Pumas vs Griquas: Preview and Predictions 

The 2026 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division comes down to one final showdown as the Airlink Pumas take on the Suzuki Griquas at Suzuki Stadium on Saturday, 12 September. 

Griquas earned home advantage after finishing top of the regular-season standings and will be aiming to defend the Currie Cup title they won in 2025. The Pumas, meanwhile, are chasing their second Currie Cup crown after winning their only previous title against Griquas in the 2022 final at the same venue. 

The two sides have already produced plenty of drama this season. Griquas earned their spot in the final after beating the Fidelity ADT Lions 52-12. The Pumas have plenty of experience in big games and showed their resilience by beating the Cheetahs 27-24 in Bloemfontein to reach the final.  

With the Currie Cup trophy on the line, this promises to be an exciting battle between the competition’s defending champions and a Pumas side looking to repeat their 2022 success in Kimberley.

Why This Match Matters So Much 

There is plenty of history behind this Currie Cup final. 

Griquas are bidding to win back-to-back Currie Cup titles, while the Pumas are looking to add a second championship to their trophy cabinet. The 2022 final adds another layer to the contest, with the Pumas defeating Griquas 26-19 at Suzuki Stadium to claim their first Currie Cup title. 

But a Currie Cup final is a different challenge. The Pumas have already shown they can handle pressure away from home, while Griquas will have to deal with the expectations that come with being defending champions and playing in front of their home crowd. 

Tactical Overview  

Griquas have been one of the most complete teams in the competition this season, combining a powerful set piece with an attack that has consistently put opposition defences under pressure. Their 52-12 semi-final win over the Lions highlighted just how dangerous they can be when they gain control of the game. 

The Pumas are likely to look for a more physical contest. Their route to the final has required plenty of resilience, particularly in their 27-24 semi-final victory over the Cheetahs after falling 10-3 behind at half-time. 

Set-piece discipline could be decisive. If the Pumas can match Griquas at scrum time and keep the hosts from building early momentum, the visitors have enough experience and physicality to make this a close contest. Griquas, however, will want to play with the attacking intent that has defined their season.  

Players to Watch  

Clinton Swart (Pumas)  

Clinton Swart will be an important figure for the Pumas, particularly with his goal-kicking providing a reliable source of points. He played a key role in the semi-final win over the Cheetahs, converting all three Pumas tries and adding a penalty. If the Pumas are to pull off another upset in Kimberley, Swart’s accuracy from the tee could be vital. 

George Whitehead (Griquas)  

George Whitehead is one of the key players to watch for the hosts. The experienced flyhalf is set to make his 150th appearance for Griquas in the final, adding another significant milestone to an already important occasion. His goal-kicking and ability to control the game from flyhalf could prove crucial if the final develops into a tight contest. 

Starting Lineup (Pumas)  

1. Etienne Janeke 

2. Chyle van Zyl 

3. Sampie Swiegers 

4. JJ Scheepers 

5. Tiaan de Klerk 

6. Ntsika Fisanti 

7. Andre Goedhals 

8. Willie Engelbrecht (C) 

9. Thomas Bursey  

10. Clinton Swart 

11. Banie Britz  

12. Wian van Niekerk 

13. Sango Xamlashe 

14. Darren Adonis 

15. Jaycee Nel 

Replacements  

16. Gustav du Rand 

17. Zukisa Sali 

18. Junior Banda 

19. Stephan Krugel 

20. Ruwald van der Merwe 

21. Thabo Ndimande 

22. Tino Swanepoel 

23. Russwill Fredricks  

Starting Lineup (Griquas)  

1. Leon Lyons 

2. Tiaan Lange 

3. IG Prinsloo 

4. Malembe Mpofu 

5. Albert Liebenberg (C) 

6. Lourens Oosthuizen 

7. Marco de Witt 

8. Carl Els 

9. Bobby Alexander 

10. George Whitehead 

11. Sako Makata 

12. Mnombo Zwelendaba 

13. Zane Bester 

14. Dylan Maart 

15. Stefan Coetzee 

Replacements  

16. Janco Uys  

17. Eddie Davids 

18. Ntobeko Shezi 

19. Derik Pretorius 

20. Carel van der Merwe 

21. Jack Hart 

22. Liam Koen 

23. Connor Mahoney  

Match Details 

Date: 12 September 2026  

Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberly 

Kick-off Time: 15:00pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

Griquas head into the Currie Cup final as the favourites. They finished top of the regular-season table, have home advantage, and comfortably beat the Pumas in their most recent meeting. 

The Pumas should not be underestimated, though. They have already won a final against Griquas at Suzuki Stadium and showed their ability to grind out a result under pressure in the semi-finals. 

Still, Griquas’ consistency throughout the season makes them difficult to oppose. Their dominant semi-final performance, home advantage, and recent victory over the Pumas give them the edge. 

Prediction: Griquas to win 

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