The Peacock Blues have made it crystal clear that they mean business by naming a near full-strength side for the derby. Instead of resting players ahead of the semi-finals, they have opted for continuity and momentum as they chase an unbeaten run in the competition and look to continue their dominance over the Cheetahs.

The Cheetahs will have to earn their place in this season’s Currie Cup Premier Division the hard way, and that means beating one of the strongest Griquas sides available for selection. A defeat would see the Free Staters drop into the Currie Cup First Division – a scenario that would carry major consequences both on and off the field.

George Whitehead. Photo: Morgan Piek

In the backline, George Whitehead returns to the starting fly-half role, with Bobby Alexander linking up with him at scrumhalf. Sako Makata comes in at inside centre in place of Mnombo Zwelendaba, who is nursing a hamstring niggle.

Up front, Ig Prinsloo returns at tighthead prop, while Marco de Witt gets the nod on the flank.

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport they carefully weighed up all their options after already securing a home semi-final, but ultimately decided continuity was the best route forward as they look to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs.

“We looked at all the scenarios after the match on Saturday against the SWD Eagles and told the players we’d pick the team we believe gives us the best chance to win this competition,” said Bergh.

“In the end, we decided to back momentum and continuity because if you make 10 or 12 changes now, you still have to make those changes again the following week.

“We want to go into the semi-final with cohesion, continuity, and hopefully a win behind us.”

Dylan Maart. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh added their focus is purely on themselves and not on helping or hindering any other team in the competition.

“We don’t focus on the other teams – we focus on ourselves,” Bergh added.

“Every decision this week was based on what we feel is best for us. It’s not a case of winning at all costs either, which is why players like Vlam Oosthuizen, Carl Els, and Mnombo Zwelendaba were given another week to recover.

“Besides those three, this is the best available team we have.”

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

Cheetahs – TBA

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Damian Markus, 12 Sako Makata, 11 Connor Mahoney, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Phumzile Maqondwana, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Ig Prinsloo, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements – 16 Janco Us, 17 Corné Lavagna, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Carel van der Merwe, 21 Caleb Abrahams, 22 Liam Koen, Zane Bester

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm