Rugby
Griquas want to build on morale boosting win─── MORGAN PIEK 07:39 Fri, 23 Aug 2024
“If you’re not willing to fight for the team or fight for the cause, then unfortunately you will give up on that. But our players showed great intent, energy and urgency to get back and fight for every inch.”
The Suzuki Griquas will be looking to build on their momentum on Firday evening when they face the Blue Bulls in Pretoria in the Currie Cup.
While the Griquas 59-7 win against the Griffons last week was just their second victory in the Currie Cup this season, they have kept their faint chance of reaching the semifinals alive.
‘Several of them have long-term injuries’
The Griquas have been plagued with injuries to key players this season and the win in Welkom has boosted their morale.
The injury list at the Griquas doesn’t make for good reading with George White, Janco Uys, Cameron Hufke, Jay-Cee Nel, Stephan Smith and Lubabalo Dobela among those out of commission. Several of them have long-term injuries and their seasons are over, however, a couple of players could be back for the game against the Toyota Cheetahs in Kimberley next week.
The Griquas assistant coach, Franco van der Merwe, told OFM Sport that the win did a lot for their confidence.
“It’s difficult when you’re in the downward spiral and players become frustrated and they could easily lose a bit of interest,” said Van der Merwe.
“But except for the result we got against the Griffons, which was great to get the win again, it was great to see the intent the guys still play with and that they still care and they still want to have an impact and play well.
Stephan Smit and Lubabalo Dobela. Picture: Louis Botha Fotografie/Griquas
“There were a few times that we got cut in the line and we had great scramble defence. Now, if you're not willing to fight for the team or fight for the cause, then unfortunately you will give up on that.
“But our players showed great intent and energy and urgency to get back and fight for every inch. So, it was great to give us some momentum, especially going into this weekend and being a short week as well, we’ve had a great week so far in terms of training.
‘The win helps with the general morale and spirit in the side’
“So obviously the win helps a little bit with just the general morale and the spirit in the side as well.”
Friday night’s crunch match at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 19:05.
Bulls – 15 Devon Williams, 14 Henry Immelman, 13 Cornel Smit, 12 Chris Barend Smit, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Keagan Johannes, 8 Mpilo Gumede, 7 Mihlali Mosi, 6 Nizaam Carr (captain), 5 Jannes Kirsten, 4 Cyle Brink, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Joe van Zyl, 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt
Replacements - 16 Juann Else, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Merwe Olivier, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Katlego Letebele
Griquas – 15 Connor Mahoney, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Sango Xamlashe (captain), 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Zinedine Robinson, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Dandré Delport, 1 Leon Lyons
Replacements – 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Janu Botha, 19 Albert Liebenberg, 20 Jac van der Walt, 21 Xavier Swartbooi, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Zane Bester
