This derby carries extra spice as a knockout clash – and neither side will be willing to give an inch as they battle for a spot in next week’s final.

The winner will go on to face the Pumas in Mbombela, after the Mpumalanga side booked a home final by edging a determined and emotional Boland Cavaliers outfit 31-29 at Mbombela Stadium on Friday night.

Victor Sekekete. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Griquas – also known as the Peacock Blues – are the defending champions and will need little extra motivation against their neighbours in what promises to be a fierce contest.

Cheetahs forwards coach Izak van der Westhuizen, who could be taking charge for the final time, told OFM Sport sticking to their strengths and executing well – especially when it comes to the maul – will be key.

“No, listen, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved with the forwards. Since I started, we’ve scored over 120 maul tries. That’s no easy feat for any team, and I think the guys have grown a lot,” he said.

“You can see how much they’ve matured over the years, and I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished.

“If we get the chance to use the maul, we’ll take it. Last week, the lineouts didn’t really allow us to do that – the Griquas know how to defend the maul well. It’s not always easy to maul effectively from more than 10 metres out.

“But it’s definitely something we’d like to use when the opportunity presents itself.”

Izak van der Westhuizen and Johann Rourke. Photo: Morgan Piek

Saturday’s eagerly awaited semi-final between the Peacock Blues and the Free Staters kicks off at 15:00 at Suzuki Stadium.

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 – 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Michael Annies, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Hencus van Wyk

Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Raegan Oranje, 23 Cohen Jasper

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg