The Suzuki Griquas will be looking to go out with a bang in the Currie Cup with two solid performances in the next two weeks, and this starts on Friday when they host the Toyota Cheetahs.

On Friday, the 2022 finalists will host the defending champions in Kimberley in what will no doubt be a thrilling derby.

The Cheetahs need the win to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while the Griquas, in turn, will be playing for pride following what has been a difficult campaign. Regardless of log positions, the derby is always a fiery affair and more of the same is expected on Friday.

Gustav du Rand. Picture: Morgan Piek

The Griquas centre, Zane Bester, told OFM Sport that they have their own objectives for the remainder of the season and there is still a positive vibe in the camp. “It’s our job as the Griquas to win these last two games,” said Bester.

“We’ve been talking about it as a team this week, and we’re going to try and end the campaign in the best way we can. We have to make the best of it. We were a bit unlucky, but injuries are a part of rugby. It has been a difficult Currie Cup for us, but the camp is still positive and the guys are still up for the challenge week in, and week out.

Bester added that with it being a derby, he is sure it will be a great game, not just for the players, but for the spectators as well. “We’re looking forward to the derby – I’m sure the Cheetahs are wanting to come here and showcase what they are all about. We are ready and it’s going to be a great game for the spectators as well. Hopefully, the best team on the day takes it, and I hope that it will be us.”

Bobby Alexander. Picture: Morgan Piek

The fleet-footed centre added that they are well prepped for the challenges and they have some plans in place.

“We’re prepped well throughout the week. Coach Pieter Bergh has a few nice plans for us and he always has something in the back pocket. We’re excited and can’t wait to play against the Cheetahs.”

A handful of players will be leaving the Griquas at the conclusion of the Currie Cup and they will want to impress as well. Thomas Bursey, Lubabalo Dobela, Jay-Cee Nel, Niel Otto and Bingo Ivanisevic are all confirmed departures at this stage.

Friday’s derby at the Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas - 15 Connor Mahoney, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt (captain), 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Dandré Delport, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Albert Liebenberg, 20 Jac van der Walt, 21 Bobby Alexander, 22 Zinedine Booysen, 23 Jay-Cee Nel

Cheetahs -  15 Litha Nkula, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Aidon Davis, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corné Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira

Replacements - 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Laurence Victor, 20 Oupa Mohoje, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 Michael Annies

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg