For the defending champions, it is their final home game of the round-robin stage before the playoffs, and they will be determined to secure a fourth consecutive win on their home patch.

A victory on would be another giant stride towards securing a home semi-final, but with away trips to the Pumas in Nelspruit and the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington still to come in the final two rounds, nothing can be taken for granted.

Bobby Alexander is the Griquas’ leading try-scorer this season with five thus far. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Griquas will go into the clash as favourites, but the Sharks have shown that they cannot be underestimated.

The Durban side punched above their weight last weekend when they stunned the Boland Cavaliers 19-12 at the Princess Magogo Stadium. That result not only kept their playoff hopes alive but also restored some confidence ahead of another tough assignment in the Northern Cape.

The Sharks have also named a side featuring several players with URC experience, including tighthead prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko and fullback Luan Giliomee, while Junior Springbok captain Rambo Kubheka was involved in the Sharks’ midweek clash against the All Blacks.

The Griquas, however, have built a tight-knit squad throughout the season, and the regular rotation of players in and out of the matchday 23 has not disrupted their rhythm.

Continuity has been one of their biggest strengths, although there are once again one or two changes to the squad this week.

One of the most significant boosts comes on the bench, where experienced hooker Tiaan Lange returns to the matchday squad. Lange’s physicality and work rate could prove crucial when the Sharks test the Griquas at the set-piece and around the gain line.

Captain Albert Liebenberg and George Whitehead tackling former Griquas centre Rynhardt Jonker. Photo: Morgan Piek

There is also excitement surrounding Liam Koen, who is in line to make his Currie Cup debut after previously featuring for the Griquas during the SA Cup.

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that his side is tracking well but stressed the importance of collecting maximum points as they look to secure a home semi-final.

“We’ve reached that stage now where we can almost eliminate teams from catching us,” Bergh said.

Carel van der Merwe has grabbed every opportunity with both hands. Photo: Morgan Piek

“If the Sharks are six points behind us, if we can beat them and get five points, then we almost eliminate them from catching us. Whereas, if we lose, then they’re a point or two behind us again. 

“But yeah, we don’t want to look too far ahead. We’ve got a chance to continue our winning run, at home. We want to finish this stretch of home games on a high and hopefully stay on top of the log before we go into our two away games.”

Bergh also paid tribute to the Kimberley faithful, who have backed the Griquas throughout another demanding season.

The invaluable Tiaan Lange returns after his late withdrawal against the Lions. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The supporters in Kimberley have been brilliant this year. They’ve really come out and supported us throughout the season, the SA Cup as well.

“Our goal is that it’s not our last home game. We want to make it special for them, but then hopefully give them at least another home game in a few weeks.”

With the Sharks fighting for survival and the Griquas chasing a home semi-final, the stakes could hardly be higher.

Friday’s clash at the Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Griquas - 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Carel van der Merwe, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Ig Prinsloo, 2 Janus Venter, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements - 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Dillon Smith, 21 Jack Hart, 22 Liam Koen, 23 Saki Makata

Sharks - 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Lyle Matthews, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Khuthi Rasivhaga, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude (captain), 8 Hanu Pieterse, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Meno Barnard, 4 Johan Momsen, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Jaco du Toit

Replacements - 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Danio Botha, 20 Sphephelo Mbonambi, 21 Juan Loots, 22 Janco Purchase, 23 Chijindu Okonta

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs