De Witt missed last week’s narrow 31–29 win over Free State, having been rested as a precaution to ensure his availability for this crucial encounter, after nursing a hip-pointer niggle.

The Griquas are fortunate to have a wealth of talented back-rowers. Their depth means that when one player is sidelined, the next man up is more than capable of stepping in without disrupting the team’s momentum. 

Pieter Bergh. Photo: Morgan Piek

That said, De Witt’s return is a definite boost, especially with the energetic Carl Els ruled out due to a concussion. Beyond his leadership qualities, De Witt is also a valuable lineout option for the defending champions.

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that De Witt’s return will be pivotal, and that the decision to rest him last week was purely strategic. “Exactly – we were in the fortunate position to do that,” said Bergh.

“We felt that if he picked up an injury in a match that didn’t have much at stake, and he missed the semi-final, it would’ve been foolish on our part. So, we decided not to take that risk. Now he’s fresh and ready. 

“He’s a key figure in our forward pack, particularly as a strong lineout jumper, which gives us added confidence in that area. He’s a leader, a co-captain – having him back is obviously a big boost for us.”

Meanwhile, Phumzile Maqondwana, who started at flank in the number 7 jersey last week, will be playing off the bench. Initially, there were fears that he had sustained a serious facial injury, but it turned out to be a deep cut. After receiving stitches, he’s been cleared to play.

Bergh confirmed that the only reason Maqondwana isn’t in the starting XV is because De Witt has returned. “He just got a big cut to the face – not sure if it was from a boot or something – but it only needed stitches,” Bergh explained.

Phumzile Maqondwana. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It doesn’t look great, but he’ll be fine. We’ll strap him up, and he’s good to go. He had a very good game last week and was unlucky to miss out on selection. But with Marco back, we didn’t want to shift him to six – we see him more as a seven or eight.

“So, unfortunately, he misses out because of Marco’s return. But it really showed his commitment – he put his body on the line and disrupted the Cheetahs’ attack with some dominant tackles. “His injury probably looked worse than it actually was.”

Saturday’s much-anticipated semi-final between the Griquas and the Cheetahs will take place at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley, with kick-off set for 15:00.

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Dylan Sjöblom, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Randt, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Athenkosi Khethani, 20 Phumzile Maqondwana, 21 Bobby Alexander, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Tom Nel

Cheetahs - TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh