Rugby
Cheetahs brace for bruising Currie Cup derby against Griquas─── MORGAN PIEK 07:33 Thu, 28 Aug 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs assistant coach Tiaan Liebenberg has warned that his side is in for a tough day at the office in Friday’s central derby against the Suzuki Griquas in the Currie Cup.
The clash between these old rivals in Bloemfontein could well determine who secures a home semi-final, but the picture is set to change as the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Western Province are expected to start bolstering their squads with returning URC players.
Next week, the Cheetahs face the Bulls in Pretoria, while the Griquas travel to Johannesburg to take on the Lions – making this week’s derby in Bloemfontein a must-win encounter for both sides.
Marco de Witt and Victor Sekekete. Photo: Morgan Piek
Although Liebenberg is best known for his playing days with the Stormers and Springboks, his senior career actually started with the Peacock Blues.
He told OFM Sport that the Griquas will arrive in Bloemfontein with serious intent, as they always do when the neighbours square off.
“It’s always been like that – Griquas versus Cheetahs has always been a massive game,” Liebenberg said.
“Even when I was with the Griquas, it was always tough against the Cheetahs, whether in Kimberley or in Bloem.
“They’re definitely the in-form team at the moment. They’re playing unbelievable rugby and a fantastic brand of the game. But come Friday afternoon, we’ve got a challenge, and we need to front up.
“They’re well coached. I know Pieter Bergh very well, I know Wian du Preez, I know Franco van der Merwe – they’re all passionate coaches who love what they do. That energy reflects in the way the Griquas play.”
The Griquas have had the upper hand over the Cheetahs of late. This year alone, they’ve beaten the Free Staters three times – twice in back-to-back SA Cup fixtures, as well as in a warm-up game in Bultfontein. A key factor in their improvement has been their forward play, driven by arguably the most settled pack in the country.
Hencus van Wyk. Photo: Morgan Piek
Liebenberg stressed that this is exactly where the Cheetahs will need to meet fire with fire on Friday.
“They’ve been together for a while, which makes a massive difference,” he explained.
“They’re playing a very direct style at the moment, which shows confidence. If you look at last weekend, they were a dominant pack – they play well together, they’re well coached, and when they take the field, you can see they’re ready to go.”
Both the Cheetahs and the Griquas will announce their matchday squads on Thursday.
Friday’s derby kicks off at 17:00 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
