The Peacock Blues are in the final for the first time since 2022, having earned their spot through consistent performances throughout the season and a convincing 25-5 win over their neighbours, the Toyota Cheetahs, in a somewhat historic semi-final in Kimberley on Saturday night. The Lions, on the other hand, thrashed the Boland Cavaliers 67-19 at Ellis Park and, finishing top of the log, earned the right to host a home final for the second year running.

While the Griquas played at home and lost in the final just three years ago, only five players from last week’s win over the Cheetahs were part of that 2022 final, where they went down 26-19 to the Pumas.

Albert Liebenberg. Photo: Morgan Piek

George Whitehead started at fullback, while lock Derik Pretorius and hooker Janco Uys were in the starting XV. Loosehead prop Eddie Davids came off the bench, and new tighthead prop IG Prinsloo also played in that final – though he was on the winning side with the Pumas.

For every other player in the squad, this will be a completely new experience – one they are eagerly anticipating.

Eddie Davids (left). Photo: Morgan Piek

Lock Albert Liebenberg, who hails from the Cape, grew up watching Western Province play at Newlands, and it was there that his dream of lifting the coveted Sir Donald Currie Trophy began.

Liebenberg told OFM Sport that this is what dreams are made of, and the team is determined to make it happen – despite a heavy 37-7 loss to the Lions at Ellis Park less than a fortnight ago.

“We are definitely charged up – it’s a big deal for all of us,” said Liebenberg. “It’s one of the biggest games of our careers. But we have players who came from the Pumas and have won the Currie Cup in Kimberley, so they bring that experience and calmness. 

“We’ve been building on our performances since the SA Cup, creating stability in the team, and we know what we need to do. So, we’re ready!”

The Griquas’ forwards coach, Franco van der Merwe, knows a thing or two about winning the Currie Cup. The former Springbok from Hartswater lifted the trophy with the Lions back in 2011, when they beat the Sharks 42-16 at Ellis Park.

Van der Merwe told OFM Sport that this has been a three-year project, and the team has shown great strides during this journey.

Janco Uys (left) and IG Prinsloo (middle) during the 2022 Currie Cup final in Kimberley. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I played in the 2011 final after a bit of a drought in Johannesburg,” said Van der Merwe.

“I’ve been with this team for two years now, and just to echo what Albert said, the growth in the team and the squad has been immense. Over the last few years, we started with the Airlink Cup, then the two SA Cup finals, and now this is our second Currie Cup final – most of the squad has stayed the same, which is very exciting.

“We played the Lions in the penultimate round, so everyone has had a taste of Ellis Park and a world-class stadium. The guys are super excited to get back there. As I always say, even if there are only ten people in that stadium, it’s still a privilege to play at Ellis Park.”

Sango Xamlashe (now at the Pumas) was the Griquas captain during the 2022 final. Photo: Morgan Piek

Van der Merwe added that, while the team suffered a 30-point drubbing against the Lions, the experience taught them valuable lessons. The game had been delayed by lightning and weather, creating an unusual situation that threw everyone off balance.

“It was probably the first time for most of us, if not everyone, experiencing a delayed game with lightning and weather delays. You get all fired up, then there’s talk the game might not happen – it was a bit of a rollercoaster.

Rynhardt Jonker during the 2022 final - he now plays for the Lions and could be in action in the final. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We started well in that game, with about 15 minutes of very good rugby. But they drew on their URC experience and dominated after that. Definitely, we learned a lot, and it’s something we can improve on this weekend.”

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh is set to announce his final team on Wednesday afternoon, with no major changes expected to the match 23.

Saturday’s Currie Cup final at Ellis Park will kick off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh