The defending champions struggled a bit in their first game when they beat the Border Bulldogs 19-9 in East London two weeks ago.

The 2020 champions will take confidence from their 28-27 win over the Boland Cavaliers last week.

The Leopards and NWU Eagles scrumhalf, Riaan Genis, told OFM Sport that they want to build on their momentum ahead of three consecutive home games.

“We will definitely not underestimate the Eagles, especially here in George, said the scrumhalf.

“We will play every game this season as if it's a final as we want promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division.

“The team struggled a bit last week in East London against a good Border side.

“We have a very few Varsity Cup boys back in the side and we will look to get the win to build momentum going into the three home games we have in Potchefstroom.”

Kick-off at Outeniqua Park is at 16:00 on Friday afternoon.

On Saturday in Ceres the Kenya Simbas tackle the Zimbabwe Goshawks, the Cavaliers face Eastern Province, while the Valke tackle the Bulldogs.

Leopards - 15 Duren Hoffman, 14 Pienaar van Niekerk, 13 Andries Truter, 12 Tjaart Benade, 11 Keenan Twigg, 10 Danrich Visagie, 9 Riaan Genis, 8 Henro-Pierre Swart, 7 Robert Kruger, 6 Siya Mdaka, 5 Ruben Dreyer, 4 Lwando Nteta, 3 Masonwabe Ngcem, 2 Robey Leibbrandt, 1 Ruben du Plessis.

Replacements - 16 Tiaan van der Merwe, 17 Jean-Pierre Mans, 18 Sampie Swiegers, 19 Marvelous Mashimbye, 20 Chris Vermaak, 21 Gustav Erlank, 22 Shirwin Cupido, 23 Martin Venter.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport