Heyneke Meyer’s Garden Route outfit still have a mathematical shot at securing a home semi-final, but to keep that dream alive, they’ll need to topple the defending Currie Cup champions on their own patch – no easy feat against a side that has built a reputation for being ruthless at home.

The Griquas have already booked their place in the playoffs, and for them the equation is simple: keep winning and lock in a home semi-final – and possibly even a home final. 

A victory for the Peacock Blues this weekend would see them cement their spot at the summit of the standings heading into the final round.

Heyneke Meyer. Photo: SWD Eagles

Meyer, the former Springbok and Bulls coach who has wasted little time in moulding the Eagles into a competitive and united outfit, told OFM Sport his side is relishing the challenge that awaits in the Northern Cape.

“We’re really excited to head down to Kimberley. It’s obviously a massive challenge – Griquas are a quality, well-coached side with some serious game-breakers – but our focus is on our own performance.

“We’ve picked a very exciting team with a number of new players who’ve earned their opportunity, and there’s no pressure on them. We want to go out there, enjoy it, give our best, and stay grounded and humble. 

“We’re grateful to be part of this competition and determined to make our supporters proud.”

“Saturday (2/5) is another opportunity for us, and I can’t wait to see how the new players step up. We know it’s going to be a big test, but that’s exactly what excites us.”

The clash between the Griquas and the SWD Eagles at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley 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 – 15 Ulrich Wahl, 14 Rosco Syster, 13 Tiaan Pretorius, 12 Carlton Banies, 11 Masande Mtshali, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Xavier Swartbooi, 8 Jaco Bezuidenhout, 7 Carel du Preez (captain), 6 Ewan Coetzee, 5 Matthew Gray, 4 Piet Erasmus, 3 Günther Janse van Vuuren, 2 Janus Venter, 1 Ntokozo Hlophe

Replacements – 16 Tiaan Drotskie, 17 Jan-Hendrik Bessenger, 18 Njabulo Gumede, 19 Dylan de Leeuw, 20 Matthew Sekele, 21 HD Stemmet, 22 Tiaan Fourie, 23 Kyle Cyster

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg