The defending champions had to contend with both the Lions and atrocious conditions in last week’s semi-final, but neither the opposition nor the rain could stop them as they powered to an emphatic 52-12 victory.

Now, with a Currie Cup title on the line, the stakes are even higher.

Franco van der Merwe - Morgan Piek

The Pumas may have scraped past the Toyota Cheetahs 27-24 in Bloemfontein, but the Lowvelders are no strangers to success in the Diamond City. They will arrive in Kimberley with plenty of belief and will be determined to spoil the Griquas’ hopes of going back-to-back.

While clear weather is currently forecast for Saturday, the pitch could still be softer than usual following the recent rain. That could bring another dimension to the final, although the Griquas would prefer a hard, fast surface.

Griquas forwards coach Franco van der Merwe told OFM Sport that the team has prepared for all scenarios this week, although a dry final would certainly be the preferred option.

“From what we’ve seen from the Lions and obviously looking at the weather, we started preparing for it on Monday already. Piet’s prepped us really well, playing with different scenarios,” said Van der Merwe.

“I heard the weather wasn’t too good in Joburg as well. I was just looking at some of the high balls in the Test, so it was tough for everybody in the preparation and in the game itself.

“Luckily, we didn’t have that terrible, terrible wind, which I think would have made things really interesting.

“A lot of the players we have are used to this type of weather.

In-form Carl Els will play in his last Currie Cup game for the Griquas - Morgan Piek

“Guys like myself coming from the Northern Cape aren’t used to so much rain, but a lot of guys from the Boland area and Cape Town, close to the coast, are probably a bit more used to the rain and wind.”

Van der Merwe expects the battle up front to be crucial, as it is in any match, but particularly against a physical Pumas pack.

However, he stressed that it will take a collective effort if the Griquas are to successfully defend their title and put the disappointment of the 2022 final firmly behind them.

Dylan Maart will also play in his last Currie Cup game for the Griquas - Morgan Piek

“I have to take my hat off to the players, especially the forwards. They’ve had a really good season, but as Zweli (Mnombo Zwelendaba) would also say, it’s a team effort,” Van der Merwe added.

“Sometimes it makes things easier for the forwards when the backs give us good go-forward, especially when we have a good kicking game. Then the forwards are in the game and we get a lot of energy from that.

“Likewise, if we can give the forwards good set-piece ball to showcase their skills and show what they can do, I think we work really well together as a team.

“The guys are playing really well together and I’m proud of them. But, as I said, it remains a team effort.

“Just to add to what Zweli said, I don’t think we want to start comparing the backs and forwards, but rather look at things as a team.”

There may be no elaborate celebrations planned just yet if the Griquas manage to retain their crown.

Last year, Pieter Bergh promised the players they could throw him into the Ellis Park changing-room pool if they lifted the Currie Cup.

The 2025 Currie Cup champions - Morgan Piek

For now, though, the focus is firmly on the job at hand.

The Griquas have 80 minutes standing between them and another piece of silverware – and the Pumas will be determined to ensure the defending champions have to fight for every metre.

The Currie Cup final at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport