WELL-OILED MACHINE The Suzuki Griquas outfit has been a dominant force in the SA Cup competition, having not lost a match since the start of last season. Their attacking prowess has been unrivaled, amassing an incredible 252 points across their games this season
Image: Danie van der Lith
The Suzuki Griquas, the defending SA Cup champions, will look to extend their unbeaten streak when they travel to Welkom to face the Griffons at Down Touch Investments Stadium. With both teams sitting at the top of the standings with 15 points each, this match is shaping up to be a crucial battle in the race for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division qualification.
The Kimberley-based outfit has been a dominant force in the competition, having not lost a match since the start of last season. Their attacking prowess has been unrivaled, amassing an incredible 252 points across their games this season – an average of 84 points per match – while conceding just 25 points in total. Griquas will be looking to continue their attacking dominance, with speedster Gurshwin Wehr leading the charge as the tournament's top try-scorer.
Griffons, however, will be no easy opponents. Playing at home, they will be determined to break Griquas’ unbeaten run. Their playmaker, Andrew Kota, currently leads the competition in points scored with 49, making him a key figure in the home side’s attempt to upset the reigning champions. Griffons will need a rock-solid defensive display to contain Griquas' relentless attacking game.
Griquas players have been in top form during the opening rounds of the SA Cup, making a significant impact across key statistical categories. Gurshwin Wehr has been particularly outstanding, leading the tournament in tries with seven and ranking third in total points scored with 37. His attacking prowess has been a major factor in Griquas' unbeaten run, consistently breaking through defensive lines and finishing with precision.
Teammate Gustav du Rand has also been a force to be reckoned with, crossing the try line six times, putting him among the competition's top scorers. Meanwhile, veteran flyhalf George Whitehead has been instrumental in steering the team with his playmaking and accuracy off the tee, leading the conversions tally alongside Clinton Swart (Pumas) and Andrew Kota (Griffons) with 14 successful kicks. With such strong individual performances, Griquas remain well-positioned to continue their dominance in the SA Cup.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the competition, the third unbeaten side, the Airlink Pumas, will look to continue their strong form when they take on the Valke in Kempton Park. The Valke, currently in fourth place with 10 points, will aim to pull off an upset against the high-flying Mpumalanga team.
In other fixtures, the Toyota Cheetahs will attempt to get their campaign back on track when they travel to Gqeberha to face Eastern Province. The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, who have endured two losses on the road, will return home to Wellington for a much-needed clash against the Phangela SWD Eagles. The match will be streamed live on SuperSport.
Meanwhile, the Border Bulldogs and Leopards – both still searching for their first win of the season – will meet in East London in what promises to be a battle of determination.
With the SA Cup league stage reaching its midpoint, the stakes are getting higher. But for Griquas, the focus remains on maintaining their title defense and extending their dominance as they set their sights on another strong performance in Welkom.
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