However, the most significant match will be in Brakpan, between Valke and Vodacom Blue Bulls, where neither side can afford defeat to keep their outside chances of reaching the semi-finals alive.

The Xerox Golden Lions XV will have an opportunity to close the gap on Tafel Lager Griquas, currently in second position on the log, when they host the Down Touch Griffons in Johannesburg, while the men from Kimberley face a tough away challenge in Leeudoringstad against the Leopards.

The defending champions, the iSG Pumas, should have too much fire-power for the winless Windhoek Draught Welwitschias when they clash at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Current standings – North Section:

1. iSG Pumas - 25

2. Tafel Lager Griquas - 21

3. Xerox Golden Lions XV - 17

4. Vodacom Blue Bulls - 15

5. Valke - 13

6. Down Touch Griffons - 11

7. Leopards - 11

8. Windhoek Draught Welwitschias - 0

 

Fixtures – North Section:

Saturday 1 June:

Xerox Golden Lions XV v Down Touch Griffons

Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 14:00

Referee: Jaco Pretorius

iSG Pumas v Windhoek Lager Welwitchias

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Kick-off: 15:00

Referee: Archie Sehlako

Valke v Vodacom Blue Bulls

Venue: Bosman Stadium, Brakpan

Kick-off: 15:00

Referee: Ben Crouse

Leopards v Tafel Lager Griquas

Venue: Leeudoringstad Rugby Club

Kick-off: 15:45

Referee: Jaco Kotze