The reigning Currie Cup champions entered the tournament with a fresh-faced squad, with several younger and fringe players making up the bulk of the group while senior campaigners, including captain Albert Liebenberg, were rested.

A number of debutants featured in the opening match and, over the course of the three fixtures against Romania A, Georgia’s Black Lion and Portugal’s Lusitanos, Dillon Smith, Simon Liversage and replacement loosehead prop Mhleli Khuzwayo emerged as standout performers as the Peacock Blues successfully strengthened their depth.

Simon Liversage. Photo: Morgan Piek

Livewire scrumhalf Jack Hart was also exceptional for the Kimberley outfit, although he had already made his debut during the SA Cup campaign.

The Griquas opened their campaign with a hard-fought 35-20 victory over Romania A before producing a dominant 56-21 win against Black Lion. They then wrapped up the tournament in emphatic fashion with a resounding 76-7 victory over the Lusitanos at Toyota Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Bergh admitted naming a largely inexperienced squad had been a calculated risk, but one that ultimately paid handsome dividends.

“I thought initially it was a big risk to rest 12 to 15 of our regular players for this Toyota Challenge, but where we are now, winning all three matches and creating more depth in the squad, I think it was definitely the right decision,” said Bergh.

“Looking back now, it was definitely the right decision, and I’m happy with that decision. A lot of guys have made selection difficult for us heading into the Currie Cup.

“A lot of players put their hands up. It makes selection difficult, but it makes our group stronger, and it makes them stronger. So, yes, Im’ very happy and very pleased that we decided to go this route.”

Jack Hart had a very good tournament for the Griquas. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh said he was particularly impressed with how quickly the newcomers adapted, despite having very little preparation time with the squad. He believes there is still plenty more to come from the likes of Smith and Liversage.

“I must say I’m very happy with those guys. We only had two training sessions before our first match, then another session and a game, and another session and a game. 

“So we had four training sessions for three matches with the new guys, and they slotted in seamlessly. They come from strong environments – the Bulls and Western Province – so they arrived with a solid foundation.

“Simon struggled a bit in the last game; you could see he wasn’t yet accustomed to the intensity and tempo of playing three matches in a week.”

The towering former Griffons lock Lungi Mbiko was one of the Griquas unsung heroes during the Toyota Challenge. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’m excited to see what Dillon can do in the Currie Cup. I think Dillon is a very good signing for us. His last game before joining us was the Varsity Cup final, so he still needs a bit of conditioning, but he showed that he can play rugby, carry strongly, and make an impact.

“He’s a quality eighthman and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

The Griquas will next take on Hawies Fourie’s Boland Cavaliers in early July in a warm-up game before kicking off their Currie Cup title defence. The Griquas first game will be against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday, 17 July.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg