The scoreline looked more like something from a cricket match at the Suzuki Stadium, as the Peacock Blues thrashed the Potchefstroom outfit 101–7 in what was their first competitive outing since lifting the Currie Cup in Johannesburg in September.

Griquas dominated every aspect of the game – from the set pieces to defence – and were ruthless in making their experience and structure count against a youthful Leopards side that also featured several North-West University U20 players.

Liam Koen on debut for the Griquas. He is the son of former Springbok flyhalf Louis Koen. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Griquas crossed the white-wash on no less than 15 occasions, with Cameron Hufke, Sako Makata, and Connor Mahoney accounting for seven tries between them, while flanker Lourens Oosthuizen also dotted down twice.

For the visitors from North West, there were certainly some tough lessons to take away, particularly around the intensity at which a side like Griquas operates. While they did have moments where they threatened, basic errors ultimately proved to be their undoing.

The intensity and accuracy of the Griquas were something to behold, but it remains early days in the competition. They will still face far sterner tests against more structured outfits such as the Pumas, Toyota Cheetahs, and Boland Cavaliers, while it already looks as though the SWD Eagles could also be punching above their weight this season.

One particularly pleasing aspect for the hosts was the debut of their new flyhalf, Liam Koen, who enjoyed a superb first outing. He was accurate from the kicking tee and directed the backline with the composure of a seasoned professional. Winger Sako Makata was also outstanding with several powerful runs, while new inside centre Damian Markus made a strong impression in his first appearance.

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that the team’s accuracy and intensity were the most pleasing aspects of the performance, especially as they were determined to put on a show for the people of Kimberley.

“You never quite know what to expect in the first game of a competition. We did play them in a friendly, but those opening matches are always tricky because there’s not a lot of analysis available, and our last competitive game was about five and a half months ago,” said Bergh.

The 20-year-old Hennie Otto Jr on debut for the Leopards. He is the son of former SA Open golf champion Hennie Otto. Photo: Morgan Piek

“What pleased me most today wasn’t necessarily the scoreline. Points difference could become important later in the competition, so it’s something we speak about often – it’s not only about scoring points, but also about not conceding too many.

“For me, the accuracy we played with was the most important aspect. In games where the score starts to run away, things can sometimes get a bit loose, but I thought we stayed fairly accurate and stuck to the basics for the full 80 minutes.

“The intensity was there as well.

Cameron Hufte going in for his first try. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We really wanted to play for the people of Kimberley this week. We feel for everyone affected by the Ekapa Mine liquidation, and a lot of people still came out to support us. We wanted to put a smile on their faces during a difficult time.

“It was a good crowd for an SA Cup match against the Leopards, which shows the people of Kimberley still want to see this team play. They’re still riding the high of last season’s success, and hopefully we can build on that and keep bringing the supporters back to the stadium.”

On the other side of the coin, Leopards coach Riaan van Straten said it was a tough baptism of fire for his charges. Their mistakes proved costly, but the focus now shifts to regrouping ahead of their clash with the Cheetahs in Potchefstroom.

“It was tough. You never want to take a hiding in a professional match, but I don’t believe we’re that bad as a team. The plans we had in place were actually starting to work, and the space began to open up, but in the end, we didn’t value possession enough,” said Van Straten.

“When you play the Currie Cup champions and make errors, they punish you, and that’s exactly what happened. Coming to Kimberley, we knew it would be a tough challenge, but that’s no excuse. We tried to instill belief in the players, but unfortunately, our mistakes gave them opportunities.

“I told the players in the change room that this is a process and it’s only the beginning for us.

Griquas captain Albert Liebenberg played in his 50th match for the Currie Cup champions. Photo: Morgan Piek

“This one hurts, and we’ll take it on the chin, but we’ll go back to the drawing board. We’ve got a young group of players, and it’s about building belief and moving forward. You’re only done when you give up, and we’re certainly not giving up. We face the Cheetahs next week, and we’ll regroup and keep working.”

In the weekend’s other SA Cup results, the Valke beat Eastern Province 29–23 in Gqeberha, while in George the Pumas edged the SWD Eagles 28–26.

In Bloemfontein, the Boland Cavaliers beat the Toyota Cheetahs 34–24, while in Welkom the Griffons secured a 36–17 victory over the Border Bulldogs.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs