Griquas crush Cheetahs in Bloemfontein to seize Currie Cup top spot

The Suzuki Griquas’ rollicking road trip keeps on giving, as they have bagged another win. 

The Diamond City demolition team delivered a compelling performance against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, securing a thumping 40-10 victory in a Round Six Carling Currie Cup showdown on Friday. 

This bonus-point win saw the visiting side leapfrog the Cheetahs to surge to the top of the log, making it five consecutive victories since their Round One defeat. Griquas are now two points ahead of the Boland Cavaliers on the log, and optimistic Kimberley fans can start thinking of getting their flags, face paint and fanaticism ready for a possible home play-off clash in a few weeks’ time.

The match on Friday was largely defined by the Griquas' superb first-half display, which saw them run in five tries to establish a commanding 33-5 lead at half-time. 

Their attacking masterclass began early, with flyhalf George Whitehead piercing the defence to score the first try in the third minute, followed by centre Zane Bester crossing the whitewash just three minutes later. 

Scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams added a third try in the 15th minute, darting down the blindside from a scrum. 

The visitors secured their bonus point in the 30th minute through wing Gurswin Wehr, who demonstrated blistering pace. Fullback Cameron Hufke capped off the dominant half with his team's fifth try.

No rally for Cheetahs

The Cheetahs managed their only points of the first half in the 26th minute, with hooker Marko Jansen van Rensburg crashing over from a driving maul. However, their attempts to rally were largely repelled by the clinical Griquas. 

The second half saw a more contested arm-wrestle before Wehr raced away for his second try in the 63rd minute, effectively sealing the match.

Despite a late surge of ill-discipline that saw Griquas temporarily reduced to 12 players due to three quickfire yellow cards for Leon Lyons, Caleb Abrahams, and Albert Liebenberg, the Cheetahs could only manage one more try through Daniel Maartens. 

The job had already been done for the Griquas, who had, throughout the match, showcased formidable discipline and control.

George Whitehead was deservedly named Man of the Match for his outstanding offensive performance, terrorising the Cheetahs with ball in hand and contributing significantly to several tries, alongside converting five of his team's six tries. 

Other standout players included Gurswin Wehr with his two tries and the immense Gustav Erlank at No.8. 

This impressive victory not only solidifies Griquas’ title credentials but also all but secures them a home Currie Cup semi-final.