Last week, the Griquas came from behind to snatch a dramatic win over the Cheetahs at the death, in what was effectively a warm-up for this weekend’s knockout clash.

Both teams will have taken some valuable lessons from that encounter, and there’s no doubt the intensity will rise a notch in this do-or-die match. The Cheetahs are expected to make a few changes to their line-up. 

Tiaan Swanepoel. Photo: Morgan Piek

Outside back James Verity-Amm is out with a groin injury, which could open the door for Tiaan Swanepoel to earn his first start. Outside centre Marco Jansen van Vuren is likely to miss out in the midfield as he’s nursing a bruised hip pointer. This could show Ali Mgijima returning to the starting XV.

Additionally, the elusive Michael Annies has recovered from an ankle injury and could slot in on the wing in place of Cohen Jasper.

Speaking to OFM Sport, the experienced Mgijima said that starting well and scoring tries would be key to coming away with the win. “I think with the week’s prep, the guys are all amped up for this weekend,” said Mgijima, who was part of the Pumas team that beat the Griquas in Kimberley in the 2022 Currie Cup final.

“Looking back at last weekend, like you mentioned, you need an 80-minute performance – especially when you’re playing in Kimberley. With the work we've put in and what we’ve learnt from the last game, we’ve looked at what to expect from them, and also what we did well, even though we didn’t put together a full 80.

“This week, we’re going all in. It’s not a game where you win by three points or sneak through with a close scoreline. You need to score tries – that’s the mindset going into this one. 

“We want to score more so they can’t come back. I think we’re ready – all good.”

Dylan Maart. Photo: Morgan Piek

Mgijima also emphasised the importance of controlling the midfield to prevent the Griquas from unleashing their dangerous outside backs. Last week, the Peacock Blues showed just how threatening Dylan Maart, Cameron Hufke, and Gurswin Wehr can be when they find even a sliver of space.

“With their dangerous back three, it’s crucial that we control the danger in midfield – that’s how we stop them from producing the magic they’re known for,” Mgijima added. “It’s vital that the guys stay sharp and don’t switch off at any point in the game. If that’s our mindset going in, I’m confident we’ll come out on top.”

The SA Cup semi-final between the Peacock Blues and Free State kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.

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 Sjoblom, 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