The Sanlam Boland Dames, second on the standings with 11 log points, travel to East London, where the Border Ladies, in fifth spot with nine points, await them in a match that could determine their fortunes for rest of the season, while the Sharks Ladies, buoyant after two solid wins, arrive in Pretoria with 10 log points and third place for the biggest challenge of their season, to beat the Daisies at Loftus Versfeld.
Elsewhere, DHL Western Province, also on 10 log points and in fourth spot, will be mindful that a defeat could spell the end of their title hunt when they take on the Golden Lions Women at Emirates Airline Park, with the home side desperate for a first win of the season.
The Free State Women, who scored their first win last weekend in a dramatic late try against the Lions, are improving all the time and can be regarded as favourites to grab their second victory of the season in Gqeberha, where the winless EP Queens seem desperately short of confidence.
The Bloemfonteiners have some serious strike power in the backs and supporters in attendance should be rewarded with great attacking rugby.
The Ladies have their inspirational captain and inside centre, Aphiwe Ngwevu, back and that will not only boost their confidence, but also their chances to claim another win.
Ngwevu is very influential, especially when playmaker Eloise Webb is her midfield partner and she can exploit the havoc her captain creates for opposing defences.
Aphiwe Ngwevu training with the Springbok Women last year.
The Dames will still be hurting from their defeat to the Daisies last week but they have the depth and talent to bounce back. It will be their first away match of the season, and they will be without the heat advantage Wellington gave them in the opening three weeks.
The Daisies are still without Lusanda Dumke, while the Qawe twins, Chumisa and Chuma, are also unavailable due to a family bereavement, but they should still have enough depth to handle the Sharks’ attack, with no less than 11 current Springbok Women in their starting team.
The Tayla Kinsey-led visitors from KZN have a good kicking game which will work well on the Highveld, but if they have enough defensive armour to stop the Daisies’ attack remains to be seen.
DHL WP blew hot and cold so far this season but they have named a very strong side for their trip to Emirates Airlines Park. Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi, her lock partner Nomsa Mokwai and Roseline Botes are all Rugby World Cup contenders in their pack, while their replacements bench are laden with exciting young players.
The Lions also had their moments so far and the way their bench responds when called upon will be crucial if they want to stop the visitors from Cape Town.
Match information:
Bulls Daisies vs Sharks Women
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Date: Saturday, 15 February
Kick-off: 12h00
Referee: Blessings Sibande
TV: SuperSport Variety 1
EP Queens vs Free State Women
Venue: Cilliè High School, Gqeberha
Date: Saturday, 15 February
Kick-off: 13h00
Referee: Richard Bruno
Border Ladies vs Sanlam Boland Dames
Venue: Baysville High School, East London
Date: Saturday, 15 February
Kick-off: 13h00
Referee: Siya Mhana
Golden Lions Women vs DHL Western Province
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Date: Saturday, 15 February
Kick-off: 17h15
Referee: Stiaan Marx
Livestream: Springboks YouTube channel
