New captain Dlamini hits Griquas milestone as coach Bergh braces for Currie Cup intensity
The Suzuki Griquas face the Pumas, in a fixture that carries more than just log points. The last two meetings between these sides at Mbombela Stadium ended in defeat for the Kimberley team, including the SA Cup final, but Griquas coach Peter Bergh made it clear this week that the focus is forward-facing.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Suzuki Griquas coach Pieter Bergh is preparing for a steeper climb as the team transitions from a pretty dominant SA Cup campaign into the more demanding arena of the Currie Cup.
Bergh acknowledged that while the SA Cup allowed for big-margin wins with minimal resistance, the Currie Cup is a different level altogether.
"The jump in physicality, contact pressure, and set-piece intensity would test his squad in ways they hadn’t yet faced this year. Training has already intensified accordingly," he added.
This new chapter begins in Nelspruit on Friday night, where the Griquas face defending Currie Cup champions, the Pumas, in a fixture that carries more than just log points. The last two meetings between these sides at Mbombela Stadium ended in defeat for the Kimberley team, including the SA Cup final, but Bergh made it clear this week that the focus is forward-facing.
Bergh said the team had reviewed the final in detail and used the past six weeks to properly prepare for this match as well as for the overall rigours of the competition.
He stated that the inclusion of fresh faces like former Pumas lock Malembe Mpofu has brought renewed energy into the squad.
New skipper for Griquas
Leading the team onto the field will be newly appointed captain Cebo Dlamini, who reaches a personal milestone as he earns his 50th cap for the Peacock Blues. Dlamini forms part of a forward pack that features several new names, reflecting both planned changes and the natural evolution of the squad.
Five players will be making their Currie Cup debut for the Griquas. In the front row, hooker Tiaan Lange earns a start, while former NWU Eagles prop Ntobeko Shezi is named on the bench. Malembe Mpofu, previously with the Pumas, will start in the second row.
The backline sees two debutants: left wing Gurswin Wehr, who previously turned out for Griquas in the SA Cup, and scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams, who impressed during the team’s warm-up matches. Abrahams, on loan from the Bulls, will partner George Whitehead at halfback.
Friday night’s match at Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 7pm.
Griquas (15–1): Cameron Hufke, Dylan Maart, Mnombo Zwelendaba, Tertius Kruger, Gurswin Wehr, George Whitehead, Caleb Abrahams, Gustav Erlank, Carl Els, Jac van der Walt, Albert Liebenberg, Malembe Mpofu, Cebo Dlamini (captain), Tiaan Lange, Leon Lyons. Bench (16–23): Gustav du Rand, Eddie Davids, Ntobeko Shezi, Derik Pretorius, Marco de Witt, Thomas Bursey, Tylor Sefoor, Connor Mahoney.
Pumas (15–1): Tino Swanepoel, Lundi Msenge, Sango Xamlashe, Clinton Swart, Darren Adonis, Danrich Visagie, Ross Braude, Willie Engelbrecht (captain), Kwanda Dimaza, Ntsika Fisante, Jeandré Leonard, Heinz Bertram, Sampie Swiegers, Eduan Swart, Etienne Janeke. Bench (16–23): Darnell Osuagwu, Stephan de Jager, Dewald Maritz, JJ Scheepers, André Fouche, Russwill Fredericks, Wian van Niekerk, Stephan Coetzee.