Fleet-footed winger Gurswin Wehr will miss the semi-final and a potential final after fracturing his arm during Sunday’s 48-17 victory over the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

Wehr sustained the injury at Boland Stadium in a match that ensured the Peacock Blues finished top of the Currie Cup log for the first time since 1998.

Gurswin Wehr in the 2025 Currie Cup final against the Lions in Johannesburg. Photo: Morgan Piek

This is a significant setback for the defending champions, with Wehr having jointly scored the second-most tries in the competition so far. His teammate, Tiaan Lange, leads the try-scoring charts with eight, while Wehr and Prince Nkabinde of the Toyota Cheetahs are locked on seven tries apiece.

Wehr has also been one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking players, leading the statistics for defenders beaten and sitting among the top three for metres gained.

There was some concern over outside centre Zane Bester, who left the field during the win over Boland, but he is expected to recover in time for Sunday’s semi-final and the potential repeat of last year’s final.

Gurswin Wehr and Zane Bester against the Cheetahs in Kimberley. Photo: Morgan Piek

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh confirmed that Wehr is ruled out for the remainder of the season. However, despite losing one of his most exciting attacking weapons, Bergh is confident the Peacock Blues have enough depth among their outside backs to cope with the setback.

“The only real concern at the moment is Gurswin – it looks like he has broken his arm, so he is definitely out,” said Bergh.

“I think the other players should be fine. Once we had already secured the bonus point for scoring four tries, we took off some of the players we wanted to protect, who perhaps had a few niggles, because we had already secured first place.

Sako Makata against the Lions. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So, yes, I think we should be fine. We have Connor Mahoney, Saku Makata, and Damian Markus, who can all play on the wing. So, we have pretty good depth there.”

Bergh added that Wehr’s injury is particularly disappointing given the confidence the winger has shown in recent weeks, with Kimberley conditions seemingly bringing out the best in him.

“Yes, look, Gurswin has regained his confidence over the past few weeks and has been playing exceptionally well,” Bergh added.

“So, it is a loss – a big loss. Gurswin is an excellent player, especially in Kimberley. He does incredibly well on the Kimberley field.

Stefan Coetzee against the Lions. Photo: Morgan Piek

“But we have Saku Makata, Connor Mahoney and Stefan Coetzee, who can all move to the wing and play there. Damian Markus is also an option, so we have a few options.”

The Griquas will now have to reshuffle their backline as they prepare for a Lions side that will arrive in Kimberley with their sights firmly set on ending the Peacock Blues’ title defence.

Sunday’s semi-final between the Griquas and Lions at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 13:00, while the second semi-final sees the Cheetahs hosting the Pumas in Bloemfontein at 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs