Griquas vs Cheetahs: Preview and Predictions 

Defending champions, the Suzuki Griquas head into Friday night’s Carling Currie Cup Premier Division showdown full of confidence. This comes after their 56-26 win over the Vodacom Bulls last weekend. Standing in their way are the table-topping Toyota Cheetahs. They have made the perfect start to the season and arrive after a 43-21 bonus-point win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks.  

With both teams carrying momentum into Round 3, fans can expect an exciting clash between two sides that love to play attacking rugby.  

Why This Match Matters So Much   

These sides know each other well, and history suggests there’s rarely much separating them. Griquas have turned Suzuki Stadium into a difficult venue for visiting teams over recent seasons. But the Cheetahs possess the attacking quality to punish even the smallest defensive lapses. 

For Griquas, a home victory would strengthen their position on the log. The Cheetahs, meanwhile, will be eager to prove they can consistently perform away from Bloemfontein and keep pace with the competition’s defending champions. With the Currie Cup’s shortened format, dropping points early can have a significant impact on the playoff race.  

Tactical Overview  

Griquas are likely to rely on their physical forward pack to establish dominance at scrum time before spreading the ball wide through their dangerous backline. Their kicking game and ability to capitalise on turnovers have long been key strengths at home. 

The Cheetahs traditionally favour a fast, expansive style built around quick ruck ball and attacking width. If they can secure clean possession and increase the tempo, they have the backs capable of stretching even the strongest defensive systems. 

Discipline will also be key. In what is expected to be a closely fought encounter, penalties and goal-kicking accuracy could ultimately separate the two sides. 

Players to Watch  

Bobby Alexander (Griquas)  

After his 50th appearance last weekend, Bobby Alexander is certainly a player to watch. In this appearance he scored a hat-trick. This is no surprise, as he’s a phenomenal scrumhalf. His decision-making skills on the pitch are unmatched. So much so that he won the Buffelsfontein Man of the Match award.

Victor Sekekete (Cheetahs)  

As one of the most experienced players on the squad, Victor Sekekete dominates at the lineouts and breakdowns. His leadership and work rate make him key in the pack. Expect him to dominate collisions and help his side gain the upper hand at the set pieces.

Starting Lineup (Griquas)  

1. Leon Lyons 

2. Tiaan Lange 

3. IG Prinsloo 

4. Lungisi Mbiko 

5. Albert Liebenberg (C) 

6. Lourens Oosthuizen 

7. Marco de Witt 

8. Carl Els 

9. Bobby Alexander 

10. George Whitehead 

11. Gurswin Wehr 

12. Mnombo Zwelendaba 

13. Zane Bester 

14. Connor Mahoney 

15. Stefan Coetzee 

Replacements  

16. Janus Venter 

17. Corne Lavagna 

18. Ntobeko Shezi 

19. Carel van der Merwe 

20. Phumzile Maqondwana 

21. Jack Hart 

22. Damian Markus  

23. Sako Makata 

Starting Lineup (Cheetahs)  

1. Tebogo Nkosi 

2. Juan Smal 

3. Frankie dos Reis 

4. Simon Miller 

5. Victor Sekekete 

6. Ramon Uys 

7. Juan Venter 

8. Neels Volschenk 

9. Rewan Kruger 

10. Ethan Wentzel 

11. Prince Nkabinde 

12. Jooste Nel 

13. Carel-Jan Coetzee 

14. Cohen Jasper 

15. Henry Immelman  

Replacements  

16. Marko JV Rensburg 

17. Tielman Nieuwoudt 

18. Ben Pitout 

19. Daniel Maartens 

20. Sisonke Vumazonke 

21. Faf de Klerk 

22. Jaco van der Walt 

23. Michael Annies  

Match Details 

Date: 31 July 2026  

Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberly 

Kick-off Time: 19:00pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

Both teams have enough quality to win this encounter. But playing in Kimberley has consistently been a major advantage for Griquas. Their physicality up front and familiarity with home conditions could prove decisive against the Cheetahs. 

Prediction: Griquas to win 

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