Golden Lions centre Doppies La Grange makes a welcome return to the starting lineup for the first time in six weeks when the log leaders meet Griquas at Ellis Park tonight.

La Grange has recovered from a nagging hamstring injury and joins key loose forwards Derick Minnie and Josh Strauss, who both return to the starting lineup for the game.

The Lions are five points clear of second-placed Western Province, but they cannot afford to waste valuable home points. That's why coach John Mitchell is fielding his strongest possible combination.

The Lions thrashed Griquas in Kimberley in round one, but the peacock blues have grown since that match seven weeks ago.

The Blue Bulls travel to Bloemfontein to meet the Cheetahs tomorrow, knowing a fifth defeat this season will probably end their play-off aspirations. But victory against the team five points above them will change the tournament's complexion,especially if Griquas lose to the Lions.

There is a lot riding on this game for both teams, but the Bulls are a little more desperate because they face the prospect of missing the play-offs for the first time in a decade. The Sharks will aim to keep their chase for a home semifinal on track when they host the Pumas tomorrow.

After last week's 39-27 win over the Bulls at Loftus, the Sharks are in a good space, although coach John Plumtree has often expressed his unhappiness with the way his team have performed against the smaller unions.

Plumtree said he was surprised the Pumas had failed to win a game this season. As a consequence, his players will have no doubt about the size of the task awaiting them.

WP are down to their seventh flyhalf this season, in both Super 15 and Currie Cup, when they host the Leopards at Newlands.

Former Emerging Bok flyhalf Isma-eel Dollie will make his debut in the streeptrui after an injury to Demetri Catrakilis.