Griquas' small-town grit meets the Lions' big-city grunt in Currie Cup final

As the 2025 Carling Currie Cup reaches its climax, all eyes turn to Ellis Park this Saturday, September 20, where the Suzuki Griquas will face off against the Fidelity ADT Lions in the tournament final at 3pm. 

This showdown pits a plucky underdog from the Northern Cape against one of South African rugby's traditional powerhouses, with the potential for a fairy-tale upset that could redefine the competition's narrative. 

How we got to this point

The Griquas, who secured their spot with a gritty 25-5 semi-final victory over the Toyota Cheetahs last weekend, are chasing their first Currie Cup title in over half a century. Meanwhile, the Lions, fresh off a dominant 67-19 thrashing of the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers, are aiming to defend their crown and add to their storied legacy.

The 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division has been a rollercoaster of high-stakes rugby, featuring eight teams battling through a round-robin format followed by knockout stages. Standings at the end of the regular season saw the Lions top the table with five wins from seven matches, showcasing their depth and firepower. 

Griquas finished second, also with five wins, but their path was marked by resilience rather than dominance, highlighted by a 37-7 loss to the Lions just two weeks ago on September 6. 

Other notable performers included the Cheetahs and Boland Cavaliers, who rounded out the top four, while teams like the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Western Province fell short of the play-offs. 

The tournament, which kicked off in July, has delivered thrilling encounters, with the Lions averaging over 40 points per game in their victories and Griquas relying on a stout defence to grind out results.

A Tale of Two Unions: Histories Intertwined with South African Rugby

The Currie Cup, the world's oldest provincial rugby tournament, dates back to 1891 and has been a cornerstone of South African rugby heritage for over 130 years. Both the Griquas and Lions have deep roots in this storied competition, though their paths reflect the stark contrasts between small-town grit and big-city glamour.

Griquas, based in Kimberley, in the vast, sparsely populated Northern Cape, represent one of rugby's perennial underdogs. Founded in the late 19th century, they claimed their first Currie Cup in 1899, beating Western Province in the final, and followed it with victories in 1911 and 1970. 

These triumphs came during eras when the team, then known as Griqualand West, punched above their weight against larger unions.

However, success has been elusive since, with the Griquas often relegated to lower divisions or serving as spoilers rather than contenders. They've excelled in secondary competitions, winning the Vodacom Cup a record-equalling five times and claiming the SA Cup in 2024, but the Currie Cup has remained a distant dream. 

In contrast, the Lions, formerly the Golden Lions and Transvaal, are rugby royalty. Hailing from Johannesburg, they've lifted the Currie Cup 11 times, with their first win coming in 1939 and the most recent in 2015. The union's best run was when they won back-to-back titles in 1993 and 1994. 

These days, as part of the United Rugby Championship (URC) ecosystem, the Lions benefit from a larger player pool and resources, having evolved from the Cats franchise in Super Rugby to a consistent force in domestic play. Their history is laced with rivalries against teams like the Sharks and Bulls, and they've hosted the Currie Cup final for the second straight year, underscoring their dominance.

What This Final Means for the Griquas: A Shot at Glory Amid Systemic Challenges

For a small union like Griquas, reaching the Currie Cup final is nothing short of monumental. In a competition dominated by better resourced provinces with ties to URC franchises, the Griquas' journey highlights the tournament's enduring appeal as a platform for underdogs and the smaller unions. 

A victory would not only end a 55-year drought but also inject hope into the other smaller unions like the Pumas or Boland Cavaliers, proving that dedication and local talent can still compete with the giants. 

Kimberley's Suzuki Stadium has been a fortress this season, but travelling to Ellis Park, a cauldron of 62,000 roaring fans, will test their mettle again, as it did in the play-off phase.

On the plus side, they have key players like fly-half Tinus de Beer and lock Andrew Beerwinkel who have been instrumental, embodying the team’s “never-say-die” attitude that has carried the team through tough matches.

Yet, on the flipside, this final also shines a glaring spotlight on deeper issues plaguing the Currie Cup, particularly for smaller teams. The tournament, once the pinnacle of South African rugby, now grapples with its identity in the shadow of the URC. 

The scales are not balanced

Larger unions like the Lions can parachute in top URC stars toward the end of the campaign, tilting the scales in their favour when it matters most. This practice rewards those who treat the Currie Cup as a secondary priority, while smaller outfits like the Griquas must rely on their core squad from day one. 

After weeks of blood, sweat, and limited resources, the sudden influx of elite players feels like a betrayal, undermining the fairness that has defined the competition for generations.

But it’s not only players from the small unions who are disadvantaged with the arrival of the elite players. The players who grind through the early rounds are the heartbeat of teams like the Lions, yet they're often cast aside with a slap on the back and a “thanks, we got it from here”, when reinforcements arrive. 

This not only erodes morale and loyalty but also disrespects the ethos of a tournament built on passion and community. 

To restore balance, the Currie Cup needs one simple rule change: When dates are announced, each union must select their squad and stick with it, no last-minute additions. This would level the playing field, reward early investment, and give fans a true sense of team identity. It would protect the competition's integrity, ensuring it remains a symbol of South African rugby's heritage rather than a feeder system for bigger leagues.

As Saturday approaches, the Griquas carry the weight of history and hope. A win could spark calls for reform, proving that the Currie Cup's future lies in equity, not expedience. For the Lions, it's a chance to cement their status. Whatever the outcome, this final promises drama worthy of the trophy’s legendary status.