By some distance, this will be the Currie Cup champions’ toughest test of the campaign so far, but they head into the clash brimming with confidence. However, they are also mindful of the challenge they can expect from their opponents. 

The Cavaliers are notoriously difficult to beat on their home patch and will be desperate to avoid back-to-back defeats.

In round four, Boland were stunned by the SWD Eagles, going down 33–24 at Outeniqua Park in George – a result that would have rattled the squad.

The Peacock Blues, meanwhile, have been in devastating form. They’ve run riot in the competition, scoring a staggering 49 tries in four matches, racking up 321 points while conceding just 36.

However, the Cavaliers are a completely different proposition at home. Earlier in the campaign, they showed their quality by beating the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, underlining that they are a serious force again this season.

Griquas have named what is arguably their strongest possible side for this crunch encounter, with Whitehead starting at fly-half. Promising youngster Liam Koen provides cover from the bench – a tactical call with purpose.

Liam Koen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport the decision to start Whitehead this week has long been part of the plan, especially for a high-stakes clash like this. “The planning for the whole season so far for this game was to play George at fly-half,” said Bergh.

“We planned for Liam to start the first two matches, give Zinedine Robinson a run, and then give George a game against the Griffons – and use him off the bench in other matches – to hopefully have him at 100% for this one.

“Liam is growing with us, he’s improving every week, but we felt this is such a big game that we needed experience and wanted George ready.

Derik Pretorius returns from a long-term knee injury. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh said Boland presents different pictures to other teams, especially with how they defend. “With the planning we’ve done for this match, we feel George is the right fly-half to start.

“But having said that, there’s a reason Liam is back on the bench after missing the Griffons game. He’s from that part of the world, understands the conditions, and we may need a kicker later on.

“The ball doesn’t travel as far there, so having his big boot available is important. That’s why we felt it was crucial to have that option this week.”

Saturday’s clash at Boland Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Boland – TBA

Griquas – 15 Connor Mahoney, 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 Ig Prinsloo, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Leon Lyons.

Replacements – 16 Janco Uys, 17 Corné Lavagna, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Phumzile Maqondwana, 21 Jack Hart, 22 Liam Koen, 23 Cameron Hufke.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm