The previous time the two sides met in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, the Peacock Blues edged the Free State 32-30 in Bloemfontein.

Since that match the Free State have been on a three match winning streak with wins over the Sharks, Griffons and Leopards.

The Griquas enjoyed a bye last week but still top the standings on the central log.

MJ Smith has bolstered his side with three Toyota Cheetahs with Jacques du Toit, Tom Botha and Danie Mienie all being named in the match 22.

The winning streak has given the side a lot of confidence and in the process a couple of the guys are really starting to impress.

None more so than the flanker, Gerhard Olivier, who made his return after a very long injury lay-off.

Smith told OFM Sport that it’s hard to believe Olivier was side-lined for such a lengthy period and has returned with sublime form.

“It’s actually amazing, it was his third game in a row after being out for 19 months with an injury and it doesn’t look like he has been out for 19 months.

“He plays out of his skin, JW (Jonker) is leading by example especially seeing that he is the captain.

“Junior Pokomela has made a step up after coming back and it just shows what experience he gained overseas in the Super Rugby.

“Ali Mgijima was awesome in defence against the Leopards and I believe that as a team we are growing.

“There are five U20 guys in our team, so we’re just building depth and developing players into good players.

“So I think it’s a good building process."

Smith added that the derby will be as tough as usual, but they are going to Kimberley with a mission.

“Griquas in Kimberley is a different story.

“It’s going to be tough and physical. I think they got us last year, I think 40-22 in the same fixture.

“We’re going there with a mission, we want to build on this winning streak of ours and get into a good position come quarter-finals and semi-finals.

“We’re up for it, I think the guys are tasting the victories and learning lessons from the small margins that we’ve been taking."

Friday night’s clash at Tafel Lager Park kicks off at 19:00.

Tafel Lager Griquas - 15 Eric Zana, 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Kyle Steyn, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 AJ Coertzen (captain), 10 Andre Swarts, 9 Renier Botha, 8 Jason Fraser, 7 Sias Koen, 6 Wendal Wehr, 5 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 4 Shaun McDonald, 3 Ewald van der Westhuizen, 2 AJ Le Roux, 1 Nicolaas Oosthuizen.

Replacements - 16 Marius Fourie, 17 Mthunzi Moloi, 18 Jonathan Adendorf, 19 RJ Liebenberg, 20 Christiaan Meyer, 21 George Whitehead, 22 Enver Brandt.

Toyota Free State XV – 15 Marco Mason, 14 Luther Obi, 13 JW Jonker (captain), 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Vuyani Maqina, 10 Ryno Eksteen, 9 JP Smith, 8 Junior Pokomela, 7 Gerhard Olivier, 6 Ntokozo Vidima, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Jacques du Toit, 1 Johan Kotze.

Replacements - 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Danie Mienie, 18 Erich de Jager, 19 Sibabalo Quma, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Ruan van Rensburg, 23 Lihleli Xoli.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport