Pretorius, who followed Bergh from the Central University of Technology Ixias to Griquas, has not featured in a competitive match since the 2025 Currie Cup final against the Lions in Johannesburg. 

A knee injury has kept him sidelined for the entire season so far, but his return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Peacock Blues.

While the Griquas have shown impressive depth this season, Pretorius brings a unique edge. Known for his relentless work rate, he’s the kind of player who grafts for the full 80 minutes. He’s a dependable lineout option and adds a physical presence, with that all-important enforcer role that can shift momentum in tight encounters.

Bergh told OFM Sport Pretorius remains a key figure in the squad, particularly for his impact in the latter stages of matches.

“Derik has worked incredibly hard since his knee injury to be ready for this week, and it’s great to have that experience back,” said Bergh.

“He played a full 80 minutes in last year’s Currie Cup final alongside Albert and is very reliable in the lineouts, which gives us another strong option later in the game. With players like Janco Uys and Phumzile in the mix, we’ve built a squad over the past few years where our impact off the bench doesn’t weaken us – if anything, it often strengthens us.”

Derik Pretorius. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Apart from Bobby Alexander, who is likely out for about a week, we’re in a good place injury-wise, and that’s credit to the medical team. It does make selection tough, though – someone like Marco de Witt missing out on the 23 shows the depth and quality we have at the moment.”

Meanwhile, hooker Tiaan Lange is fast cementing his place as the Griquas’ first-choice No. 2, despite strong competition from the abrasive Janco Uys.

The Pretoria-born Lange has been turning heads with his all-action displays, drawing comparisons to Uli Schmidt in his playing style. He also carries the hallmarks of a classic Boland hooker – industrious, tireless, and uncompromising. 

Whether it’s putting in big carries, making dominant tackles, or throwing himself into the thick of the action, Lange does it all with intensity.

Tiaan Lange. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh added that Lange has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and hasn’t looked back.

“He’s a tough player who just doesn’t stop. We saw that a couple of weeks ago, when he was subbed off, he had to come back on after an injury, and still finished the last 15 minutes strongly.

“He’s aggressive, a solid tackler, carries well, and manages the game effectively. He spent most of last season coming off the bench behind Janco, but he’s taken his chance in the starting side this year and really impressed.”

Janco Uys. Photo: Morgan Piek

“At the same time, having someone like Janco coming off the bench again adds even more value for us. Hopefully he can keep building on the way he’s started the season because he’s been very good and we’re looking forward to seeing that continue on Saturday.”

Saturday’s SA Cup encounter between Boland and the Peacock Blues at Boland Stadium in Wellington kicks off at 15:00.

Boland – 15 Domenic Smit, 14 Jade Stighling, 13 Erik Lambrecht,12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Xavier Mitchell, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8Thurlow Marsh, 7 Kwanda Dimaza, 6 Sauliegh Arendse, 5 Marlyn Williams, 4 Jeandré Leonard, 3 Doctor Booysen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Mthokozisi Gumede

Replacements – 16 Joshua Eras, 17 Dewald Maritz, 18 Dayan van derWesthuizen, 19 Michael Benadie, 20 Sibusiso Sangweni, 21 Chriswill September,22 Chris Smit, 23 James Tedder

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 dg