The Leopards are rested and recharged following the Easter break, and perhaps more importantly, they’ve rediscovered their confidence after a hard-earned 31–14 victory over the Border Bulldogs in round four – their first win of the campaign.

The North West outfit now have their sights firmly set on back-to-back wins, while the Elephants are still searching for their first points of the competition. 

In their last outing, Eastern Province dominated proceedings for the opening 30 minutes in Bloemfontein, but ultimately slipped to a 52–19 defeat against the Toyota Cheetahs at Shimla Park.

Riaan van Straten. Photo: Morgan Piek

It hasn’t been an easy start to the season for the Leopards. They were hammered 101–7 by the Suzuki Griquas in round one, followed by a 64–7 defeat at home to the Cheetahs. 

However, there have been clear signs of improvement. They came agonisingly close to upsetting the Griffons in Welkom and were in a strong position to snatch the game in the dying minutes.

Although they fell short against their traditional rivals, that performance proved to be something of a turning point, injecting belief into the squad.

Coach Riaan van Straten told OFM Sport there’s been a noticeable lift in the camp, with the break away from rugby doing wonders for both morale and mindset.

“This break came at the right time for us. The bodies are rested, but more importantly, the players are mentally refreshed after a tough start to the season,” said Van Straten.

“We had to weather a few storms early on, but the group has come back with great energy and a really positive vibe, and there’s genuine excitement in the camp again.”

He said they are bracing for a strong response from Allister Coetzee’s Eastern Province, but believes his side is ready for the challenge.

Divan Pieters. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s been a big week of preparation for Eastern Province. It’s a massive match-up for us – very much a strength-versus-strength contest – and it will put a magnifying glass on the progress we’ve made so far.

“We’ve studied their game against the Cheetahs, and they showed real quality, especially in that first half, so we know exactly what’s coming.”

Van Straten also believes their performance in Welkom, where they punched well above their weight against the Griffons, laid the foundation for their recent improvement.

Zac Bester. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Although we lost to the Griffons, that was a turning point in some ways. From there, we built momentum into a good win against Border, and you can see the confidence growing in this young group. When that belief starts to build, you go onto the field not just to contain the opposition, but to impose your own game plan – and that’s the mental shift we’re seeing now.

“This weekend will be a technical battle. We’ll need to be sharp, particularly in the first half, because our error rate will play a massive role in the outcome. But the boys are ready, they’re excited, and we’re really looking forward to what is a big test for us.”

Saturday’s clash between the Leopards and Eastern Province at Olën Park kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg