Big names, fine margins: Lions and Griquas set for Currie Cup showdown

The Fidelity ADT Lions and Suzuki Griquas head into Saturday’s Carling Currie Cup final at Ellis Park armed with attacking weapons and tactical nous, promising a contest that could hinge on individual brilliance and fine margins.

Kick-off is at 3pm, with Christopher Allison refereeing and SuperSport broadcasting live.

Key players in focus

The Lions’ new signing Angelo Davids has been lethal on the wing, his four tries in the semi-final against Boland doubling his season tally and underscoring his finishing power.

For the visitors, Gurshwin Wehr has been just as sharp, his pace providing a constant threat out wide.

Griquas will also lean on the influence of veteran flyhalf George Whitehead. With 78 points to his name this season, the competition’s leading scorer has again proven his reliability with the boot. His ability to unleash Griquas’ strike runners has been central to their campaign.

Packs and firepower

Both sides boast mobile forward units and dangerous backs, setting up a clash where physicality and creativity will be equally decisive. For the Lions, the semi-final showed their ability to overwhelm opponents with sustained attacking waves. 

Griquas, meanwhile, proved their resilience in defence against the Cheetahs — a quality they will need in Johannesburg.

What if it’s a draw?

Currie Cup finals demand a clear winner, and Saturday’s clash has strict rules if the 80 minutes end level. 

Extra time will be played in two 10-minute halves with a short break. If the deadlock remains, the trophy will go to the team that finished higher in the regular season log.

With the Lions topping the standings on 26 points to Griquas’ 25, that tiebreaker favours the hosts.

The teams

Lions (15–1): Quan Horn (captain), Kelly Mpeku, Henco van Wyk, Richard Kriel, Angelo Davids, Chris Smith, Nico Steyn, WJ Steenkamp, Ruan Venter, Jarod Cairns, Ruan Delport, Dylan Sjoblom, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (vice-captain), Franco Marais, SJ Kotze. Replacements (16–23): Morné Brandon, Juan Schoeman, RF Schoeman, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Haashim Pead, Lubabalo Dobela, Rynhardt Jonker.

Griquas (15–1): Cameron Hufke, Dylan Maart, Zane Bester, Mnombo Zwelenedaba, Gurshwin Wehr, George Whitehead, Caleb Abrahams, Gustav Erlank, Carl Els, Lourens Oosthuizen, Albert Liebenberg, Derik Pretorius, Cebo Dlamini (captain), Janco Uys, Eddie Davids. Replacements (16–23): Tiaan Lange, Leon Lyons, IG Prinsloo, Marco de Witt, Phumzile Maqondwana, Thomas Bursey, Tom Nel, Connor Mahoney.