Heading into the last round, the Peacock Blues top the log by two points, and a win against the Lions would secure their spot at the summit and allow them to host a semi-final on home soil for the first time since 1998. 

That year, they lost the semi-final 27-11 to Western Province – a disappointing result after finishing at the top of the log.

While the Griquas hosted the 2022 final, they did record a memorable 30-19 semi-final win over the Bulls in Pretoria.

Eddie Davids and Lourens Oosthuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

This weekend, the Lions are expected to be a tough challenge, likely fielding several more United Rugby Championship players. But it also presents the perfect opportunity for the Griquas to prove that they can punch above their weight.

The Griquas have stuck to what has worked for them throughout the season, prioritising continuity on the Highveld – a hallmark of their campaign.

In the backline, Connor Mahoney will start at fullback, with Cameron Hufke moving to the bench. Up front, there are no changes to the team that thrashed the Toyota Cheetahs 40-10 in Bloemfontein. 

On the bench, Gustav du Rand replaces Tiaan Lange, while Johan Louw will make his debut as the reserve tighthead prop. Derik Pretorius will celebrate his 50th game for the Peacock Blues.

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that while bringing a semi-final back to Kimberley would be significant, the main focus remains on continuing the strategies that have worked all season.

“1998, I think, was the last time Griquas played a home semi-final,” Bergh said.

“For the people of Kimberley, that would obviously be a big deal. But our focus this week hasn’t changed from the last four to six weeks – it’s about ourselves, performing well, and concentrating on this game.

Zane Bester and Caitlin Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There’s a possibility that when we kick off, we could be fourth on the log, or, if results go our way, close to securing a home semi-final. A lot can still happen, but the main thing is to focus on the match and not get distracted by other permutations.

“All season, we’ve focused on ourselves. The attention has gone into what we want to achieve on the field, and we need to make sure it’s the same this week.”

Saturday’s clash at Ellis Park in Johannesburg kicks off at 17:00.

Lions - TBA

Griquas - 15 Connor Mahoney, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Cebo Dlamini (captain), 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Johan Louw, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Cameron Hufke

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs