We have a top-of-the-table clash and two teams still looking for their first win of the season as the Currie Cup competition enters Round Four on Friday.

As they say in the classics: 'Never a dull moment.'

All this week's fixtures take place on Friday, with Saturday preserved solely for the Tri-Nations Test between South Africa and New Zealand.

The top-of-the-table clash will see the Golden Lions hosts the high riding Griquas in Johannesburg. The team from Kimberley, Griquas, is not just the only undefeated side in this year's competition, but with a full-house 15 points after three rounds are perfectly placed to launch for a play-off place. The second-placed Lions will look to extend their two-match victory run.

In Pretoria the Blue Bulls look to have a comfortable home game against the hapless Boland Cavaliers, who are still smarting from the 80-point pasting they received at the hands of Griquas last week. The Cavaliers, who are currently in sixth position on the Currie Cup standings, have only picked up one victory - against the Leopards. However, the Bulls will also be keen to bounce back from their defeat against the Sharks last week.

Western Province are at home for the third time this season and will be looking to secure their third win in the Currie Cup Premier Division on Friday, when they host the lowly Leopards. The visitors are yet to secure a win in the competition - having gained promotion this season.

And the day's action concludes when, in Bloemfontein, the Free State Cheetahs will be desperate to secure their first win of the season when they host the defending champion Sharks. The hosts suffered defeats at the hands of Western Province (13-19), the Lions (22-31) and Griquas - (18-28) while the Sharks will be brimming with confidence following their 19-13 victory over the Blue Bulls last Friday.

iafrica.com looks at all the Round Four action!

Friday, July 31:

Lions v Griquas
(Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg - 17.00, 15.00 GMT)

These are two of the most unlikely teams you would have expected at the top of the standings if you were to have made predictions before the start of the tournament.

Yet, they have delighted and surprised in the early stages - Griquas building on the platform laid with their powerful performances in the Vodacom Cup and the Lions with their new-look team, minus a host of senior players.

While Griquas would have had the luxury of doing video analysis of the Lions' matches against the Blue Bulls and Cheetahs, Lions coach Hans Coetzee was only able to obtain footage of Griquas' opening match against the Cheetahs.

At least he has some point of reference.

"We haven't seen much of them, only that first round game against Cheetahs," Coetzee said, when asked about his thoughts on what to expect from Griquas.

He felt that a record of three-wins-from-three-starts means they are "looking good".

"According to reports they are the team to watch out for this year," Coetzee said, adding: "They are certainly on a roll at the moment."

The Lions coach suggested Griquas' forwards are the key to their success, while their kicking game is also looking very strong.

"How you counter from those kicks will be vital," the Lions mentor said.

Griquas know the Lions are a step up from the opponents they face in the last two rounds - the Leopards and Boland cavaliers - with head coach Dawie Theron suggesting that this could be their toughest test to date.

"The Lions are always a tough team to face, and to play them at Coca-Cola Park is a daunting task, but we will try keep our momentum going," Theron said.

The one advantage Griquas could have over the Lions is consistency in selection.

Lions coach Hans Coetzee has made eight changes to the starting XV this week, after making as many changes last week.

Add to that the loss of two key playmakers to injury - in scrumhalf Jano Vermaak and centre Walter Venter - and it is clear the Lions are not as settled as they should be.

While Coetzee will tell you he has selected his strongest possible side for this match, Theron believes it could benefit his team.

"I understand the thinking behind switching players in and out of the side, but making so many changes could backfire. It will be a flip of the coin on Friday," the Griquas coach said.

In the end the Griquas coach believes it will all boil down to who has the best defensive system and wins the ball on the ground.

"In order to win a game we all know the old cliche of 'you have to win the tight phases', we know that. The team who has the best defensive system will win. If we make less mistakes than them, we will win. If we keep the ball, we will win."

Not surprising the to also hear Coetzee talk of focussing on defence this week.

"We have put a lot of work into our set pieces to ensure we secure quality first phase possession. We are also continuing to work on our defence to ensure we remain as solid as possible."

iafrica.com Prediction: Both teams will be confident after good victories last week, but we smell an upset in the air. Yes, popular opinion will tell you that Griquas' dream run must come to an end at some stage, but we don't think it will be this week and they will secure a rare win in Johannesburg. Griquas by about 10 points.

Teams:

Lions: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Dusty Noble, 13 Alwyn Hollenbach, 12 Rouan Cloete , 11 Johan Jackson, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Chris Jonck, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Franco van der Merwe, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 Willem Stoltz, 4 Nico Luus, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Hans van Dyk, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg
Replacements: 16 Derek Harwood, 17 Kevin Buys, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Derick Minnie, 20 Freddie van Zyl, 21 Rouan Boshoff, 22 Henno Mentz

Griquas: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Dewald Pretorius, 13 Jaco Bekker, 12 Barry Geel, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Jonathan Mokuena (captain), 7 Davon Raubenheimer, 6 Rohan Kitshoff, 5 Jacques Lombaard, 4 Brendon Snyman, 3 Ruaan du Preez, 2 Rayno Barnes, 1 Albertus Buckle.
Replacements: 16 Simon Westraadt, 17 Steph Roberts, 18 Heinrich Stride, 19 Sean Plaatjies, 20 Dougie Hellmuth, 21 Hanno Coetzee, 22 Egon Seconds/Gavin Passens.

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Assistant referees: Stu Berry, Reuben Rossouw

Western Province v Leopards
(Newlands, Cape Town - 19.00, 17.00 GMT)

By now the Leopards would have awoken from the dream that they have qualified for the Currie Cup Premier Division and the harsh reality would have hit home - it is not one, or two or three steps up from the First Division... it is 10 steps up.

The gulf between the two competitions is enormous and winning the second tier of domestic competition only means you have given yourself an opportunity to play with the big boys.

But if you want to be in the big league you can't compete with average, or reasonably talented player - they have to be real classy competitors.

Of those the Leopards have but a handful, not nearly enough to scare the big guns.

You don't bring an airgun to a nuclear war.

And things certainly won't get any easier when they take on a highly talented Western Province side on Friday.

In their opening three games the Leopards have conceded 102 points, which includes 40 in their last match against the Lions.

Still, coach Chaka Willemse has faith in his side.

"We haven't played bad rugby. We just have to keep our composure for longer than 40 minutes. If we play composed rugby for about 70 minutes of the match we could win. If we keep knocking, eventually the door will open."

However, Allister Coetzee's Province men have ambitions of winning the competition and to do that they know they can't afford to drop any points - not at home and not against the Leopards.

Coetzee is elated with his team's performance in the competition thus far.

"The team is starting to find its balance and we are playing well as a unit. We still have a long way to go, but I am confident the team will do the job on Friday."

Province have taken a big step forward this season due to their improved set piece performances, especially in their scrummaging.

A large part of that success is a direct result of their new lock signing, All Black Chris Jack, who has inspired the team to compete in the tight phases. In all three of their Currie Cup matches thus far they have dominated in the forwards.

However, in a big move the Province coach has opted to start this weekend's match with Jack on the bench. In fact, Coetzee has made three changes to the pack for the game against the Leopards.

Hilton Lobberts will enjoy a rare start in place of Jack while in the front row Wicus Blaauw makes way for JD Moller. In the biggest boost flank Duane Vermeulen returns from injury and the in-form Pieter Louw has been relegated to the bench.

"They have made some changes to their side but they are definitely not weakened," the Leopards coach, Willemse said.

"Province have a good loose trio and lots of speed out wide. It will be a tough test but we are looking forward to it. We have to try and make sure we don't concede penalties in our own half or it will definitely cost us."

One of the star backs for Western Province so far this season has been their young 20-year-old outside centre, Juan de Jongh, who has provided some spark in a rather lacklustre backline.

One can also not disregard the rock-steady Willem de Waal, who has proved to be devastating with his golden boot.

iafrica.com Prediction: Despite the changes to the Western Province pack, with Coetzee resting a few key players, the home team looks far too powerful for the visitors from Potchefstroom. Another hiding is on the cards. WP to win by plenty ... 20 points or more.

Teams:

Western Province: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Juan De Jongh, 12 Peter Grant, 11 Gio Aplon, 10 Willem De Waal, 9 Conrad Hoffmann, 8 Luke Watson (captain), 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Anton Van Zyl, 4 Hilton Lobberts, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller,
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Wicus Blaauw, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Bolla Conradie, 21 Morgan Newman, 22 Frikkie Welsh

Leopards: 15 Jean Tiedt, 14 Jovan Bowles, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Berndt Theissinger, 11 Jan van Zyl, 10 Clayton Durand, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 RW Kember, 7 Wilhelm Koch (captain), 6 Bennie Adams, 5 Anthonie Gronum, 4 Rynard Landman, 3 Philip Lemmer, 2 Gavin Williamson, 1 Nardus Lombard.
Replacements: 16 Pellow van der Westhuizen, 17 Os van der Walt, 18 Rudi
Mathee, 19 Thabo Mamojele, 20 Theo van Wyk, 21 Basil de Doncker, 22 Bom Samaai.

Referee: Sindile Mayende
Assistant referees: Phillip Bosch, Mtheleni Msileni

Blue Bulls v Boland Cavaliers
(Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - 19.00, 17.00 GMT)

It says a lot about the qualities of the Blue Bulls when they don't make excuses and simply look at themselves for reasons after a defeat.

And even with a team like lowly Boland as their next opponents, they talk of maintaining standards and playing like champions.

That is because even without more than 10 frontline players - mostly on national duty, but also some injuries - this team has a substantial number of players who were involved in winning the Super 14 this year and who know what it takes to be championship material.

Following the loss to the Sharks in Durban last week - by a six-point margin in an away game, which would be pleasing to most - the Bulls have gone back to the drawing board.

The self analyses revealed that the senior players did not step up to the plate last week.

That is something they want to rectify this week.

As captain Derick Kuun said, the senior players have to stand up an be counted.

"Quite a few of the senior players did not pull their weight, including myself," Kuun said, adding: "That is not acceptable and the players know it.

"We simply have to start winning again.

"We have certain standards to maintain and for that reason no player will look past Friday's game [against Boland]."

Another player, newcomer Flip van der Merwe, also revealed the mindset of the team when he said their goal is to become the first team to win both the Super 14 and Currie Cup competitions in one year.

The Super Rugby and domestic double has been done only once by a South African team - when Transvaal won the Super 10 and Currie Cup in 1993.

That was before the advent of professionalism and the Super 10 was a month-long tournament, not a three-month marathon of near international rugby.

And the Bulls won't underestimate Boland either, despite their only win this season having been against the winless Leopards.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke expects the Cavaliers to employ an expansive game in order to limit the damage the Bulls can do with their pack.

"They have some dangerous runners, who are at their best when given time and space," Ludeke said.

"We have to avoid giving them too much room and ensure we dictate the tempo and intensity of the game.

"The players accepted responsibility for what went wrong against the Sharks [in Durban last week].

"Ball control and our tactical kicking will be much improved," he added.

The return of Deon Stegmann and Pedrie Wannenburg from injury - both will start on the replacement bench - is also a timely boost for the Bulls.

"I would like to use them as impact players and it was part of their rehabilitation plan that they will be on the bench," Ludeke said.

iafrica.com Prediction: You would be foolish to bet against a Bulls win at Loftus Versfeld. In fact you could wager a fair amount on a big Bulls win. They have class all over the park and if your bench has players like Bandise Maku, Frik Kirsten, Pedrie Wannenburg, Deon Stegmann and Burton Francis on it, you have serious depth. The Cavaliers have some quality players, but not many and no real strike power. The Bulls to win by 20 points or more.

Teams:

Blue Bulls: 15 Tiger Mangweni, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 Marius Delport, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Heini Adams, 8 Dries van Schalkwyk, 7 Gerrit-Jan van Velze, 6 Jacques Burger, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Derick Kuun (captain), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Pedrie Wannenburg, 19 Deon Stegmann, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Stephan Dippenaar.

