The Peacock Blues snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at Suzuki Stadium, thanks to late tries by fullback Cameron Hufke and replacement scrumhalf Bobby Alexander.

The match served as a preview of next week’s semi-final, which will see the same two teams face off once again in Kimberley.

Jandré Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs dominated possession early on but struggled to convert it into points due to resolute defence from the Peacock Blues. James Verity-Amm eventually broke the deadlock, outpacing Dylan Maart – the Griquas’ 2024 Player of the Year – on his way to the try line.

The visitors extended their lead to 10–0 when scrumhalf Jandré Nel dotted down. However, the Griquas hit back on the stroke of half-time with a try from Maart, and captain George Whitehead added the extras to narrow the gap.

The hosts turned things around in the second half and took the lead for the first time when Zane Bester showcased his pace en route to the try line. But the Cheetahs responded almost immediately through Neels Volschenk, who crossed under the posts for their third try. The Griquas struck back again, this time through winger Gurswin Wehr.

The Cheetahs looked to have sealed the win when Namibian international flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel scored his second try in Free State colours, followed by a try from the inside centre Carel-Jan Coetzee, pushing the score to 29–21.

However, Hufke reignited the Griquas‘ hopes with a sensational long-range try as the clock wound down. Moments later, Alexander finished off a move down the left-hand side with what proved to be a somewhat controversial match-winning try.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Griquas coach Pieter Bergh said the win was a testament to his team’s character.

“We knew it was going to be tough. It was always going to be a difficult game. We knew we’d be playing them again next week, so I think that was definitely in the back of our minds. The way we made substitutions and some of the decisions we made were with next week in mind,” said Bergh.

Gurswin Wehr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think we would’ve done a lot of things differently if this had been a must-win game. Everyone knows it wasn’t, but to pull through in the end shows the mentality of these players.

“We almost did the same in our game against the Pumas – we were unlucky not to win after scoring at the end. Today, two tries at the death sealed the win. That’s what this team is about. That’s the winning mentality we talk about. It’s the passion the guys play with. Griquas never give up, and I can only commend them.

“Rewan Kruger sat 80 minutes on the bench. We cleared our bench with 20 minutes to go, so yes – we wanted to win this game. We’ll be ready for next week.”

While the defeat was disappointing for the Cheetahs, the current squad is worlds apart from the one that suffered a shock defeat to the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington in Round One. They can take pride in their impressive turnaround.

Cameron Hufke. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Griquas will host the Cheetahs again in next weekend’s semi-final in Kimberley, while the Pumas take on the Boland Cavaliers in Nelspruit. SA Rugby has yet to confirm the kick-off times for the semi-finals.

Griquas: Tries - Dylan Maart, Zane Bester, Gurswin Wehr, Cameron Hufke, Bobby Alexander Conv. - George Whitehead 3

Cheetahs: Tries - James Verity-Amm, Jandré Nel, Neels Volschenk, Tiaan Swanepoel, Carel-Jan Coetzee Conv. - Cohen Jasper, Tiaan Swanepoel

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg