The defending champions produced an impressive performance on Friday, outclassing the Pumas 38-14 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit to secure a home semi-final. Barring an upset in Wellington this weekend, the Griquas should also finish at the top of the log after the league phase.

Earlier this year, the Pumas edged the Griquas 38-35 in Kimberley in a pulsating SA Cup final, becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles in the competition. With that defeat still fresh in the memory, the trip to the Lowveld was always going to be a significant test for the Peacock Blues.

However, the Griquas boast a superior points difference, which will be difficult for the Free State side to surpass when they travel to Nelspruit this week.

At this stage, it is still too early to determine who the Griquas could face in the semi-finals, with several permutations still in play regarding who will finish third and fourth. Even the top spot is not yet mathematically secured.

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport given the pressure on his players’ shoulders heading to Nelspruit, he was delighted with the manner in which his side secured the home semi-final.

“We knew going to Nelspruit was going to be tough.” 

“We didn’t shy away from the fact that we don’t have a good record there of late, and the Pumas have had our number over the last few years.

“It was important for us to get the performance and the victory. I thought the tactical plan we had going into the match worked brilliantly, and credit to the players for buying into it and executing on the day.

“We spoke before the game about discipline, and we conceded only one penalty in the first half. That put us in a position to really apply pressure on them and get them on the back foot.”

Zane Bester scored a brace of tries against the Pumas. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh added that beyond the five log points, the victory represented a huge psychological boost for his team as they begin preparing for the business end of the world's oldest domestic rugby competition.

“To go to Nelspruit and score five tries while only conceding two against a team desperate to get into the playoffs and with a chance to overtake us makes it a very special victory for this group. 

“Mentally, it was a victory this team needed. We’ve won in a lot of places, but I thought this team needed a victory in Nelspruit going forward.

Tiaan Lange is the joint leading try-scorer in the Currie Cup with seven tries, along with Prince Nkabinde of the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Hopefully that gives the group a lot more belief and confidence heading into the final rounds of the competition.”

The Griquas will now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash against Boland at Boland Park in Wellington, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg