Swart cleared to lead WP against Sharks after red card overturned
James Swart, captain of Western Province, has been cleared to lead his side in the unofficial final of the 2025 Grant Khomo Week against the Sharks on Friday, 4 July, at St Alban’s College in Pretoria.
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This follows an unusual red card incident during Province’s clash with South Western Districts on the second day. At a mandatory disciplinary hearing, it was established that Swart had erroneously been issued a second yellow card, which was automatically upgraded to red.
Despite the drama, Swart’s availability provides a significant boost to the Western Province pack, particularly with the expectation that forward dominance will heavily influence the outcome of the match.
Adding fuel to the fire, two of the week’s top front-rowers are expected to go head-to-head. If WP loosehead Thomas Meyer earns a starting berth, his battle with the Sharks’ Tunga Griffiths in the scrums promises to be a compelling contest.
Griffiths will be eager to impose himself and provide a solid platform for a dangerous Sharks back division, featuring inside centre Elgenio Oersen and fullback Rosco Williams. Oersen is set to face a fierce midfield challenge from Luca Orgill, whose attacking threat from the No. 13 channel has been instrumental for the Southerners throughout the week.
The curtain-raiser sees another Cape side, Western Province XV, in action following an unbeaten run during the first two days. However, they face a wounded Blue Bulls outfit, who are not only the hosts, but also have a score to settle following a draw on day two, which is viewed by their camp as a loss.
Namibia and Zimbabwe will traditionally kick off the day’s action on the B-Field at 09:00, while Border Country Districts will be in search of their first win as they take on Iqhawe XV in the opening clash on the C-Field.
Free State will face off against neighbours Griquas at 11:30 in the main fixture on the B-Field—a match set to be equally intriguing. The men in white and orange are still chasing their first victory of the tournament, while Griquas aim to complete a clean sweep.
Griffons kick off proceedings on the Moshate Field with an interesting match-up with Eastern Province, followed by a highly anticipated meeting between the Golden Lions and South Western Districts.
Preceding the main match on the C-Field at 11:30 between the Limpopo Blue Bulls and the Leopards, a very dangerous Pumas outfit faces off with the Valke in their hunt for a first victory. Old foes, Boland and Border, meet at 10:15 on the B-Field.
Fixtures for the final day, Friday, 4 July:
Moshate Field:
09:00 – Griffons vs Eastern Province
10:15 – Golden Lions vs South Western Districts
11:30 – Blue Bulls vs Western Province XV
13:15 – Western Province vs Sharks
Baloyi A Field:
09:00 – Zimbabwe vs Namibia
10:15 – Border vs Boland
11:30 – Free State vs Griquas
Baloyi B Field:
09:00 – Border Country Districts vs Iqhawe XV
10:15 – Pumas vs Valke
11:30 – Leopards vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
