Here we go again – Griquas, Cheetahs set for high-stakes rematch in SA Cup semi-final

The 2025 SA Cup semi-finals have arrived, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Suzuki Griquas and Toyota Cheetahs. In what promises to be a bruising encounter, the two sides will square off once again at Suzuki Park in Kimberley – just one week after their last meeting.

In that dramatic Round 9 clash, Griquas pulled off a stunning 31–29 comeback victory, scoring two late tries through Cameron Hufke and Bobbie Alexander to snatch the win. The result sealed Griquas’ second-place finish on the log with 42 points (eight wins and one loss), setting up a tantalising rematch against third-placed Cheetahs, who ended on 34 points.

Now, with a place in the SA Cup final on the line, Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh expects a different level of urgency and energy from both camps.

"I think the word is 'intensity'," said Bergh. "When you go into play-off matches, there's naturally a bigger intensity and focus. Last week, we already knew we’d likely play them again in the semi-final, and probably at home, so the mindset was a bit different."

Bergh explained that Griquas used last week’s game to test a few strategies they won’t repeat this time. "We tried one or two new things in preparation that we definitely won’t do again this week. But now it’s knockout rugby, and the energy at training this week reflected that. The players are sharp, they're focused, and the intensity has gone up in everything we’ve done."

The Kimberley outfit has built a reputation for exceeding expectations under Bergh’s leadership. He views this weekend’s showdown as a landmark occasion.

"This is the kind of game you want to be a part of as a rugby player. Knockout games are special — you don’t often get the chance to be in them. And to play a semi-final against the Cheetahs, that’s massive for us at Griquas."

With the Currie Cup still the pinnacle for Griquas, Bergh noted that expectations never waver. "The pressure is always on us to perform in the Currie Cup — that’s our main competition and the one we really want to win. But every game carries pressure. If we lose now, people say we had a bad season and that we should have at least reached the SA Cup final. So there’s pressure every week."

Still, he believes in the team’s vision. "We want to be the best of the rest — the best of the smaller unions. That’s my vision for this team: to be the best non-URC team in South Africa. And with the URC sides not involved in this competition, that’s one of the reasons why we want to win the SA Cup."

Bergh highlighted areas where Griquas aim to improve, particularly after being put under pressure in the scrums last week. "We had one or two scrums that didn’t go our way in the second half last week. Whether that was legal or not is up to the referee, but we’ve raised a few things. That said, we’ll stick with what’s worked for us so far. We’ll go with our tried and tested approach — the one that got us here."

He also anticipates both teams introducing tactical variations. "France [Cheetahs] said they didn’t change anything last week, so I expect they’ll have a few new tricks this time. But so will we. At a set piece, we always have one or two plans up our sleeves. All we want is a fair contest at scrum time — and hopefully, the referee ensures that."

Looking beyond the semi-final, Bergh offered a glimpse into Griquas’ Currie Cup planning. "We’ll give the guys a good break once we’re done. Then we’ll look at a five- to six-week preparation window for the Currie Cup — maybe a tour with one or two friendlies or a camp away from Kimberley. We’ll also be bringing in new players and saying goodbye to some, so we’ll need time to work on combinations and get everyone settled."

Whether Griquas can complete the double over their provincial rivals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this semi-final will be fought with the intensity, pride, and passion worthy of one of South Africa’s fiercest domestic rivalries.