For the Griquas, it will be their first game since losing 34-19 to the Golden Lions in the semi-finals of the Currie Cup in August last year.

The versatile Griquas back, André Swarts, told OFM Sport that this years’ Currie Cup will be exciting.

“The guys are really gunning for one another at training and its part of the excitement.

“It’s good to see the excitement, and it’s good to see that buzz again.

“Everyone is in a good mindset and we are really looking forward to playing the Cheetahs next weekend and the week thereafter.

“Then obviously the Currie Cup will be starting with some big names in it.

“It is going to be a good Currie Cup, not just for the Griquas, but for rugby in South Africa overall.”

The Griquas will face the Cheetahs in Kimberley next week, and the following week they will play in Bloemfontein.

The draft Currie Cup fixtures suggest that the Griquas will have to travel for their opening game of the season, to tackle the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport