The Toyota Cheetahs are bracing for a tough derby this week when they face the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley in the Currie Cup.

Both teams will be targeting a full house of points in the must-win game as they are both still in contention to reach the semi-finals, but realistically for the Griquas, it is almost impossible and there are too many ‘ifs’ that come into play.

While the Cheetahs are in a slightly better position to reach the knockout rounds, the Griquas certainly won’t hand a win to the defending champions on a silver platter. 

There is a lot of pride at stake for the Griquas and they will want to end their campaign on a high with back-to-back wins against the Cheetahs and Western Province the following week.

The Cheetahs’ captain, Victor Sekekete, who previously played for the Griquas, told OFM Sport that it will test them.

“I told the players that it’s going to be messy,” said Sekekete. “We’re in a position now where they are going to want to make it messy for us and make it tougher for us.

“Going there is always a challenge and it’s always messy. Mentally you have to be there. I think it's a challenge that we're looking forward to, and it’s going to build a character that we need at Cheetahs Rugby.”

Friday’s big derby at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley will kick off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh