The margin for error is getting limited, as the Currie Cup competition approaches the home stretch. From here on in defeats will be very costly - one defeat could make the difference between reaching the play-offs or not.

And with four of the top five teams going head-to-head this weekend, the semifinal race will indeed become an intriguing battle.

Griquas, currently fourth on the standings, should be able to cement their top four spot when they meet the hapless Boland Cavaliers in Wellington on Friday. Then, later the same day, follow a cat-fight in Johannesburg, as the Golden Lions take on the Leopards.

The two key games are both Saturday.

The resurgent Free State Cheetahs host the impressive Western Province team in Bloemfontein - a must-win game for the Cheetahs, but an equally important encounter for Province if they hope to stay in touch with the table-topping Sharks.

And the Sharks travel to Pretoria where they face the Blue Bulls, another game in which points are vital as team start to jockey for home ground advantage in the play-offs.

The Bulls present a formidable challenge, more so at Loftus Versfeld, but not one that Sharks coach John Plumtree is overly pessimistic about. Plumtree argues that "getting up" for a game against their northern rivals is something the team relishes.

"That environment of competition between the teams brings out the best in our players. You don't want to go up there and die wondering. You have to front up physically, if not, you'll get hurt," Plumtree said, giving a hint of what the spectators can expect.

We look at all the Round 10 action!

Friday, September 11:

Boland Cavaliers v Griquas
(Boland Stadium Wellington - 15.00, 13.00 GMT)

It's been a tough season for the Boland Cavaliers and - despite the fancy title that suggests otherwise - the appointment of World Cup-winning Springbok Chester Williams as coach is a clear indication that the panic button has been hit in the Boland.

Williams even important a few more 'loan players' from Western Province - including legendary former Bok Danie Gerber's son - Dandré Gerber.

And in the full knowledge that his team faces promotion/relegation matches at the end of the season, Williams has decide to start "building" for his team's own 'play-offs',

It is an astute move and may well pay dividends later, but this week the additional disruptions will not do the Cavaliers any good.

Griquas seems to have overcome their mid-season slump and even though it was a rather fortuitous win last week against the Leopards, they would have regained much of the confidence that they lacked in the past month.

No doubt they will - given the prospects in inclement weather - rely heavily on the boots of flyhalf Naas Olivier and fullback Riaan Viljoen to get them the territorial advantage they can turn into points.

With so much at stake for Griquas, they are likely to play a tactical; game until they have a sufficient lead.

Then, and only then, will they go for the bonus point.

Prediction: You have to be a fool to think that the Boland Cavaliers can win this one. But then again, stranger things have happened. However, we are confident of a big Griquas win - by at least 15 points.

Teams:

Boland Cavaliers: 15 Hayden Groepes, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 PJ Vermeulen, 12 Dandré Gerber, 11 Justin Peach, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Charlie King, 8 Junior Bester, 7 Rito Hlungwane (captain), 6 David Hendricks, 5 Nico Esterhuyse, 4 George Earl, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Harry Vermaas, 1 Janro van Niekerk.
Replacements: 16 Conrad Burke, 17 Jané du Toit, 18 Wendal Wehr, 19 Zolani Mofu, 20 Denzil Willemse, 21 Dewey Swartbooi, 22 Alvin Hugo.

Griquas: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Trompie Nontshinga, 13 Wilmaure Louw, 12 Barry Geel, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Jonathan Mokuena (captain), 7 Davon Raubenheimer, 6 Rohan Kitshoff, 5 Cecil-John Kemp, 4 Jacques Lombaard, 3 Albertus Buckle, 2 Rayno Barnes, 1 Zane Killian.
Replacements: 16 Simon Westraadt, 17 Ruaan du Preez, 18 Nolan Clarke, 19 Sean Plaatjies, 20 Dewald Pretorius, 21 Jaco Bekker, 22 Gavin Passens/Richard Lawson.

Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant referees: Mlungiseli Mdashe, Marc van Zyl

Golden Lions v Leopards
(Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg - 19.10, 17.10 GMT)

No doubt the Lions must secure maximum points against the Leopards to keep their semifinal aspirations alive.

The Johannesburg side, who are currently in sixth place on the log, have already suffered five defeats in the competition and are also five points behind the fourth placed Blue Bulls.

As we said, it leaves very little margin for error.

Despite the need for bonus points to keep them in the hunt, Lions coach Hans Coetzee was adamant that securing the win remains top priority.

"Our immediate priorities in the Currie Cup will be to take it one game at a time," Coetzee said.

"We are not going to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves to start thinking about possible semifinal hopes as yet," Coetzee added.

The Lions have been force to make changes yet again, and the disruptions will not have done them much good.

"Lewis was hurt against the Cheetahs [last week], so was not available for selection.

"[Flyhalf] Herkie Kruger has a neck injury. It is not serious, but we've decided to rest him and play Ruan Boshoff.

"In the centres we've decided to move Pieter Engelbrecht to the bench and will start with Doppies la Grange."

Having decide to "rest" prop JC Janse van Rensburg, Coetzee also moved Franco van der Merwe to lock, as he seeks a more expansive game.

The Platinum though, will not be any easy pushovers and should provide the hosts with a stern test.

The Potchefstroom team suffered a narrow 33-34 defeat against Griquas last Friday and could fancy their chances of causing an upset in Johannesburg over one of the bigger unions in South African rugby.

"It's going to be a huge challenge playing the Lions in Johannesburg," Leopards coach Chaka Willemse said.

"But since the Boland Cavaliers match, I think we have started to improve our performances despite the defeat to Griquas last Friday," said Willemse added.

"The Lions have a powerful pack of forwards and it's going to be important that we try and keep them behind the advantage line and not allow them any momentum in the match."

Prediction: This is one game the Lions could so easily lose - even at home. The Leopards are without doubt the most improved bunch this season and will give their rivals a run for their money. However, we believe the Lions will sneak a win - but about 10 points.

Teams:

Golden Lions: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Dusty Noble, 13 Alwyn Hollenbach, 12 Doppies La Grange, 11 Johan Jackson, 10 Ruan Boshoff, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Willem Alberts (captain), 7 Todd Clever, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Nico Luus, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Hans van Dyk, 1 Wayne Swart.
Replacements: 16 Derek Harwood, 17 Gert Muller, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Johan Van Deventer, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Walter Venter, 22 Pieter Engelbrecht

Leopards: 15 Russell Jeacocks, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Jovan Bowles, 12 Basil de Doncker, 11 Shuaib Samaai, 10 Cecil Dumont, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Christo van Niekerk, 7 Thabo Mamojele, 6 Wilhelm Koch (captain), 5 Edrich Linde, 4 Rynard Landman, 3 Philip Lemmer, 2 Marthinus van der Westhuizen, 1 Gerhardus Lombard.
Replacements: 16 Gavin Williamson, 17 Barend van der Walt, 18 Bennie Adams, 19 Riaan Swanepoel, 20 Jean Tiedt, 21 Clayton Durand, 22 Deon van Rensburg.

Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Archie Sehlako, Peet Badenhorst
TMO: JC Fortuin

Saturday, September 12:

Free State Cheetahs v Western Province
(Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein - 15.00, 13.00 GMT)

It would be stating the obvious to say this game will have a big bearing on the final standings, which obvious determine home ground advantage in the play-offs.

The Cheetahs, more confident than ever that they can still get into the semifinals, are aiming for their sixth consecutive victory.

The hosts started the season with four successive defeats in the competition, but are currently enjoying a red-hot winning streak - with the Blue Bulls and Griquas among their victims in the last five weeks.

WP have also showed some excellent form in the last few weeks and will be in buoyant mood heading into the Bloemfontein clash - especially after their demolition job on the Bulls at Newlands last week.

Province coach Allister Coetzee described the trip to Bloemfontein as a "nice challenge" - with his team having beaten the Lions, Sharks and Bulls in the last three weeks.

"The Cheetahs will be desperate, as they cannot afford to lose another game if they want to make the semifinals, so that will make them even more dangerous on Saturday," said Coetzee.

"But we also realize that if we bag this one, then our head would be through the door. We know that we have worked hard to get here and we must enjoy that, but we also won't get ahead of ourselves as we know we are not there yet." 

Coetzee felt that decision making would be one of the key aspects in what will no doubt be a close contest.

"I think we are progressing in that department. We had about 12/13 set-pieces on attack against the Bulls last week, which means that we are not just kicking and that we are making the right assessment and decisions."

Another key area is the scrum.

"WP and the Cheetahs are seen as the two best scrumming teams in the Currie Cup. In the past we were never rated as a scumming unit."

He said that bonus points are important, but Province will not be reckless.

"We have to guts it out, but we've faced that before. You've got to earn the right to go wide.

"I am very happy with the way our defence has gone. We will try to not give them the ascendancy up front.

"We won't go up there to put on a festival or play sevens style. It's going to be a hard Currie Cup match."

Prediction: It is difficult to see the Cheetahs stop this Province juggernaut. They are super-confident and play a solid brand of rugby - based on a strong set of forwards that dominate both the set pieces and contact area. It will be close, but WP will win by 10 points or less.

Teams:

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 Corné Uys, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 JP Joubert, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Frans Viljoen, 6 Johan Wessels, 5 David de Villiers, 4 Nico Breedt, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Chris Dry, 20 Tertius Carse, 21 Louis Strydom, 22 JW Jonker.

Western Province: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Frikkie Welsh, 12 Juan De Jongh, 11 Gio Aplon, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenhage, 8 Luke Watson (captain), 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Anton van Zyl, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 17 JD Moller, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Conrad Hoffmann, 21 Paul Bosch, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.

Referee: Marius Jonker
Assistant referees: François Veldsman, Reuben Rossouw
TMO: Gerrie Coetzee

Blue Bulls v Sharks
(Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - 17.05, 15.05 GMT)

You know exactly what you will get from the Blue Bulls. Some may even call it predictable.

But any team that plays against them will tell you that you still have a job on your hands to shut them down.

It is, despite the style of their game, simply that they can be so forceful that you get blown off the park even when you think you have the answers.

Sharks captain Stefan Terblanche feels that stopping them from building up momentum is vital.

"I don't think they will change much [in their approach], because they are so good at what they do," Terblanche said.

"They always have a physical pack - good scrums, they drive well, they are solid in the line-outs.

"It is typical Bulls rugby, and it has been working for them for years.

"They are good and you know what to expect against the Bulls, but you still have to stop it and be on top of your defensive game."

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke admitted that his team would look to dominate the Sharks at scrum time - despite his team's struggles in that department in recent weeks.

Even though the Pretoria team struggled with certain aspects of their scrum in last Saturday's 19-25 loss to Western Province, Ludeke has selected the same front row - Werner Kruger, Derick Kuün and Jaco Engels.

"Scrumming is all about your mindset," Ludeke said this week.

"We struggled with one or two things against the WP, but we have the opportunity to rectify things against the Sharks.
"It is our goal to dominate the scrums and we will continue to work tremendously hard at this aspect of our game, but we know it is going to be very tough on the weekend.

"The Sharks are playing top class rugby and they definitely deserve to be on top of the log."

Bulls utility back Francois Hougaard said they will need to put some extra grunt into their game, after their two listless performances in the last fortnight.

Describing the Sharks as "a good all-round team" with few weaknesses, Hougaard said they will give it a full go.

"We are focussing mostly on our own game, on what we should do and where we can improve - not about how to counter the opposition."

Prediction: To use a classic cliche, beware the wounded Bulls. They are indeed on a mission to end a losing streak and the Sharks could find the going very tough. In fact it is almost certain to be brutal to the bitter end. The Bulls are likely to sneak a last-minute win - by five points or less.

Teams:

Blue Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Burton Francis, 9 Heini Adams, 8 Dewald Potgieter, 7 Pedrie Wannenburg, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Derick Kuün (captain), 1 Jaco Engels.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Rossouw de Klerk, 18 Fudge Mabeta, 19 Jacques Burger, 20 Dean Greyling, 21 Francois Brummer, 22 Tiger Mangweni.

The Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche (captain), 14 Chris Jordaan, 13 Andries Strauss, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Juan Hernandez, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Keegan Daniel, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Albert van den Berg, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Patric Cilliers, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Deon Carstens.
Replacements: 16 Skipper Badenhorst, 17 Julian Redelinghuys, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Michael Rhodes, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Monty Dumond, 22 Waylon Murray.

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Assistant referees: Gareth Lloyd-Jones, Christie du Preez
TMO: Shaun Veldsman

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