Liebenberg takes over from Cebo Dlamini, who is sidelined through injury and set to join Sale Sharks. Meanwhile, exciting young flyhalf Liam Koen, son of former Springbok pivot Louis Koen, will start against the Leopards on Saturday. Veteran backline general George Whitehead is set to provide experience off the bench.

Liebenberg told OFM Sport it’s vital for the team to move on from their Currie Cup triumph as they enter a new chapter.

Cebo Dlamini - Morgan Piek

“A lot of people say you have a target on your back, but that’s not how we see it,” said Liebenberg.

“Every team starts fresh. Yes, we won the Currie Cup in 2025, but that’s in the past. This is a new season, and our vision stays the same. We want to push for the SA Cup and go for the Currie Cup again. The hunger is still there.”

While the Peacock Blues have lost several players to bigger unions, including Dlamini and Dylan Maart, Liebenberg added that while there is some disruption, it also opens the door for others to step up.

“It’s always big news when you lose a player, and of course, we feel it, but it doesn’t have a major impact on us,” the second-rower explained.

“We’ve built a strong leadership and structural core, so it creates opportunities for others to grow. Players take on more responsibility, and that ultimately strengthens the squad.

“The younger guys coming in, along with those who’ve been here a year or two, really step up and take ownership. That growth shapes the group nicely and builds depth across the team.”

Meanwhile, Griquas will use Saturday’s season opener as an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims and families affected by the situation at Ekapa Mine, which has been in the news recently after five miners were trapped underground following a rockfall.

Dylan Maart. Photo: Morgan Piek

Head coach Pieter Bergh said the mine’s liquidation has had a significant impact on the community, and it’s important for the team to rally around those affected.

“This week, we want to play for the people of the Ekapa mine in Kimberley who have lost their jobs. 

“The mine’s liquidation has affected more than 1,000 families, and in a town like Kimberley, that has a massive impact on both the community and the local economy. People still have rent, bonds, car payments, and families to support, so it’s an incredibly difficult time for the town.”

George Whitehead. Photo: Morgan Piek

“As a team, we want to show our support. We’ll be hosting an auction with items like a Currie Cup final jersey and other memorabilia, with all proceeds going to a local fund. There will also be free entry to the game for affected mine employees.

“Some of our biggest supporters are going through a tough time, and if we can put a smile on their faces, even if it’s just for 80 minutes, that’s a big motivation for us. Kimberley has always backed us, and now we want to stand by them.”

Saturday’s clash at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg