Griquas showcased their prowess with a remarkable 88-point victory, leaving the Leopards scoreless. This resounding win propelled the Griquas to the top of the SA Cup log.
Last Saturday saw Suzuki Park become a battleground as the Suzuki Griquas faced off against the Leopards in a SA Cup showdown that underscored the Griquas’ dominance.
Griquas showcased their prowess with a remarkable 88-point victory, leaving the Leopards scoreless. This resounding win propelled the Griquas to the top of the log with 5 points, alongside the Novavit Griffons, Free State Cheetahs, Airlink Pumas, and Eastern Province; the only difference being their points difference.
Reflecting on the game, Leopards’ head coach, Matthew Proudfoot, acknowledged his team’s initial resilience in the first 25 minutes.
“I thought for the first 25 minutes of the game against the Griquas that my team punched well,” he stated, “but then the intensity between the two different sides started to show.” Proudfoot recognized the mountain his team faces in the competition, stressing the need for continuous improvement to compete against higher-division teams.
He commended the Griquas’ exceptional defence, emphasising the importance of applying pressure and attacking effectively.
In contrast, Pieter Bergh, head coach of the victorious Griquas team, expressed satisfaction with his team’s disciplined execution. “We remained structured,” he noted, highlighting the team’s adherence to the game plan throughout the match. Bergh credited Griquas’ preparedness for the Leopards’ tactics, particularly their emphasis on counterattack.
Looking ahead to their next encounter against the Valke, Bergh identified breakdowns as an area for improvement, acknowledging lapses in accuracy that led to turnovers in the first half against the Leopards. Despite the victory, he emphasised the team’s commitment to relentless self-improvement.
As the Griquas prepare to face the Valke at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park on Thursday, the Kimberley team’s assistant coach Brendall Brandt emphasised the importance of consistency and continuity in their approach.
“This week was all about consistency and continuity,” he remarked, highlighting the team’s efforts to refine their strategies while building on the successes of previous matches. Brandt underscored the team’s defensive prowess, aiming to maintain their remarkable tackle completion rate against the Valke.
With the upcoming challenge posed by the Valke, Griquas remain vigilant, refusing to underestimate their opponents despite their standing in the league. Brandt cautioned against complacency, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the match.
Griquas’ line-up boasts a formidable array of talent, with players like Eddie Davids, Stephan Smit, and Lubabalo Dobela leading the charge. With depth and skill across the squad, coupled with a relentless drive for improvement, the Griquas stand poised to maintain their position at the pinnacle of the SA Cup table.
As rugby fans eagerly anticipate the showdown at Barnard Stadium, one thing is certain: the Suzuki Griquas are a force to be reckoned with, their sights set firmly on victory as they continue their quest for SA Cup glory.
Griquas (15-1): Cameron Hufke, Marcqiewn Titus, Sango Xamlashe, Tersius Kruger, Dylan Maart, Lubabalo Dobela, Thomas Bursey, Marco de Witt, Stephan Smit (c), Thabo Ndimande, Albert Liebenberg, Athenkosi Khetani, Junior Banda, Janco Uys, Eddie Davids. Bench (16-23): Sean Swart, Kudzwai Dube, Cebo Dlamini, Derik Pretorius, Carl Els, Bobby Alexander, George Whitehead, Jay-Cee Nel
— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) March 26, 2024
