The Suzuki Griquas delivered a breathtaking performance on Friday night, defeating the Toyota Cheetahs 40-10 in Bloemfontein and announcing themselves as serious contenders in this year’s Carling Currie Cup. With a bonus-point victory secured, the Griquas have climbed to the top of the Currie Cup log, leaving fans excited for the remainder of the season.
From the opening whistle, the Griquas set the tone. Within the first 15 minutes, we had already established a commanding 21-0 lead, demonstrating precision, pace, and clinical finishing. Flyhalf George Whitehead opened the scoring with a perfectly timed line break and conversion, setting the tone for what would be an electric first half. Not long after, outside centre Zane Bester powered through the Cheetahs’ defensive line for a second converted try, while scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams added a third from a clever blindside snipe off the scrum.
The Cheetahs finally found their rhythm in the 26th minute, with hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg scoring from a well-executed maul, reducing the deficit to 21-5. But the Griquas responded instantly. Gurshwin Wehr raced down the wing to score in the corner, with Whitehead adding the extras, before fullback Cameron Hufke finished the first half scoring with a try in the corner after a slick team move. At halftime, the scoreboard read a dominant 33-5 in our favour.
The second half saw the Cheetahs attempt a comeback, but the Griquas defense remained rock solid. The first 20 minutes were a tight contest, with neither team able to cross the line. However, in the 63rd minute, Wehr struck again, intercepting a loose Cheetahs pass and sprinting clear to dot down, with Whitehead converting to push the score to 40-5. The Cheetahs managed a late try from loose forward Daniel Maartens, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Late in the game, the Griquas’ lost discipline, as we received three yellow cards in quick succession. Prop Leon Lyons, scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams, and lock Albert Leibenberg were all sent to the sin bin, leaving the Griquas with just 12 men. Even with the numerical advantage, the Cheetahs struggled to capitalize, a testament to the resilience and composure of the Griquas squad.
The win not only highlights the Griquas’ attacking brilliance but also our mental toughness and ability to dominate under pressure. Our bonus-point victory has propelled us to the top of the Currie Cup log this weekend, with only the Boland Cavaliers able to challenge our position with a bonus-point win over the Sharks in tomorrow’s game.
SCORERS
Toyota Cheetahs: Tries – Marko Janse van Rensburg, Daniel Maartens
Suzuki Griquas: Tries – George Whitehead, Zane Bester, Caleb Abrahams, Gurshwin Wehr (2), Cameron Hufke; Conversions – Whitehead (5)
