The Suzuki Griquas are expecting that their game against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington on Saturday will be their toughest of the season thus far.

The Griquas are one of just two unbeaten teams remaining in the competition along with the Pumas, while the Cavaliers are starting to improve.

Last week, the Griquas recorded a 61-17 win against the Griffons in Kimberley, while Boland in turn beat the SWD Eagles 35-5 at Outeniqua Park in George.

For the first time this season the Griquas have opted for continuity with just one change to their match 23 with Marcqiewn Titus coming in for Connor Mahony on the wing.

The Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, who hails from Wellington told OFM Sport it’s not going to be easy, especially with the structures Hawies Fourie has put in place since taking over at the coach a few months ago.

“I told the players that I think this game will be our toughest of the season so far,” said Bergh.

“If you look at Boland, they are probably the most improved team in this competition.

“Since we played a friendly against them in Saldanha, and after watching their first match against the Cheetahs they are a much improved team.

“I think it will be a tough game, especially down in Wellington.

“When Hawies Fourie coached Boland in 2005 and 2006 I actually helped him with video analysis, so we have come a long way. Then I coached with him here at the Griquas, and against him when I was the CUT and obviously also when he was at the Cheetahs.

“So, we go a long way and I know how good a coach he is. You can see what he has done with Boland in a short space of time.

“I think it will be a tough game and I know from growing up in Wellington that it's a tough place to play and a lot of good teams have fallen short there in the past.”

Saturday’s game in Wellington kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Tertius Kruger, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Carl Els, 7 Stephan Smit (captain), 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Kudzwai Dube, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Athenkosi Khetani, 20 Derik Pretorius, 21 Niel Otto, 22 Xavier Swartbooi, 23 George Whitehead

Morgan Piek OFM Sport