As defending champions, the Griquas are confident they can become the first team to claim back-to-back titles in the competition.

The Peacock Blues have named the same match-day 23 that defeated the Toyota Cheetahs in the semi-final, with just one tweak to the starting line-up: Leon Lyons comes in at loosehead prop, while Eddie Davids shifts to the bench.

Marco de Witt and Lourens Oosthuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that having the same squad available is a blessing. “We had two very physical games against the Cheetahs – both high ball-in-play matches,” said Bergh.

“We had to make a lot of tackles in those games, so being able to go with the same 23 is a big positive. I think it’s possibly the first time this season we’ve been able to do that.

“There’s just the one change at loosehead, as you mentioned. We're very happy that we’ve managed to manage the players’ workload this week after two big games and a long trip to Nelspruit coming up.”

Bergh added that while some players missed out on selection, the focus is on giving the team the best chance to lift the trophy.

“The guys are really looking forward to this one. Obviously, there are players who missed out, guys who have been really good for us throughout the season – but unfortunately, only 15 can start and eight can sit on the bench.

“We believe this is the team that gives us the best shot at bringing the trophy back home.”

Dylan Sjoblom. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Griquas are also aiming to finish on a high, particularly for players like Dylan Sjoblom, who is heading to the Lions next season. The team will fly their entire squad to Nelspruit to make the occasion as memorable as possible.

Bergh emphasised the importance of unity and finishing strong as a group.

“I told the guys that reaching any final is an achievement, so we did celebrate making it this far. But this group wants to win trophies – and we want to end on a high,” he said.

“There are players who’ve been outstanding for us over the past few years who’ll be moving on after this game. This is our last match together as a group.

Dylan Maart. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re flying up the non-playing members of the squad – guys like Janu Botha, Sako Makata, Connor Mahoney – who’ve been with us throughout the year and contributed massively behind the scenes.

“We want them there with us. Thanks to our board for making that happen – it really shows what this team is about. We want to make it a special occasion for everyone.”

“We’re focused on finishing on a high as a unit, and then, in a few weeks, we’ll start building with a new group for the Currie Cup.”

Saturday’s SA Cup final between the Pumas and Griquas kicks off at 15:00 at Mbombela Stadium.

Pumas - TBA

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 Leon Lyons

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

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg