The first weekend of the competition kicks off on Friday with the teams divided into North and South sections.

The Vodacom Cup begins this weekend and the champions, Griquas, start the defence of their title with a match in Kimberley against the team they beat in last year’s final, the Blue Bulls.

The Leopards, who were eliminated in last year’s semi-final when they lost to the Blue Bulls at Loftus, face the daunting task of taking on a Golden Lions team filled with players with Super 14 and Currie Cup experience at Johannesburg Stadium.

The Vodacom Cup also has an international flavour this year, with the participation of Pampas XV from Argentina and Welwitchias from Namibia.

In all, 16 teams will compete for the R1 million grand prize sponsored by the SA Rugby Union and Vodacom. The victorious side will receive R500 000 while their provincial union will receive R500 000 for rugby development in their region.

The Welwitchias host their first match of the competition in Windhoek on Saturday when they take on the Griffons at the Hage Geingob Stadium.

FIXTURES

Friday:

Griquas v Blue Bulls, 5pm;

Sharks XV v Border, 6pm;

Pumas v Valke, 7pm;

Eastern Province v Pampas XV, 7.10pm.

Saturday:

Welwitchias v Griffons, 2pm;

Golden Lions v Leopards, 3pm;

SWD v Free State, 4pm;

Boland Cavaliers v Western Province, 4pm. – Sapa