The defending champions have earned the right to host the title decider after an impressive campaign, and a huge crowd is expected at Suzuki Stadium. Ticket demand has already reflected the excitement around the match, with almost all of the available tickets snapped up shortly after sales opened. Only a limited number remained in the open stand.

For coach Pieter Bergh, the challenge is to ensure his players embrace the occasion rather than become overwhelmed by it.

The Griquas lost to the Pumas 26-19 when the sides met in the 2022 Currie Cup final in Kimberley, but Bergh believes that result should have little bearing on Saturday’s contest. Much has changed within the Griquas camp since then, with the side gaining valuable experience in major finals and developing into one of the strongest non-franchise teams in the country.

That experience was evident last season when the Griquas defeated the Lions at Ellis Park to claim the Currie Cup for the first time in 55 years. Bergh feels his team is now better equipped to handle the pressure of another final, particularly with the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters.

There is also plenty of symbolism surrounding flyhalf George Whitehead. The veteran will make his 150th appearance for the Griquas in the final, adding another special chapter to a career defined by consistency and commitment.

Celebrating the 2026 Currie Cup final win - Morgan Piek

Whitehead played a decisive role in last year’s triumph, kicking the crucial penalty that helped secure the title. The 37-year-old has also become an important leader within the squad, with Bergh praising the standards he sets on and off the field.

The Griquas have rewarded the players who performed so well in their semi-final by naming an unchanged matchday squad. They crushed the Lions 52-12 in difficult conditions last weekend, demonstrating their ability to adapt when the game does not go according to plan.

Weather could again play a role. Although clearer conditions are expected for Saturday, recent rain may leave the Kimberley pitch softer than usual. The Griquas would prefer a firm surface that allows them to play at pace, but forwards coach Franco van der Merwe says the squad has prepared for different scenarios.

The Pumas, meanwhile, will arrive with confidence after edging the Cheetahs 27-24 in their semi-final. Earlier in the season they also defeated the Griquas 38-35 in Kimberley, proving they are more than capable of upsetting the hosts. The Griquas responded emphatically with a 38-14 win in Nelspruit later in the round-robin stage.

Those results, however, count for little now. As Zwelendaba noted ahead of the final, the team that handles the pressure and shows the greatest desperation on the day is likely to prevail.

With a packed stadium behind them, a second successive Currie Cup title within reach and the memories of 2022 still lurking in the background, the Griquas have every reason to believe they can finish the job on home soil.

Kick-off at Suzuki Stadium is at 15:00 on Saturday.

Griquas – 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Sako Makata, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Ig Prinsloo, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements – 16 Janco Uys, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Notebeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Carel van der Merwe, 21 Jack Hart, 22 Liam Koen, 23 Connor Mahoney

Pumas – 15 Jay-Cee Nel, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 André Goedhals, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Etienne Janeke

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Zukisa Sali, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Stephan Krugel, 20 Ruwald van der Merwe, 21 Thabo Ndimande, 22 Tino Swanepoel, 23 Russwill Fredericks

Morgan Piek OFM Sport