The unbeaten Peacock Blues find themselves in a commanding position: a win over Heyneke Meyer’s charges will all but secure top spot on the round-robin log. That, in turn, puts them firmly on track for a potential home final – provided they do the business in the semi-finals.

Last Sunday, Griquas were forced to dig deep at Suzuki Stadium, holding off the defending champions, the Pumas, for a hard-earned 44–34 win in a proper humdinger between two fierce rivals.

Pieter Bergh. Photo: Morgan Piek

Now in its third year, the SA Cup has largely belonged to Griquas. The reigning Currie Cup champions have lost just twice in the competition – both times to the Pumas, and both in Nelspruit. Almost exactly a year ago, the Pumas edged them 39–34 at Mbombela Stadium in a match littered with contentious refereeing calls. Weeks later, the Lowvelders again got the better of Griquas, winning 39–14 in the final to dethrone them.

But 2026 has seen a different beast. Griquas have run riot, piling up a staggering 67 tries in just seven matches while conceding only 12 – a dominance reflected in their massive +348 points difference.

Following the bruising win over Jimmy Stonehouse’s men, Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport the focus has always been on building breathing room ahead of the knockouts.

“We knew it would be a big test against the Pumas,” said Bergh.

“Even when we were 14 points up in the second half, we understood they wouldn’t just lie down – and they showed that.

“I’m proud of the guys for the way they responded. When the scores were level, they showed real character to wrestle back control and close out the game. That’s something this team has learned over the past few years – how to regain control.

Lourens Oosthuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The Pumas are a quality side, and when you give them momentum and front-foot ball, they become very dangerous. Our goal was to win this week and next week to put ourselves in a position to finish top of the log with a game in hand, and hopefully we can deliver another strong performance.”

Despite the win, Bergh admitted his side made life difficult for themselves at times, conceding a few soft tries – an area they’ll need to tidy up against an Eagles outfit that has punched well above its weight this season.

“At half-time I told the players that we were playing against ourselves,” he added.

Dylan Maart and Tino Swanepoel. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We conceded soft tries, and that’s something we need to cut out. We haven’t really been under this kind of pressure all season, especially against a team also pushing for the top spot, so it felt like a final.

“Matches between the Pumas and Griquas are always high-scoring, so I’m pleased with the effort the guys put in to secure the five points.”

Bergh also warned against complacency heading into the weekend clash.

Gustav Erlank. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We definitely won’t underestimate our next opponents – they are well organised, well coached, and hungry to qualify for the Currie Cup. With a short turnaround, we need to make sure we are ready for Saturday.”

Saturday’s clash between Griquas and the SWD Eagles at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm