Rugby
Purple People Eaters fired up for Leopards clash─── MORGAN PIEK 11:17 Fri, 20 Mar 2026
The Griffons will be eager to bounce back on Saturday when they take on the Leopards in Welkom in round three of the SA Cup.
Last week, the Purple People Eaters slumped to a 53–26 defeat against the Boland Cavaliers in a bizarre and ill-tempered clash in Wellington. The match produced nine yellow cards and two red cards, with both teams conceding 16 penalties. Unsurprisingly, the officiating led by referee Sean Miller came under heavy scrutiny afterwards.
With qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division on the line, the Griffons know the importance of this fixture. They opened their campaign with a convincing 36–17 win over the Border Bulldogs, but they will feel they are a far better side than what they showed last weekend.
Calla Pienaar en route to the tryline in the warm-up game against the Suzuki Griquas. Photo: Morgan Piek
There’s a long-standing rivalry between the Griffons and their North West neighbours, and that should add extra spice to the occasion. Although the Leopards have suffered two heavy defeats and sit at the bottom of the log after two rounds, they have shown flashes of attacking threat and won’t be taken lightly.
In-form flanker Jared Kruger told OFM Sport that motivation won’t be an issue for the hosts. “We’re ready to take on the Leopards here in Welkom at 15:00,” said Kruger.
“The guys know what to expect and what they need to do, and there’s a real hunger in the team for this game. Last weekend against Boland, we had them in the first half but faded a bit in the second – that’s behind us now.
“We’re focused on what lies ahead. We know what we want, and we’re ready to go.”
The Griffons will be without their stalwart captain, Duan Pretorius, who picked up a heavy shoulder knock in Wellington. In his absence, powerful centre Jandré de Beer – no stranger to the physical exchanges – will lead the side. He will also start the game at flyhalf, after being more renowned for being an inside centre.
Jared Kruger (right) during the warm-up game against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek
Saturday’s clash between the Griffons and Leopards at the DTI Stadium in Welkom kicks off at 15:00.
Griffons – 15 Dehovine Johannes, 14 Chadrack Tshimanga, 13 Ngia Selengbe, 12 Chris Hollis, 11 Izzy Novuka, 10 Jandré de Beer (captain), 9 Daylon Myners, 8 Calla Pienaar, 7 Jared Kruger, 6 Mingo Piti, 5 Rian Olivier, 4 Wikus Nieuwenhuis, 3 Hlumza Nondonga, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Xolani Jacobs.
Replacements – 16 Chyle van Zyl, 17 Aviwe Mpepo, 18 Justin Forwood, 19 Sergio Moreira, 20 Neels Louwrens, 21 Armand Maritz, 22 Keegan Schaefer, 23 Clive Kruger.
Leopards – 15 Noegh Hayward, 14 Sino Tshontyi, 13 Brandon Keevy, 12 Bryan Breda, 11 Zac Bester, 10 Jandré Burger, 9 Hlumelo Ndudula, 8 Arminn Posthumus, 7 Ghudian van Reenen, 6 Divan Pieters, 5 Mnncedisi Dlwengu, 4 Babalo Makana, 3 Werner Geldenhuys, 2 Jason Alexander (captain), 1 Tatenda Chayayi.
Replacements – 16 Liyema Mgwigwi, 17 Munashe Mhere, 18 Sphekahle Dube, 19 Stephen Taylor, 20 Kraynu Kruger, 21 Daimon O’Connell, 22 Shaun Baxter, 23 Naiden Jaarts.
