Griquas will be keen to maintain their momentum after their recent run of form, while the Pumas will strive to put the pretenders to their crown firmly in their place. It’s pretty obvious, these teams will hold nothing back on the Windhoek Draught Park battlefield.
THE VENUE is the same, the teams are the same, and the stakes are similarly high as last year’s Currie Cup final. What we are saying is that the shootout between Griquas and the Pumas on Friday afternoon is a knock-out game in all but name.
Griquas, who were outstanding against a DHL Western Province team packed with URC players, will be in the top four if they win, while a Pumas win with a bonus point will be enough to make sure of third spot, and any win – because it will knock out Griquas’ chances – will be enough for the Pumas to at least make the top four.
So the stage is set for an exhilarating clash at Windhoek Draught Park, and Griquas, following their impressive victory over Western Province last Friday, have displayed unwavering determination and are eager to build on their recent success.
Last week, Griquas believed they had a chance against the formidable WP team, and this belief ignited a fire within them and they held nothing back to keep their 2023 Currie Cup aspirations alive, knowing that a loss would have pushed their dreams of Currie Cup glory further into the distant horizon.
Griquas currently find themselves in fifth place on the log, having accumulated a total of 35 points. Their journey throughout the season has been marked by hard-fought battles and moments of brilliance. The team has displayed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, and their triumph over Western Province is a testament to their tenacity and skill.
Friday’s opponents, the Pumas, pose a significant challenge to the Griquas’ ambitions. The Pumas sit in third place on the log, just one point and two spots ahead of their rivals, with 36 points to their name.
Memories of their 29-19 defeat at the hands of the Pumas in last year’s final will, no doubt, help Griquas focus on the uphill battle that awaits them.
The 2022 encounter between these two teams was a hard-fought contest, and Griquas will not have forgotten the bitter disappointment. Now, with the opportunity for redemption, Griquas are more determined than ever to put one over the ‘Mbombela Machine’.
Griquas will be keen to maintain their momentum after their recent run of form, while the Pumas will strive to put the pretenders to their crown firmly in their place. It’s pretty obvious, these teams will hold nothing back on the Windhoek Draught Park battlefield.
Rugby enthusiasts and supporters have the opportunity to pack the stadium in Kimberley to its rafters to show their support for their teams; we know that the vast majority will be wearing Peacock Blue at Friday’s high-stakes encounter.
Griquas’ victory over Western Province showcased their ability to rise to the occasion, and now they are keen to prove that they can carry that momentum forward. The Pumas, on the other hand, will be keen to once again deny Griquas and break their hearts in Kimberley once more.
Whichever way you look at it, this is shaping up to be an enthralling match. Fans in the stands at Windhoek Draught Park will witness a battle of wills, strength, and skill as the Griquas and the Pumas vie for victory in this do-or-die clash.
