It’s a mouthwatering showdown between the Currie Cup champions and the reigning SA Cup champions, as the fierce rivalry between the two sides continues. The Peacock Blues have named what is arguably their strongest possible starting XV for this must-win encounter.

The stakes couldn’t be higher either, with the result likely to play a major role in determining who earns the right to host a home semi-final – and potentially even the final – later in the competition. 

Encounters between these two sides are rarely dull, and another classic is expected.

Damian Markus. Photo: Morgan  Piek

Makata gets the nod on the wing, while Damian Markus comes into the starting line-up in place of the injured Zane Bester.

Up front, the return of captain Albert Liebenberg and his fellow lock Malembe Mpofu from injury will add serious grunt to the Griquas pack, giving their engine room a timely boost.

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport it’s a massive game for his side, with qualification for the semi-finals still not secured.

“It’s a massive game – there’s no hiding from that,” said Bergh.

“We know that if we win, there’s a very good chance we finish top of the log, which puts us in a position to host a semi-final and possibly even a final. But if we lose, the Pumas could finish top, and then we’re still fighting to qualify for the Currie Cup.

“We haven’t qualified yet, and we probably need one more win, with teams like the Pumas, SWD, and Cheetahs all competing for positions. So it’s a big one, but we’ve approached it like any other week – five points against the Pumas are just as important as five points against anyone else.

“We’ve focused on ourselves, and hopefully we can deliver a big performance this weekend.”

Gustav du Rand still played for the Griquas last year. Photo: Morgan Piek

On his team selection for the clash, Bergh added that it’s very much a “horses for courses” approach. It’s a combination of how we want to play against the Pumas – it’s horses for courses.

“Cammy isn’t injured, but tactically we felt this was the right backline for this game. The only injuries we have are Zane Bester and Marco de Wit; the rest of the squad is available.

“Gurswin hasn’t quite come back the same after his time overseas – as I’ve said before, players who go on loan and don’t play don’t necessarily return as better players. We’re working hard with him to get him back to his best.”

Gurswin Wehr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“He’s improving every day and did well off the bench against EP, but at the same time, Sako is playing really well, and we feel this is the right game to give him another start. A lot of thought went into the selection this week.”

Sunday’s game at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas – 15 Connor Mahoney, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Damian Markus, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Sako Makata, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 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 Bobby Alexander, 22 Liam Koen, 23 Gurswin Wehr

Pumas – 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Valentino Wellman, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 André Fouché, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers (captain), 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Kudzwai Dube

Replacements – 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Miyelani Ngobeni, 20 De Wet Marais, 21 Conor van Eden, 22 Wian van Niekerk, 23 Tino Swanepoel

OFM Sport/Morgan  Piek dg