GRUDGE MATCH FOR GRIQUAS?

THE WINDHOEK Draught Griquas have it all to do to improve their position on the 2023 Currie Cup log when they take on the defending champions, the Airlink Pumas tonight at Mbombela Stadium, in the former Nelspruit.

Sitting at position five on the eight-team table after one loss against the Toyota Cheetahs (4219) and a win against the Cell C Sharks (40-48), the high-flying Pumas who have won two from two are not going to be an easy prospect, especially at home.

Last year, during the league phase of the competition, Griquas did manage to pull off a narrow 44-45 win in Mbombela, then in the return match in Kimberley they completely outclassed the Pumas winning that contest 41-20. When the teams met in the 2022 final, that’s when the Pumas turned the tables on Griquas taking the title with that memorable 26-19 victory.

Therefore, it goes without saying that this is probably a grudge match for the Griquas, and they will be keen on avenging missing out on the title after their hopes and dreams were ripped apart on their own home field.

Last year, there were tears in both camps – tears of joy in the Pumas camp and on the Griquas side, tears of disappointment – because they had worked so hard all season just for it to come crashing down.

But as stated earlier, the Griquas know how to beat the Pumas having proven that a couple of times last year. So Griquas have the formula for beating the ‘Katte’ from Nelspruit!

It’s a new season and players have come in and left both teams so expecting a repeat of 2022 may be a bit unfair.

However, during the 2022 final, it was interesting how the Pumas forwards created lots of space with a series of rampages upfield, giving opportunity for the ball to be spread wide for the fullback and wings to score.

Do they still have the power and mobility in the forwards and the flair in the backline to do it again, we’ll see tonight.

Keen to avoid the repeat of that scenario, the Griquas have been working hard on their defensive structures and strategies, aiming to counter the Pumas’ rampaging forwards and preventing them from gaining too much ground.

Griquas have also been focusing on their own attacking game plan, looking to create opportunities for their razor sharp backline to score tries and secure a victory on the road.

On the defensive front, the Griquas have a talented and experienced squad, and they will be using those skills to resist and repel the attacks that will be coming from the Pumas.

There is no doubt that the confident Pumas will be looking to build on their momentum from their win over the Griquas last year, and their two wins this season against the Bulls (63-15) and the Lions (34-27) and they have their own star players who could cause trouble for the visitors.

All in all, tonight’s game promises to be an exciting clash between two highly competitive teams, both with a lot to prove – Griquas looking to make amends for last year’s defeat, and the Pumas eager to continue their winning streak.

The Pumas’ Mbombela Stadium fortress will be packed to the rafters with passionate supporters, cheering on their respective teams and creating an electric atmosphere.

And speaking of electricity we can be sure that Griquas will definitely be determined to shock their hosts.