Park, Border take on SWD at the Cove Event & Sports Venue in Nahoon near East London, and Boland face the Griffons in Wellington.
The Northern Free Staters edged a thriller 34-31 at Boland Rugby Stadium two years ago and also beat the Cavaliers 38-35 in Welkom last season.
SA Cup Round 2 fixtures
Friday, 13 March
Leopards vs Cheetahs (6:30pm)
Pumas vs Eastern Province (7pm)
Saturday, 14 March
Valke vs Griquas (3pm)
Border Bulldogs vs SWD Eagles (3:30pm)
Boland Cavaliers vs Griffons (4pm)
Photo: @CheetahsRugby/Facebook
