The visitors scored the first points and led by 12-0 early in the match, thanks to two magnificent tries scored by Masande Mtshaki and Xavier Swartbooi. But the Griquas were never going to disappoint their fans. 

They led 24-12 by halftime, and the floodgates truly opened in the second half with forwards and backs running riot to leave the Eagles reeling.

The Peacock Blues scored four tries in the first half, courtesy of Janco Uys, Connor Mahoney, Malembe Mpofu, and Moango Ngundue, while Mahoney added to his tally in the second half. 

Tries were also scored by Sako Makata, Damian Markus, and Dylan Maart, while Cameron Hufke scored a brace in the second half.  Liam Koen succeeded with two conversions, while the stalwart George Whitehead, who started from the bench, was successful with four conversions.

Griquas speedsters Dylan Maart and Connor Mahoney. Photo: Morgan Piek

After the match, Griquas assistant-coach Franco van der Merwe said they never underestimated the team from the Southern Cape and were proved correct within the first ten minutes of the match.

“We knew they’ve got a very good ball, we knew they’ve got a very good back, and they started that first ten minutes really well. When they scored the first try, we knew they could keep the ball pretty well. But the guys were really patient, and whenever we got the ball, we got really nicely into position to get some points. 

“And even after halftime, we were still a bit in a fight there, but the guys really in the second half, that last 20 minutes, we did well to take the points,” he said.

Griquas captain Albert Liebenberg said over the past week their focus was firmly on the Eagles, but now it is all systems go for next week’s match against the Toyota Cheetahs.

“It’s always a big derby against the Cheetahs, we’re looking forward to that. They’re in a difficult situation, we understand that, but we also want to win. It’s going to be a battle,” said Liebenberg.

The Toyota Cheetahs and Suzuki Griquas will face each other on Friday (8/5) at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. The match kicks off at 18:00.

Griquas: Tries – Janco Uys, Connor Mahoney 2, Malembe Mpofu, Moango Ngundue, Cameron Hufke 2, Sako Makata, Damian Markus, Dylan Maart Conv. – Liam Koen 2, George Whitehead 4

SWD: Tries – Masande Mtshaki, Xavier Swartbooi Conv. - Fred Zeilinga

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg