A win with a bonus point will assure Free State of a spot in the semi-finals in Nelspuit, provided that Western Province can beat the determined Boland Cavaliers on Sunday at Florida Park in Ravensmead.

Boland are currently second in the standings on 25 points, while the Free State are in third on 22.

The American international Free State scrumhalf, Ruben de Haas, told OFM Sport they, for now, they must just focus on Border.

“Yes sir, we have a big game this weekend.

“We are in a situation where now where it not only in our hands but in the hands of another team as well.

“The key for us will be to just focus on what we have to do this weekend.

“I don’t that we have to worry about anything else besides what we have to do. Hopefully, if we take care of business then things will fall in place for us.”

Last week Western Province came from being behind to stun the Free State with a late 37-33 win in Port Elizabeth. Boland in their turn thumped the winless Zimbabwe Academy side 52-18 in Wellington.

As it stands Free State or Boland could face the defending champions, the Pumas, next in Nelspruit in the semi-finals. This is provided the unbeaten Pumas managed to roll over the Griffons on Saturday in Welkom.

The Tafel Lager Griquas can still top the North section if they beat the Golden Lions XV in Kimberley and the Pumas lose. Both semi-finals will be played in Nelspruit, with the final will be played in Saldanha Bay.

Saturday’s game at the Clive Solomon Stadium kicks off at 14:00.

Toyota Free State XV - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Darren Adonis, 12 Carel Jan Coetzee, 11 Francois Agenbag, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Bertie de Bod, 7 Niell Jordaan (captain), 6 Otsile Ranthako, 5 Keanan Murray, 4 Luyolo Dapula, 3 Erich de Jager, 2 Jacques du Toit, 1 Boan Venter.

Replacements - 16 Janus Venter, 17 Günther Janse van Vuuren, 18 Sibabalo Qoma, 19 Daniel Maartens, 20 Dian Badenhorst, 21 Adriaan Carelse, 22 Aya Oliphant.

Border Bulldogs - 15 Litha Nkula, 14 Siphosenkosi Nofemele, 13 Sonwabiso Mqalo, 12 Siphosethu Tom, 11 Asithandile Mrubata, 10 Lwando Mapuko, 9 Yongama Mkaza, 8 Sokuphumla Xakalashe, 7 Billy Dutton (Captain), 6 Naythan Knoetze, 5 Ayabonga Nomboyo, 4 Lwando Nthetha, 3 Masonwabe Ngcem, 2 Lubabalo Lento,  1 Yanga Xakalashe.

Replacements – 16 Bubele Gongqa, 17 Thabo Ntunja, 18 Mihlali Mosi, 19 Siyanda Am, 20 Bangihlombe Kobese, 21 Luxolo Abraham, 22 Lonwabo Ntleki.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport