The 37-year-old Whitehead celebrated his 150th appearance for the Griquas as they edged the Pumas 23-16 at Suzuki Stadium to defend their Currie Cup crown and claim back-to-back titles for the first time in the union’s history.

Last year, on what would have been his late father’s birthday, Whitehead kept his nerve to land a clutch penalty after the hooter at Ellis Park, guiding the Griquas to a historic 27-25 victory over the Lions and their first Currie Cup title in 55 years.

George Whitehead and his family walking out for his 150th game. Photo: Morgan Piek

On Saturday, Whitehead was named Man of the Match in the final, and once again his class and composure shone through when it mattered most.

With the game finely poised, the veteran flyhalf produced two pivotal moments that ultimately swung the contest in the Griquas’ favour.

In the 70th minute, Whitehead calmly nailed a monster 55-metre penalty to briefly put the Griquas ahead. The Pumas responded shortly afterwards through a Clinton Swart penalty to level the scores, setting up a grandstand finish.

Then came the defining moment.

Whitehead launched a sensational 50-22 kick deep into Pumas territory, putting the Griquas in the perfect position to unleash arguably their best attacking maul of the season. Replacement hooker Janco Uys finished the job, crashing over for the match-winning try and sending the packed Suzuki Stadium into raptures.

While rugby is, above all, a team game, there is simply no denying Whitehead’s influence. His ability to produce when the pressure is at its highest has become a hallmark of his remarkable career in Kimberley.

And, incredibly, 150 games into his Griquas career, he rarely seems to have a bad day between the four lines.

Mnombo Zwelendaba scored the first try of the final, and it was converted by Whitehead. Photo: Morgan Piek

Following the sensational victory, Bergh told OFM Sport that Whitehead is quite simply a player built for the biggest moments and one who will always put the team first.

“Yeah, you know, we’re not really a team that wants to kick our penalties at goal,” said Bergh.

“We really want to kick out and apply pressure in the 22 and go for tries. But I think how the game went today, it was a typical final. There weren’t a lot of opportunities. I think the scoreboard pressure was important.”

“I actually didn’t see that penalty – I was in the bathroom. I heard the crowd, and then I knew it was over. But yeah, he is a guy for the big moments. It’s two Currie Cup finals in a row where he hasn’t missed a kick, and that’s just BMT.

“People always see the kicks and the game-changing moments in the 50-22s and the kicks at goal, but I mean, he probably had to make 20 tackles in the final as well.

“That’s always where the Pumas attack. They attack, they run at him, they change direction, they want to run at him again. He stood up, and he gave his all, and yeah, he deserves it just like everybody else.”

Janco Uys’ match-winning try was also converted by Whitehead. Photo: Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, just as he did last year, Griquas Chairman of the Board and former Springbok coach André Markgraaff has once again rewarded the team for their Currie Cup success by pledging an additional R500,000 bonus.

After last year’s triumph at Ellis Park, Markgraaff made a commitment to reward the players should they successfully defend their title.

True to his word, he returned to the changeroom on Saturday and once again put his money where his mouth was, handing the champions another R500,000 bonus.

For a team that has gone from good to great, the celebrations in Kimberley were every bit as big as the achievement.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg