While the visitors were not at full strength, it was nevertheless a far more convincing performance by the Currie Cup champions against a physical, uncompromising opponent at Toyota Stadium. The only blemish on an otherwise impressive afternoon for the Kimberley side was the dismissal of fly-half Liam Koen, who received a straight red card for head contact during a tackle, forcing the Griquas to finish the match with 14 men. 

The hosts came flying out of the blocks and raced into a dominant 28-0 lead by half-time, although the Georgians showed greater resistance after the break.

Lungi Mbiko opened the scoring in the second minute. Photo: Morgan Piek

Lock Lungi Mbiko crossed for a try inside the opening two minutes after eighth-man Dillon Smith sliced through the Black Lion defence. Livewire scrumhalf Jack Hart then added a second try under the posts in the eighth minute.

The Griquas struck again in the 15th minute with a clever midfield lineout and driving maul that caught Black Lion off guard, allowing Smith to score his first try in Peacock Blue. Koen added the conversion as Pieter Bergh’s side surged into a 21-0 lead.

Centre Tom Nel added a fourth try before the interval as very little went right for the visitors in the opening half. Black Lion, who rested several first-choice players, made numerous handling errors and struggled particularly in the scrums.

Jack Hart strolling in for his try. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Georgian outfit came close to scoring shortly before half-time after earning a succession of penalties near the Griquas tryline, but the home side’s defence stood firm. Captain and flank Phumzile Maqondwana extended the advantage shortly after the restart.

Black Lion eventually opened their account in the 48th minute when eighth-man Giorgi Sinauridze crossed for a converted try. However, the response was immediate as hooker Keagan Blanckenberg dotted down to restore the Griquas’ dominance.

With around 20 minutes remaining, the Griquas were reduced to 14 men when referee Griffin Colby issued Koen with a red card following a TMO review for a dangerous tackle that resulted in head contact on winger Amiko Shvangiradze. Simon Liversage subsequently shifted into the fly-half role.

Man of the Match Carel van der Merwe collecting the ball in the midfield lineout, which resulted in Dillon Smith’s try. Photo: Morgan Piek

The incident came during a passage of play that saw Guga Ganiashvili score Black Lion’s second try.

Despite being a man down, the Griquas continued to attack and were rewarded with tries by replacements Cephas van Biljon and Caleb Abrahams.

Black Lion had the final say when winger Shalva Aptsiauri danced through the Griquas defence to score with less than two minutes remaining.

Speaking to OFM Sport after the victory, the skipper said the match provided exactly the type of physical examination his side needed.

“We’re incredibly happy. What was important for us was getting a good start, and that’s exactly what we did. To stay in the game, stay ahead and maintain that momentum was very pleasing. 

“We’re incredibly happy with the result, both for ourselves and for the entire squad,” said Maqondwana.

The head shot on Amiko Shvangiradze, which resulted in a red card to Liam Koen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“They’re a big, physical side, and they don’t go away. You really feel it in contact.

“It was a good test for us because Coach Piet told us beforehand that the level of physicality we’d face was something we hadn’t experienced in a long time. We embraced that challenge, and it was a very good outing for us in that regard.”

Maqondwana also praised the performance of Carel van der Merwe, who shifted from flank to lock and was deservedly named Player of the Match.

“Carel has done the hard yards. He’s been versatile for us at training and in matches, giving us valuable options.

“Stepping in at lock today, he did really well. He’s got a great future ahead of him. I’m really happy for him because he’s put in another strong performance, and he’s been doing that consistently, even when coming off the bench.”

The Griquas will wrap up their Toyota Challenge campaign on Sunday at 12:00 when they take on Portugal’s Lusitanos at the Toyota Stadium.

Scorers

Griquas: Tries - Lungi Mbiko, Jack Hart, Dillon Smith, Tom Nel, Phumzile Maqondwana, Keagan Blanckenberg, Cephas van Biljon, Caleb Abrahams Conv. - Liam Koen 6, Simo Liversage 2

Black Lion: Tries - Giorgi Sinauridze, Guga Ganiashvili, Shalva Aptsiauri Conv. - Merlyn Pieterse, Luka Tsirekidze 2

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh