Sport

Up for the challenge – Griquas ready to step up physicality against Lions

Danie van der Lith|Published

Renzo Du Plessis of Lions challenged by Sango Xamlashe of Griquas during the 2023 2023 Currie Cup Rugby match between Lions and Griquas at Emirates Airline Park on 16 April 2023. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix

IF YOU are expecting an electrifying clash at Windhoek Draught Park on Friday afternoon when the Windhoek Draught Griquas host the Fidelity ADT Lions in a Currie Cup encounter that kicks off at 3.30pm, chances are that you will not be disappointed.

Both teams are currently sitting on 19 log points, with the Griquas edging ahead in fifth place, just above the Lions.

Despite the Lions position on the log, they come into this match on the back of a stunning 26-10 upset victory over the second-of-the-log Airlink Pumas. Lions scrum half Morné van den Berg played a pivotal role in the win, orchestrating a dominant first-half performance that set up the surprise result.

With both the Lions and Griquas fighting to keep their Currie Cup hopes alive, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Griquas will be looking to take advantage of their home ground advantage and build on their recent form, while the Lions will be eager to carry their newfound momentum into the match, and avenge their 18-25 defeat to Griquas in Johannesburg last month.

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Fans can expect an epic battle as these two evenly-matched teams go head-to-head in what promises to be an exhilarating encounter, and rugby enthusiasts won’t want to miss a minute of the action.

Speaking during a press conference, Griquas head coach Pieter Berg announced that 23-year-old Thabo Ndimande would make his Currie Cup debut against the Lions. This comes after Stephan Smit had to sit out due to concussion.

This week will see a new Currie Cup debut player being used in the form of 23-year-old Thabo Ndimande. This comes after Stephan Smit had to sit out due to concussion. Picture: Louis Botha

“Thabo is a great flank that plays to the ground and fetches balls really well,” the coach said. “His training has gone really well. He has been working really hard and we feel now is the time for him to come on the field and show what he has to offer.”

According to Bergh, the quality of the Currie Cup this year is of a higher standard than the previous year, especially now that the players are returning from the United Rugby Championships.

“With the bulk of the Lions team returning from the URC, they were a totally different team last week when they played against the Pumas, and as more return, it is going to become more and more difficult for us. But it is a challenge for us.

“We want to play against the best teams and our players want to test themselves against the best. They all have aspirations to play at a higher level and it's up to them now to show that they are ready to play at that level,” Bergh said.

The coach lamented the fact that some players have regrettably undergone a dip in form. “Currently we have too many players that are not in the same form they were last year and not playing to their full potential. And for us as coaching staff, we need to find ways to get them back to where they were last year,” he said.

Bergh highlighted some red flags saying that certain areas of the game, like the players’ decision-making in attack, needs to improve. He also said that “soft moments in defence” need to be worked on.

“We have a lot to work on as a team and as individuals, and hopefully with the changes we made this week we will be able to get a win. We have six games left, all of which are in Central South Africa.

“We play four at home and then Welkom and Bloemfontein are next. We need to maximise our home games, and we are taking every game week for week to ensure we get the results we want.”

The coach said that they were under no illusions as to the challenge their Gauteng visitors presented. “The Lions have a good set piece and their maul is really strong, their defence has improved massively and they have a very physical attacking play, so we know we will have to step up our physicality on the day.”

Windhoek Draught Griquas XV (15-1): Ashlon Davids, Rosko Specman, Jay-Cee Nel, Tertius Kruger, Sako Makata, Lubabalo Dobela, Johan Mulder, Carl Els, Hanru Sirgel (captain), Thabo Ndimande (Currie Cup debut), Albert Liebenberg, Derik Pretorius, Janu Botha, Janco Uys, Cebo Dlamini. Bench (16-23): Sean Swart, Eddie Davids, Justin Forwood, Dylan Sjoblöm, Niel Otto, Reagan Oranje, George Whitehead, Sango Xamlashe

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