For the Griquas, it is a game in which they need to focus on themselves rather than the team they famously beat at the death in last year’s Currie Cup final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The Lions could stick with the side that has carried them into the semi-finals, or they could bolster their ranks with several United Rugby Championship players who recently featured against the All Blacks.

Lourens Oosthuizen and George Whitehead tackling Jarod Cairns. Photo: Morgan Piek

The fact that Haashim Pead has been made available to address the media on Thursday suggests the Lions could be set to bring in some big guns. But this is a movie script the Griquas have seen before – and one they dealt with successfully last year.

In August, the Griquas beat the Lions 31-19 in Kimberley during the union’s 140th anniversary celebrations. However, they know Saturday’s clash will be a different proposition, with the intensity rising as both teams switch fully into knockout-rugby mode. There is no second chance – win and advance to the final, or lose and the season is over.

Griquas captain Albert Liebenberg told OFM Sport that their knockout mindset has already been firmly established over the past few weeks.

“I think it's very important; we treat it as a final. We even treated last weekend as a final, so I think that gave us a bit of momentum in terms of our approach, our mindset, and the importance of the game, especially being in Kimberley.

“There might be a bit more pressure, people are coming, your fans are watching, and we’re excited actually to host it, but the focus is on us.

“We do focus on the Lions, but the main priority is on us.”

As defending champions, the Griquas will inevitably carry the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Liebenberg, however, believes pressure is something to embrace rather than fear.

Sako Makata could start on the wing in the semi-final. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Yes, pressure, like I always say, is a privilege and it determines if you can handle it,” Liebenberg added.

“We’re prepping ourselves to handle that in different situations, if it’s set piece, in defence, even in attack. And we’re looking forward to applying that.

“The Lions will come with a lot of plans; they’re a good side, even the side that played the All Blacks. It’s an all-around good union, so we’re excited to play them.”

Having another home semi-final in Kimberley is a significant opportunity for the Griquas, and Liebenberg believes they can use the unique atmosphere and conditions to their advantage.

Former Griquas centre Rynhardt Jonker has been one of the Lions’ star players in the Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Suzuki Stadium is expected to be buzzing as the Kimberley faithful rally behind their team, but the Griquas are determined not to get distracted by who lines up opposite them.

“I think the big thing is we’re playing in Kimberley, and we’ve seen teams come here, and it’s difficult.

“It’s a different environment than unions are used to, so we use that to our advantage, and we’re prepping ourselves; we’re putting our best team forward, doesn't matter if they send team A, B, C or D.

Renzo du Plessis about to get hit hard by Sako Makata. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re ready for any team that comes here, and we’ll do what’s necessary; we’ll deal with it as it comes.”

With a place in the Currie Cup final at stake, the Griquas will know that past victories and reputations count for little once the whistle blows. On Saturday, it will be about composure, execution, and making home-ground advantage count when it matters most.

The semi-final between the Suzuki Griquas and Lions at the Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 12:00 on Sunday.

OFM News/Morgan Piek cvs