The Griquas go into the match as favourites to reach the final, with the possibility of hosting the championship match at home next week – depending on the result of the other semi-final between the Lions and Boland Cavaliers in Johannesburg.

This marks the first Currie Cup semi-final in Kimberley since 1998, when the Griquas lost 27-11 to Western Province. This time, the team is determined to go further.

Eddie Davids and Vlam Oosthuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Being a derby match, an OFM Challenge Cup clash, and the fifth meeting of the season between these two teams, it promises to be an intense affair under the Northern Cape night skies. The Griquas hold several advantages – the recent head-to-head records, home-ground advantage, and a relatively healthier squad regarding injuries.

Bergh acknowledged the Cheetahs will bring their A-game, and he told OFM Sport that while the occasion is special, the focus must remain on the game itself, their processes, and learning from past performances.

“It’s a big occasion for us – a wonderful one, something really special to look forward to.”  

“We’re expecting a great crowd, and with it being against the Cheetahs, a lot of their supporters will also travel the 150 kilometres to Kimberley, which will create a special atmosphere. At the start of the season, we only had a few home games, so to give ourselves and our supporters this kind of occasion is massive.

“Playing under the lights in Kimberley is always unique, but our focus has been on improving from last week. The mindset and the talk all week have been less about the occasion and more about reviewing what we didn’t get right, learning, and making sure the performance is there. 

“The main thing is to keep the main thing, playing rugby, and if we do that, we’ll be fine.”

Last week, the Griquas suffered a 37-7 defeat against the Lions in Johannesburg. Bergh described the loss as a blessing in disguise, saying it helped ground the team and reignite their competitive fire.

Zane Bester. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think there are two things that can quickly bring you back down to earth. Firstly, you take a hiding against the Lions, and secondly, you go and play a round of golf. 

“We definitely got the first one right against the Lions, and I believe that defeat will put us in a better mental space. We know there are certain things we did in that game that the Cheetahs will look to exploit, and we’ll have to be better. 

“It’s vital not to be distracted by outside expectations and simply tune in mentally as well as rock up physically.”

Caleb Abrahams. Photo: Morgan Piek

“For us, it’s about not believing what everyone is saying – that we are the favourites, and that we haven’t lost to Free State in a long time. Our biggest challenge is not to buy into that, but rather to focus only on our game this week.

“I think we learnt a tough but necessary lesson against the Lions this past weekend, and hopefully that will stand us in good stead this week.”

Saturday night’s semi-final, which is bound to be another epic derby at the Suzuki Stadium, will kick off at 19:15.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 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 Tiaan Lange, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 IG Prinsloo, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Connor Mahoney

Cheetahs – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg