A year ago, the defending champions, the Griquas, thumped the Leopards 88-0 in Kimberley.

The Leopards have now a fresh new squad and are far better prepared for the challenge ahead. Saturday’s game will serve as a good yardstick to measure their progress.

The team from North West has recruited well in the off-season, with one of their biggest signings being their new captain, Ig Prinsloo. The powerful tighthead prop, a product of Grey College in Bloemfontein, has spent most of his career at the Pumas in Mbombela. He has also previously played for the Southern Kings and the Blue Bulls.

Griquas vs. Leopards in 2024. Photo: Griquas

Leopards coach Matthew Proudfoot told OFM Sport they are expecting a tough encounter against the defending champions, but the home fixture will be a great measure of the progress they have made in the build-up to the 2025 SA Cup.

“This is a new team for us, and facing the champions is a tough ask first up,” said the former Springbok and England assistant coach.

“We are excited to take on this challenge, grow as a team, and build unity in the squad. We have recruited well and have an exciting group of players. For many of our guys, this will be their first match at this level, and what an exciting challenge it is to start at home against the champions.

“Griquas are an excellent team with depth and quality. They are well-coached and set the benchmark for us. The Leopards are a proud union, and we are a proud team. We will fight for each other, our families, and embrace this challenge.

Matthew Proudfoot. Photo: World Rugby

“I also have new coaches involved, and we’re looking forward to the growth and fresh perspective they bring to the team.” Saturday’s match between the Leopards and Griquas at Olën Park kicks off at 15:00.

Leopards – 15 Leandile Mapuko, 14 Sino Tshontyi, 13 André Grobler, 12 Mihlali Mchukana, 11 Clyde Lewis, 10 Charles Williams, 9 Sylvester Hassien, 8 Gcino Mdletshe, 7 Ghudian van Reenen, 6 Uzile Tele, 5 Chris van Heerden, 4 Imaad Phillips, 3 Ig Prinsloo (captain), 2 Jason Alexander, 1 Jason Jansen

Replacements – 16 Liyema Mgwigwi, 17 Tatenda Chayayi, 18 Michael Ryan, 19 Dries du Preez, 20 Arminn Posthumus, 21 Eben Verster, 22 Ryan Smit, 23 Shaun Baxter

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mbomo Zwelendaba, 11 Connor Mahoney, 10 Tylor Sefoor, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Carl Els, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Athi Khetani, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Gustav Erlank, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements – 16 Dandré Delport, 17 Corné Lavagna, 18 Corné Weilbach, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Thabo Ndimande, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 George Whitehead, 23 Tertius Kruger

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg