Suzuki Griquas took some revenge for their loss in the SA Cup and handed their neighbours Toyota Cheetahs their first loss in this year’s Currie Cup, winning 24-21 in an exciting and entertaining game in Kimberley on Friday night.
Griquas lost 32-31 in the dying moments in May - a result that was needed by Frans Steyn’s side to qualify for the Currie Cup, but this time around Pieter Bergh’s charges won the contest and grabbed a bonus point by outscoring their neighbours four tries to three.
It was certainly a passionate win for the home side, and it was clear there was no love lost between the two teams as is normally the case with these derbies.
Full time score, Griquas take the win. #CurrieCup #SuzukiGriquas #OFMCup pic.twitter.com/RkgBqkACUi
— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) July 31, 2026
But it came down to the wire as the Cheetahs were pressing hard inside the Griquas 22 metre area for the last five minutes, and only an exceptional lineout steal on their own line by Albert Liebenberg ensured the victory for the home side.
The win resurrected Griquas' title defence after losing their opening game to the Stormers XXIII and beating the Vodacom Bulls XV in their second outing.
Once again the speed and tactical awareness of Griquas was top class, but their physicality was a pleasant surprise while they scrum all but demolished the Cheetahs up front, earning them countless penalties when it mattered.
The Cheetahs also had a fast start, scoring through Simon Miller who went over from close range, but his try was quickly negated by some exceptional work from man of the match Tiaan Lange, who scored the first of his two tries shortly afterwards.
Another of Griquas’ stars on the night, Carl Els, also powered over from close range in the 33rd minute to give the home side the lead.
TRY OF THE NIGHT
But the try of the evening came shortly afterwards, as the Cheetahs lost the ball on attack deep in the Griquas 22, but the turnover launched a spectacular try at the other end of the field.
Snatching up the loose ball Mnombo Zwelindaba took it up and booted it downfield, for Gurshwin Weir to chase and win the ball back, popping it back to Zwelindaba in the process, and when he was pulled down again, popping it back to Weir.
The winger then sent the ball with a kick pass to speedy scrumhalf Bobby Alexander, who dived in at the corner for a spectacular try.
World Cup-winning scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, who was brought on after 25 minutes by Steyn off the bench, was yellow carded just before the break for a cynical turnover at the breakdown, where referee Christopher Allison ruled he was off his feet when he played the ball and prevented a counter attack.
The Cheetahs got themselves back into the game with a powerful lineout maul early in the second half as Marko Janse van Rensburg emerged to claim the try.
But it wasn’t long before Griquas claimed the bonus point at the other end of the field, again with Lange going over from close range to keep his side in front.
A beautiful line run at speed by Prince Nkabinde stripped the defence and brought the visitors within three, and they were the stronger side in the last few minutes, but Griquas held on for a big win at home.
SCORERS
Suzuki Griquas - tries: Tiaan Lange (2), Carl Els, Bobby Alexander. Conversions: George Whitehead (2).
Toyota Cheetahs - tries: Simon Miller, Mark Janse van Rensburg, Prince Nkabinde. Conversions: Cohen Jasper (3).