Currie Cup hopefuls feel the strain
It may not take its toll physically but mentally the qualifying rounds of the Currie Cup are weighing heavily on its protagonists.
Joe Esterhuysen's view is by no means isolated, but when it comes from a battle hardened professional the audience tends to be a little more attentive.
"I expected this competition to be tough but you can see the guys feeling the pressure. Physically it isn't that tough but mentally the guys are taking strain," Esterhuysen explained on Wednesday.
The Falcons captain believes the scramble for the top two places in the qualifying rounds is akin to a fight for survival.
"The guys realise what is at stake here and that's why they are playing under so much pressure," the 28-year-old said.
Right now the qualification door wide is open. The Falcons, Griquas, the Eagles and the Leopards are all locked on 13 points, while the Cavaliers and the Bulldogs are one and three points back respectively.
The Falcons, who top the table on points difference, host the Cavaliers at Springs tomorrow in the hope of establishing a clear advantage. Esterhuysen however is wary of the unpredictable visitors.
Tomorrow
Griquas v Leopards - Kimberley, Falcons v Boland Cavaliers - Springs, Mighty Elephants v Griffons - Port Elizabeth
Saturday
Eagles v Bulldogs - George