Griquas vs Lions: Preview and Predictions 

Round 4 of the 2026 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division heats up as the Suzuki Griquas take on the Fidelity ADT Lions on Saturday, 8 August. Both teams have made strong starts to the campaign, with the Lions currently top of the log on 12 points and Griquas just one point behind on 11. 

Griquas will enter the match full of confidence after beating the Toyota Cheetahs 24-21. The Lions also come into the fixture on the back of a win, beating the Vodacom Bulls XV 42-19 last weekend. 

With both sides sitting at the top of the Currie Cup log, there’s plenty at stake in Kimberley. Griquas will be looking to use home advantage to move to the top of the table, while the Lions will hope another strong attacking performance can keep them ahead of the chasing pack.  

Why This Match Matters So Much   

This is more than just another fixture in the Currie Cup. Griquas and the Lions are separated by just one point on the log. This means that the result could have a significant impact on the battle for the top position. 

Griquas have shown impressive resilience during their opening three matches. After beginning the campaign with a 25-19 defeat to the DHL Stormers XXIII, the defending champions responded with consecutive victories over the Vodacom Bulls XV and Toyota Cheetahs. Their 56-26 victory over the Bulls was impressive. They followed this win up by beating the Cheetahs 24-21. 

The Lions have also been among the competition’s leading sides. They narrowly lost 29-27 to the Cheetahs in their opening match before responding with convincing victories over the Airlink Pumas and Bulls. Their 52-29 win against the Pumas was followed by a 42-19 victory over the Bulls. This gives them plenty of attacking momentum heading into Kimberley. 

There is also recent history between these teams to consider. Griquas defeated the Lions 27-25 in the 2025 Currie Cup Final, securing the title with a late penalty. This result will add another layer to what should already be a highly competitive encounter. 

Tactical Overview  

The battle at set piece could be one of the defining features of this match. 

Griquas have built their recent success around a physical approach, strong forward play and the ability to create attacking opportunities from good field position. Playing at Suzuki Stadium also gives them the opportunity to control territory and put pressure on the Lions through repeated visits into their half.  

The home side will need to be disciplined, however. The Lions have demonstrated that they can punish defensive mistakes. 

For the Lions, quick ball and attacking width could be important. If they can generate momentum through their forwards and give their backs space, they have the attacking players capable of troubling the Griquas defence. 

The opening exchanges could therefore be crucial. Griquas will want to establish physical dominance and territory, while the Lions will be looking for opportunities to turn possession into points. 

Discipline could also play a major role. With the teams so closely matched on the log, penalties and kicking opportunities could ultimately make the difference. 

Players to Watch  

Tiaan Lange (Griquas)  

After being named the Buffelsfontein Brandewyn Man of the Match last weekend, Tiaan Lange is certainly a player to watch. Lange’s physicality and work around the breakdown will be important against a strong Lions pack. 

TBC (Lions)  

Starting Lineup (Griquas)  

1. Leon Lyons 

2. Tiaan Lange 

3. IG Prinsloo 

4. Malembe Mpofu 

5. Albert Liebenberg (C) 

6. Lourens Oosthuizen 

7. Carel van der Merwe 

8. Carl Els 

9. Bobby Alexander 

10. George Whitehead 

11. Gurswin Wehr 

12. Mnombo Zwelendaba 

13. Zane Bester 

14. Dylan Maart 

15. Stefan Coetzee 

Replacements  

16. Janus Venter 

17. Eddue Davids 

18. Ntobeko Shezi 

19. Derik Pretorius 

20. Dillon Smith 

21. Jack Hart 

22. Sako Makata 

23. Connor Mahoney 

Starting Lineup (Lions)  

TBC 

Match Details 

Date: 8 August 2026  

Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberly 

Kick-off Time: 13:00pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

This is a difficult match to call. 

The Lions have been one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the competition and currently sit at the top of the log. Their recent 42-19 victory over the Bulls will give them plenty of confidence heading into Kimberley. 

However, Griquas have a major advantage in playing at home. The defending champions have already beaten the Bulls and Cheetahs at Suzuki Stadium this season, and their 24-21 victory over the Cheetahs showed that they can stay composed when matches go down to the wire. 

The Lions may have the attacking edge, but Griquas’ home form and recent success against the Cheetahs make them difficult to overlook. 

Prediction: Griquas to win 

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