Uys will start the final against the old rivals, while the energetic Lange is set to provide impact off the bench. The pair offers two very different skill sets. 

Uys is vastly experienced and something of a pitbull in the pack, never shying away from the physical exchanges. Lange, meanwhile, is a live-wire with boundless energy and the tenacity of a Jack Russell. Fearless by nature, he is a powerful ball-carrier who regularly backs himself against much bigger opponents.

Tiaan Lange with a strong carry against the Boland Cavaliers. Photo: Morgan Piek

Throughout the campaign, Bergh has rotated the duo effectively, with both players more than capable of starting or bringing energy and intensity off the bench.

What they do have in common, however, is their tenacity and refusal to give opponents an inch on the field.

Bergh told OFM Sport the two players complement each other exceptionally well, which is exactly what he wants within his squad. He added that the player starting is not necessarily better than the player on the bench – and vice versa.

“We’re fortunate to have two exceptionally good hookers in Janco Uys and Tiaan Lange, and either one can start for us on any given day,” said Bergh.

“It often comes down to the tactical approach for the week and what type of impact we want at the start of the match and off the bench.

“Tiaan brings tremendous energy, a massive work rate, and strong defence, while Janco offers a different profile that suits the way we want to start games.

Cameron Hufke launching his penalty from the halfway line against Boland. Photo: Morgan Piek

“A big part of our success has been that when we make substitutions, we don’t weaken the side – sometimes we even strengthen it.”

Meanwhile, Bergh added that finals rugby often comes down to the finest of margins, and a long-range penalty could ultimately decide the outcome. That is why he backed Cameron Hufke to have a crack from halfway against the Boland Cavaliers, while Liam Koen’s kicking game also makes the young pivot an invaluable option off the bench.

“Cammy has done plenty of long-range kicking for us, and that’s why I backed him to take that shot at goal because those moments can become important in a final,” Bergh explained.

Liam Koen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The same applies to Liam – with rain expected and conditions likely to be tricky, a long-range penalty, drop goal or relieving kick from your own half can make a huge difference. Players like that can have a massive impact in a final.”

Saturday night’s SA Cup final at the Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 18:30.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Sako Makata, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Ig Prinsloo, 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 Liam Koen, 23 Connor Mahoney

Pumas – 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Tino Swanepoel, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers (captain), 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Kudzwai Dube

Replacements – 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Miyelani Ngobeni, 20 De Wet Marais, 21 Conor van Eden, 22 Nevaldo Fleurs, 23 Qamani Kota

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm