On Friday, the Peacock Blues secured an important 55-21 win over the Sharks in Kimberley, although their first-half performance left plenty to be desired. It took a try on the stroke of half-time at the Suzuki Stadium to put the Griquas in front 26-21.

In the second stanza, a hat-trick of tries from replacement hooker Tiaan Lange helped the team from the Diamond City secure the invaluable bonus point and move to 21 points with two rounds remaining.

Dylan Maart also scored a hat-trick of tries against the Sharks - Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs are also on 21 points, with both teams four points clear of the third-placed Pumas. The Boland Cavaliers moved into fourth place on 16 points with their win against the Lions.

The Griquas will close out their round-robin campaign with two tough away fixtures against the reigning SA Cup champions, the Pumas, and the Cavaliers.

A win in the Lowveld this weekend would take the Griquas to at least 25 points, meaning they could only be caught in the final round by the Cheetahs. The Cheetahs, meanwhile, will face Boland in Bloemfontein on Sunday, and a victory would also put them in the position to host a semi-final.

But against the Pumas and Boland, that is easier said than done.

The last time the Griquas and Pumas faced each other in their intense rivalry was in May, when Jimmy Stonehouse’s charges edged the Peacock Blues 38-35 in extra time in Kimberley in the SA Cup final.

Neither side will have forgotten that encounter, but it is important for the Griquas to focus on securing the four points rather than seeking revenge against their bitter rivals. The Pumas know how to lift themselves for a clash with the Griquas, and this is another hugely important game for the Kimberley outfit.

Captain Albert Liebenberg scored a try against the Pumas in the SA Cup - Morgan Piek

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that his side simply has to be better than it was against the Sharks last week.

“I wasn’t pleased with the first half – I thought our defensive intensity wasn’t where it had been in the previous few weeks,” said Bergh.

“But credit to the players for responding after half-time. Our bench made a massive impact and we took control of that game. As soon as we got our first scrum penalty after half-time, we really took control of that match.

“Going into the end of the season, as you said, there are big games left. In the last two rounds of the Currie Cup, the SA Cup teams play each other, so a lot can still happen. Points difference could also come into the equation at the end of the season.

“It was important for us to get those four tries in the last 15 minutes and get our points difference up. That might be an important part during the end of the season. Every point is going to count.

“It’s too easy to say how many points you need to finish first or second. I think the aim must be to win both our last matches with bonus points. But we also know that the teams we are playing against – Boland away and Pumas away – will also be fighting for points.

Pieter Bergh - Morgan Piek

“Cheetahs must play Pumas, Boland, Griquas must play Pumas and Boland, so I think there’s so much that can still happen.

“But we put ourselves in a good position, starting with our two away games. Now, 20 points from our four home games with a good points difference – I don’t think we could have asked for more.

“So, yeah, we just have to get the ball rolling now away from home. That means a month at home was quite nice for us, but we need to get the same performances and the same intensity levels away from home now.

Hooker Janco Uys could be back for the Griquas are recovering from his Achilles injury - Morgan Piek

“As I said, the Pumas will be fighting for points. They still believe that they can finish in the top two, and we really want to finish in the top two.

“So, yeah, it’s important that we prepare well and make sure we pitch up in Nelspruit with the right attitude and mentality next week to go for the victory.”

Friday’s clash between the Pumas and Griquas at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport