Griquas will be looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they take on the Free State XV in Kimberley on Saturday, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Griquas were on a seven-match winning streak when they went into round eight, but they succumbed to a one-point defeat against Western Province last Saturday. They still hold a five-point lead at the top of the log, but won’t want to take the sixth-placed Free State XV lightly.

After that good win, Province have now moved up to third place on the log, and will be aiming to overcome the Leopards in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

The Pumas are just one log point behind WP, albeit having played the extra game, and they won’t want to slip up at home against the Golden Lions XV in Nelspruit.

In other clashes to look out for, the lowly Sharks XV will be looking to keep the EP Kings at bay in Port Elizabeth, while the battling Blue Bulls will have their work cut out for them against the Griffons in Welkom.

Currie Cup Qualifier teams (Round 9)

Photo: Louis Botha/Gallo Images