Race For The Pick n Pay Women’s Super League Final Heats Up As Round Five Looms

The race to the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League final is entering a decisive stage, and for several teams this weekend could mark the end of the road.

As round five kicks off across South Africa on Saturday, the Isuzu Bulls Daisies remain firmly in control of the competition. Their dominant run so far has already put them on track to host the final in Pretoria on 4 April.

But while the Daisies look comfortable at the summit, the battle behind them is far more unpredictable. Several teams still harbour hopes of reaching the championship match, while others know that one more defeat will effectively end their campaign.

Bulls Daisies Continue To Set The Standard

The Pretoria outfit have been the benchmark of the competition this season and once again head into the weekend as overwhelming favourites.

They welcome the Eastern Province Queens to Loftus Versfeld, where the visitors face a daunting challenge. Other sides above them on the standings have already struggled against the Daisies, conceding heavy scores earlier in the tournament.

The Bulls side remains stacked with experience. Multiple capped Springbok Women feature in the squad, with prolific points scorer Jakkie Cilliers once again expected to play a key role in attack.

Although injuries have forced minor adjustments, the squad depth remains impressive. A number of international players are also set to enter the match from the bench, giving the hosts significant firepower late in the game.

For the EP Queens, creating an upset would be historic. However, containing the relentless Daisies attack will be their biggest challenge.

Boland And Western Province Eye Final Spot

While the Daisies appear destined for the final, the identity of their opponents remains unclear.

Sanlam Boland Dames and DHL Western Province Women are currently best placed to challenge for that second spot.

Boland travel to Alberton to face the Golden Lions Women, boosted by the return of Eloise Webb, who impressed off the bench last week with a try-scoring performance. Her tactical kicking could be a major asset at altitude.

Boland’s attacking style has also been a highlight this season, with winger Tereske Kabuika proving one of the competition’s most dangerous finishers after scoring six tries in four matches.

The Lions, however, will not make things easy. Their forward pack has grown in confidence and their powerful maul has become a real weapon, with scrumhalf Rumandi Potgieter providing direction behind the pack.

Free State Fighting To Stay Alive

For the Free State Women, Saturday’s clash with DHL Western Province is a must-win encounter.

Another loss would effectively end their hopes of reaching the final, leaving them with little room for error in Bloemfontein.

Changes in key positions suggest they are prepared to take risks. Anelca Hess will guide the attack from flyhalf, while Bernice Strydom returns to the forward pack to provide physical presence and link play.

Yet Western Province arrive with their own ambitions and an attacking approach that has been difficult for opponents to contain this season.

Despite injuries forcing some reshuffling in the backline, the Cape side still possesses the ability to strike from anywhere on the field. Young lock Abigail Smit, who previously represented Bloemfontein, will also attract attention after strong recent performances at junior level.

Coastal Derby Brings Pride Into Play

Elsewhere, the Sharks Women host the Border Ladies in Durban in what promises to be an entertaining coastal derby.

Although both teams are out of the title race, there is still plenty to play for.

The Sharks received a morale boost with their first win of the campaign last week and were further strengthened by the return to fitness of experienced Springbok Women Tayla Kinsey and Lindelwa Gwala, both of whom are set to feature from the bench.

Border, meanwhile, are still chasing their first victory of the season. While results have not gone their way so far, they have shown flashes of promise and remain capable of upsetting any opponent on their day.

A Crucial Weekend For The Title Race

With the tournament reaching its halfway stage, this weekend’s fixtures could dramatically reshape the standings.

The Bulls Daisies continue to look unstoppable, but the fight to join them in the final remains wide open.

For teams like the Free State Women, Golden Lions Women and EP Queens, Saturday truly feels like a last throw of the dice. One result could keep their hopes alive. Another could bring their season to an abrupt end.