For the Cheetahs, it’s a do-or-die clash. They are fighting to keep their Currie Cup hopes alive, while the Griquas have already secured qualification - along with the advantage of hosting playoff matches.

The defending Currie Cup champions have cruised through the campaign unbeaten so far, but they haven’t had it all their own way. They were pushed hard by the Boland Cavaliers in a 24–14 win in Wellington, and again had to dig deep in a 44–34 victory over the Pumas in Kimberley.

However, the Cheetahs pose a very different threat.

Wian du Preez - Morgan Piek

Monday marked exactly 1 150 days since the Cheetahs last beat Griquas - a 42–19 victory in Kimberley during the opening round of the 2023 Currie Cup on 10 March. Later that year, the sides played to a 29–29 draw in Bloemfontein. Since then, the Peacock Blues have dominated, winning six successive derbies across both the Currie Cup and SA Cup.

This time, though, the stakes are far higher for the Free Staters.

Anything less than three log points - effectively a draw with a try bonus point - will see the Cheetahs fail to qualify for the Currie Cup, a scenario that would have serious consequences for the union. The Cheetahs simply cannot rely on Eastern Province beating the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington, and the Leopards rolling over the SWD Eagles in George.

Despite being underdogs on paper, desperation could make them especially dangerous.

Griquas scrum coach and former Cheetahs loosehead prop, Wian du Preez, believes the expected wet conditions will place even greater emphasis on the set pieces - an area where the Cheetahs are particularly strong.

“I agree with you - the ground staff did an outstanding job, especially considering how the pitch looked on Thursday,” the former Springbok told OFM Sport.

“I don’t know if you saw the pictures, but it was completely covered in water. It was really, really wet.

Cheetahs versus Griquas scrum in the 2025 SA Cup semi-final in Kimberley - Morgan Piek

“We’ve been experiencing a lot of rain - it almost feels like we’re in the Western Cape with these winter conditions at the moment. But it is what it is, and we’ll adapt.”

Du Preez warned that the Cheetahs’ forward pack could dictate proceedings if given momentum.

“The Cheetahs have a really strong set piece. Their scrums, lineouts and maul are all quality, and that gives them good go-forward momentum. We’re well aware of that and we’re preparing for a big physical onslaught on Friday night.

“With coaches like Schalk Ferreira handling the scrums and Tiaan Liebenberg overseeing the lineouts and mauls, they’ve got experienced, quality people in charge of their forward pack. Those are seasoned rugby minds.

Cheetahs forwards coach, Tiaan Liebenberg - Morgan Piek

“We can only focus on our own preparation and how we want to approach the game. The weather is out of our control, but we’ll be ready to adapt if needed.

“Come Friday night, it’s definitely going to be a massive physical battle between the two packs - the Cheetahs and Griquas.”

Friday’s derby between the Cheetahs and Griquas at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport