Convincing win over Griffons a boost for Griquas ahead of Bulls challenge

The Suzuki Griquas delivered a masterclass in Welkom on Sunday, overwhelming the NovaVit Griffons with a dominant 59-7 victory in their Carling Currie Cup Premier Division clash.

This decisive win marked Griquas’ third triumph of the campaign, moving them within striking distance of the top half of the log.

From the outset, Griquas were relentless, asserting their dominance in the set pieces and showcasing their attacking prowess whenever the ball went wide. By halftime, the visitors had already built a commanding 24-7 lead, thanks to clinical finishing and disciplined defence that kept the Griffons at bay. Their energy and determination were clear as they ran in nine tries, including tries from Sako Makata, Marco de Witt, and the electrifying Connor Mahoney.

This victory has injected fresh momentum into the Griquas’ campaign, a much-needed boost after what has been a challenging season. The team’s assistant coach, Franco van der Merwe, emphasised the significance of the win during a media briefing, noting the vital role it plays in lifting the team’s spirits as they prepare for their upcoming clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria on Friday evening ((((this evening)))).

“When you start losing games in a row, it’s easy to spiral downwards, but the intent and energy our guys showed against the Griffons were fantastic. They fought for what they wanted, and it’s great to see that they still care about every game. This win has given us momentum heading into the match against the Bulls,” said Van der Merwe.

Griquas have endured a rollercoaster season, with their high points being the Airlink Cup and SA Cup victories. However, the Currie Cup has presented a tougher challenge. Van der Merwe acknowledged the growing intensity and reduced margin for error as the competition progresses, but he remains optimistic about the team’s growth.

“The margin for error gets smaller as you go up, and we’ve had to take another step up for the Currie Cup. Some of our guys are playing in this tournament for the first time, and they’re still adjusting. We’ve had our share of yellow cards and injuries, but we’re not making excuses. We’re focused on learning from these experiences and growing as a team,” he added.

Van der Merwe also highlighted the unwavering pride and determination within the Griquas squad, qualities that have defined the team for years. “Playing rugby is a business where you can’t give up. Every match is an opportunity, and our guys play with pride, not just for themselves but also for contracts, sponsors, fans, and their families.

“As long as the Griquas are here, we will always have a never-say-die attitude.”

Griquas’ victory over the Griffons, coupled with the Vodacom Bulls’ 40-24 win against the Airlink Pumas, and the Fidelity ADT Lions’ 41-22 triumph over DHL Western Province, has set the stage for an intense encounter in Pretoria. The Bulls currently sit atop the log with 31 points, while the Griquas, with 13 points, are looking to make a statement against the competition’s top side.

As Griquas prepare for Friday’s clash, they carry the weight of their history, pride, and determination to prove their mettle. A win against the log leaders would not only solidify their resurgence but also reaffirm their status as one of South Africa’s most resilient rugby teams.