The defending Currie Cup champions are within touching distance of finishing top of the SA Cup log, and a win this weekend will all but secure them a home final – a second in the competition’s three-year history – provided they come through the semi-finals.

With the Peacock Blues already assured of a place in this year’s Currie Cup, there’s a clear sense of relief in the camp. That security could allow them to play with a bit more freedom, although their current approach has delivered in style, with the team dominating throughout the campaign.

Franco van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

While Griquas were always confident of reaching the semi-finals and booking their spot in the world’s oldest domestic rugby competition, forwards coach and former Springbok lock Franco van der Merwe told OFM Sport that there’s definite satisfaction after ticking off their first major objective.

“If you look back at when we started, we had an almost 20-week pre-season going into the SA Cup,” said the former Lions second-rower.

“A lot of work has gone into that. We had a good start against the Leopards and Border, and we’ve worked our way up.

“Just before the Easter break, we played the Griffons, and we’ve put ourselves in a very good position.

“We are very satisfied with where we are at the moment. Getting five points in every game was one of our goals, and we’re very happy with the position we’re in.”

Van der Merwe added their run into the semi-finals won’t be straightforward, with SWD presenting a very different challenge compared to previous seasons. He believes the Eagles have evolved into a well-drilled outfit under new leadership, and that the coming fixtures resemble a mini Currie Cup.

Janco Uys. Photo: Morgan Piek

“They are definitely not the same side as last year – there are only one or two players still in the team from then, and there’s also a new coaching staff led by Heineke Meyer,” he said.

“He’s very experienced and has a strong track record, from Super Rugby to World Cups, and every team he’s coached has done well. You can see they are well organised and well coached, and they’re doing the basics very well at the moment.

“They showed against the Cheetahs, where they were 17–5 up at one stage, and also against the Pumas, where they only lost 28–26. They’ve also beaten Boland.

Liam Koen Photo: Morgan Piek

“For us, the next few games are almost like a mini Currie Cup – Pumas, a tough game this weekend, then the Cheetahs and playoffs.

“They’re looking good, they’re dangerous, and coach Heineke has recruited very well.”

In terms of team selection, Cameron Hufke starts at fullback once again, while Connor Mahoney shifts to the left wing. Liam Koen takes charge at fly-half, pairing up with Bobby Alexander in the halfback combination.

Marco de Witt. Photo: Morgan Piek

Up front, Marco de Witt returns from a niggle to start on the flank, Moango Ngundue comes in at tighthead prop, and Janco Uys gets the nod at hooker.

Saturday’s match at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Damian Markus, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Connor Mahoney, 10 Liam Koen, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Phumzile Maqondwana, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Moango Ngundue, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Leon Lyons.

Replacements – 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 Corné Lavagna, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Carel van der Merwe, 21 Caleb Abrahams, 22 George Whitehead, 23 Sako Makata.

SWD Eagles – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm