And for this reason: Under the guidance of former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, EP have emerged as one of the competition’s most improved sides. The Elephants have displayed resilience and consistency throughout the campaign, earning several important victories to secure a home play-off in this year’s Currie Cup competition.
The Carling Currie Cup reaches a crossroads this weekend when the Premier Division kicks off, with the defending champion Suzuki Griquas starting their campaign in Cape Town, and four of the six First Division teams fight it out for a spot in the final.
On Saturday at 15h00, the two teams to contest the Carling Currie Cup First Division final will be determined. Eastern Province host the Valke in Gqeberha, and the Dotsure SWD Eagles welcome the Leopards to George in the semi-finals. The Griffons, last year’s champions, failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Although SWD suffered a narrow 52-45 defeat to Eastern Province in their final league fixture last weekend, the Eagles finished top of the standings on 22 points after five rounds of action. EP secured second place on 20 points and, with it, a valuable home semi-final.
The Valke claimed third position on 18 points after ending the Griffons’ title defence with a crucial victory in Kempton Park, while the Leopards secured the fourth and final play-off berth with a hard-fought three-point away win over Border in East London. That result proved decisive, as the Leopards leapfrogged the Griffons on the standings.
Despite last weekend’s setback against EP, the Eagles enter the knock-out phase as one of the competition’s form teams. Guided by former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, the George-based side have developed into one of the competition’s most impressive outfits and will relish the advantage of playing at home.
SWD will, however, expect a stern challenge from Riaan van Straten’s Leopards, who have shown plenty of character in securing their place in the semi-finals and will travel to George determined to upset the odds.
The other semi-final sees Eastern Province take on the Valke in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
JP Immelman’s Valke, meanwhile, will arrive in Gqeberha full of confidence after another strong season. Last year’s runners-up are eager to go one better in 2026 after falling just short in the previous campaign, and their physical, attacking style of play makes them a dangerous proposition in knockout rugby.
Match information – Carling Currie Cup First Division semi-final:
Eastern Province vs Valke
Date: Saturday, 18 July
Venue: NMU Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha
Time: 15h00
Referee: Paul Mente