Boland Cavaliers: 15 Llewellyn Adonis, 14 Deon Scholtz, 13 Hein Myburgh, 12 Dewey Swartbooi, 11 Cornal Hendricks, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Marnus Hugo, 8 Junior Bester, 7 David Hendricks, 6 Zolani Mofu, 5 Rito Hlungwane, 4 Nico Esterhuyse, 3 Kobie Adriaanse, 2 Conrad Burke (captain), 1 Jane du Toit.
Replacements: 16 Clemen Lewis, 17 Johan Roets, 18 Frikkie Spies, 19 Wendal Wehr, 20 Danie van der Merwe, 21 Lionel Cornelius, 22 Ernie Kruger.

Referee: Joey Salmans
Assistant referees: Mark Lawrence, Peet Badenhorst

Free State Cheetahs v Sharks
(Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein - 19.10, 17.10 GMT)

While the Sharks will be confident after their win over the Blue Bulls last week, they would have tempered their celebrations knowing that the unpredictable Cheetahs await this week.

You can look at the Cheetahs' record and say they are having a poor run - three defeats from three starts. And that would be an accurate assessment.

But that doesn't mean they have suddenly become a poor team.

The Sharks will know all about arriving in Bloemfontein cock-a-hoop during the Super 14 and meeting a winless Cheetahs team. The Sharks, even with most of their internationals on board, came unstuck badly.

They won't want to fall into the same trap this week.

And the Cheetahs have also made it clear that they are not happy with the standards they have set in the opening stages of the competition.

Cheetahs captain Hendro Scholtz pointed to the performances of the front row - Wian du Preez, Adriaan Strauss en WP Nel - as the standards they must maintain.

While the team has been disappointing, the mighty men up front have been as combative as can be.

And Scholtz feel that if the rest take a leave out of the front row book, the Cheetahs have a realistic chance of ending their run of defeats.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske feels that with aggressive defending his team can upset the Sharks' apple cart.

"Aggressive defending have worked for us against the Sharks," Drotske said of their upset win in the Super 14, adding: "And we want to reproduce that form."

The Sharks rely heavily on players like Ryan Kankowski (No.8), Jean Deysel (flank), Jacques Botes (flank) and Steven Sykes (lock) to carry the ball over the advantage line.

And the Cheetahs' counter will come in the form of players like David de Villiers, Nico Breedt (their locks), Frans Viljoen, Hendro Scholtz (flanks) and No.8 Francois Uys.

The inclusion of Viljoen in place of the injured flank Johan Wessels give the Cheetahs a physical edge.

"Frans is very physical and enjoys competing at the breakdown, which will be a huge asset against the Sharks," the Cheetahs coach said.

For the Sharks the return of Springbok discard Ryan Kankowski is a major boost.

But discipline will be the key, as that nearly saw the Sharks come unstuck against the Bulls last week - when three yellow cards saw them play for 30 minutes with 14 men.

After consecutive home wins, the Sharks are well-placed on the log - third with nine points.

However, a defeat against the Cheetahs could cause the same kind of hiccup that saw the Sharks fail to make the Super 14 play-offs.

"This week will be massive," coach John Plumtree said, adding: "It will be another pretty physical game so hopefully we'll be in good shape."

iafrica.com Prediction: You would expect the Sharks to win, probably not by too much, but they should hand the Cheetahs their fourth consecutive defeat. The Sharks, as they showed against the Bulls last week, do have the temperament to win tight matches. The Sharks by 10 points or less.

Teams:

The Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche (captain), 14 Odwa Ndungane/Luzuko Vulindlu, 13 Andries Strauss, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Guy Cronje, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Albert van den Berg, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Patric Cilliers/Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Deon Carstens/Patric Cilliers.
Replacements: 16 Skipper Badenhorst, 17 Wiehahn Herbst/Dale Chadwick, 18 Michael Rhodes/Nikolai Blignaut, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Monty Dumond, 22 Waylon Murray.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Corne Uys, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Tertius Carse, 8 Francois Uys, 7 Hendro Scholtz (captain), 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 David de Villiers, 4 Nico Breedt, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 JP Joubert, 21 Louis Strydom, 22 JW Jonker.

Referee: Willie Roos
Assistant referees: Pro Legoete, Cobus Wessels
TMO: Shaun Veldsman