Due to extraordinary circumstances, SA Rugby on Wednesday announced that two Currie Cup matches this weekend will be cancelled.
The clash between the Sharks and the Pumas, scheduled for Durban on Friday, has been called off due to unrest in KwaZulu-Natal.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s match in Kimberley between Griquas and the Bulls is also off.
That cancellation is the clearest indication yet that the Springboks, under guise of South Africa 'A', are set to gain more match fitness ahead of the Test series against the British & Irish Lions by taking on Jake White's charges.
Speculation has been rife this week that the national squad could face the Rainbow Cup runners-up, though no formal confirmation has been forthcoming.
Tournament rules make provision for the cancellation of matches due to extraordinary circumstances and as a result, the scores in both these matches will be noted as 0-0, with all four teams awarded four log points.
The same will apply to the match that was cancelled last weekend, between the Sigma Lions and the Cell C Sharks (0-0 and four log points each).
Saturday’s match between the Lions and Cheetahs in Johannesburg will take place.
Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, said: "We are living in unusual times and while it’s never ideal to have to cancel matches, we had very little other options. We would like to thank the teams, sponsors, our broadcaster and other stakeholders for working together to find solutions to our challenges."