Maqondwana suffered a concussion during the first half of the hard-fought 59–35 semi-final victory over the Boland Cavaliers at Suzuki Stadium. He has subsequently failed his HIA protocols, ruling him out of contention for the title decider.

It’s a significant setback for the Peacock Blues, especially considering the physical edge and relentless work-rate Maqondwana brings to the pack – qualities that will be vital against a bruising Pumas outfit. The defending champions thrive on intensity and confrontation, and the Griquas will need to match that aggression blow-for-blow on Saturday night.

Franco van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

However, while the depth is certainly being tested at a crucial stage of the campaign, the hosts still have quality options available. Exciting loose-forward Carl Els stepped in against Boland during his return from concussion. By his own high standards, Els had a quieter outing, although that was understandable after spending a spell on the sidelines.

Marco de Witt, who has operated on the flank in recent weeks, is another strong candidate to slot in at the back of the scrum – a role he too knows well. Then there is Carel van der Merwe, who has impressed whenever given an opportunity and could force his way into the starting lineup for the final.

The injury concerns don’t end there for the men from Kimberley. Centre Damian Markus picked up a hamstring injury in the semi-final, while winger Gurswin Wehr also took a heavy knock against the Cavaliers.

A final decision on both players is still pending, although Griquas coach Pieter Bergh does have capable replacements waiting in the wings. The x-factor Mnombo Zwelendaba could be in line for a timely return in midfield should Markus miss out, while Sako Makata is another option after recently shifting between wing and centre.

Carl Els (centre) and Marco de Witt (right). Photo: Morgan Piek

Then there is the lightning-quick Connor Mahoney, widely regarded as the fastest player in the Griquas squad, who could provide serious attacking spark out wide if Wehr is unavailable.

Griquas forwards coach Franco van der Merwe told OFM Sport despite the setbacks, he remains confident the team has enough depth – particularly at no 8 – for the massive showdown.

“Phumzi received a blue card on the weekend, which is recognised, and he was removed, so unfortunately, he failed his concussion protocols,” said the former Springbok lock.

Gurswin Wehr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Duimpies’ (Markus) hamstring is also not looking too good, and we’ll make a call on Gurswin later today.

“Pieter has put together a really good squad and it’s been a full squad effort right from week one of pre-season.

“We’ve still got guys like Marco, who is very skilful, and Carl Els, who has played a lot at no 8, so there is still plenty of depth there with two quality players who can fill that role.”

Griquas captain Albert Liebenberg, meanwhile, believes discipline, mental sharpness, and limiting soft moments will be crucial if they are to dethrone the defending champions.

“We’ve worked quite a lot on it and spoken about it,” Liebenberg told OFM Sport.

“We’ve also focused on the mental side because in a final, the small errors you make can leak points and put you on the back foot. We’ve been really sharp on that because there’s not a lot of time now to change or disrupt things – it’s more about the mental side.

Mnombo Zwelendaba. Photo: Morgan Piek

“That’s the game of rugby. Teams can hurt you from halfway all the way to the try line, and it’s the same with us. If we can put the Pumas under pressure and they concede penalties, we can turn that into points through the mauls or by kicking at goal.”

Bergh is expected to name his team for the final on Thursday and, at this stage of the competition, few surprises are anticipated.

Saturday’s eagerly anticipated SA Cup grand finale between the Griquas and the Pumas at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 18:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm