Rugby
Griquas embrace big-match pressure ahead of showdown in the Lowveld─── MORGAN PIEK 08:17 Tue, 20 May 2025
The Suzuki Griquas are confident they can travel to Nelspruit this weekend and successfully defend their SA Cup title against the Pumas.
On Saturday (17/5), the Griquas booked their place in the final by edging the Toyota Cheetahs 41-38 in a thrilling encounter in Kimberley. The Pumas, in turn, beat Hawies Fourie’s Boland Cavaliers 31-29 to earn the right to host this year’s final.
Last year, the Griquas claimed the inaugural SA Cup title by beating the Pumas 46-24 in the final, also played in Kimberley. The last time these two sides met, however, the Pumas triumphed 39-35 in the Lowveld, ending the Griquas’ unbeaten run in the competition.
Travelling to the Lowveld is always a tough challenge, and the Griquas know they’ll need to deliver a near-perfect performance to retain their title – something they believe they’re more than capable of achieving.
Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that his team has what it takes to secure back-to-back titles. “Big games bring out the best in big players – George Whitehead again didn’t miss a kick today.
Marco de Witt. Photo: Morgan Piek
“I spoke to the players beforehand and told them that we’ve got match-winners in this team. We’ve got experience, we’ve got youngsters, and we even had a player making his debut today.
“I think we’ve got a good blend – all the ingredients needed to put in a strong performance and bring the trophy home. Our experienced players really stood up today. Over the years, we’ve played some of our best rugby when under pressure.
“Apart from the 2022 Currie Cup final, which was three years ago now, we’ve beaten the Pumas in the Airlink Cup final, and we beat them in last year’s SA Cup final – and here we are, meeting them in another final.
Janco Uys. Photo: Morgan Piek
“In the Currie Cup, we tend to produce our best rugby when the pressure is on. This team responds well to those moments. It’s part of our culture – something we talk about a lot: being the kind of player who steps up in big games.
“We’re starting to get that right, but if we want to win this final, we’ll need to get it right again next week.”
Saturday’s final at Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 15:00.
