Currie Cup Final: Lions v Griquas – Key Battles

Quintin van Jaarsveld identifies and examines the key head-to-head battles of Saturday’s Currie Cup final between the Lions and Griquas at Ellis Park.

PJ Botha/Morne Brandon v Janco Uys

Chief among the United Rugby Championship stars the Lions turned to for the business end of the competition, Botha was the Man of the Match in the 44-5 win over the Bulls and captained the team with distinction in the last three games. 

With his sound fundamentals and vast experience, he’s a banker and a calming influence, but is in doubt after limping off with a knee injury in last weekend’s 67-19 semi-final win over Boland. Brandon did a good job filling his shoes, and as a barnstormer of a hooker, he’ll bring the heat should Botha be ruled out.

Usually rock solid, Uys had a rare off day in Griquas’ 25-5 triumph over the Cheetahs last Saturday. Lineout issues frustrated the men from Kimberley, and with it being such a vital launching pad to attack from, Uys will have to be on the money with his throwing come Saturday. 

Jarod Cairns v Lourens Oosthuizen

As an established United Rugby Championship star, Cairns has been a cut above his fellow flankers and a central figure for the Lions this season.

He’s missed just 38 minutes of action all campaign and had another blinder when he delivered his sixth 80-minute performance of the season against Boland last weekend.

Sidelined for over a year after suffering a serious knee injury shortly after making his Griquas debut in 2023, Oosthuizen returned to the playing field in this year’s SA Cup and has carried his hunger and energy into the Currie Cup.

Affectionately known as “Vlam”, he’s been on fire for the Peacock Blues, getting into non-stop battles with his high work rate, and will once again leave everything out on the field. 

Chris Smith v George Whitehead

The battle of the flyhalves will be pivotal as they look to steer their teams to Currie Cup glory.

Former Bulls star Smith is back in South Africa after two years in France, where he played for Oyonnax, and has hit the ground running at Ellis Park.

With the Lions hampered by injuries and searching for a franchise flyhalf, the 31-year-old has immediately put his hand up with sterling showings, including bossing and scoring 15 points in last weekend’s game against Boland.

An underrated servant of South African rugby, Whitehead has been around forever and is known for his consistency. Ever-reliable, the veteran is unshakeable, tactically astute, and the leading point-scorer this season.

Now 36, engineering an upset for the ages to earn the Peacock Blues their first Currie Cup title in 55 years would be a fairy tale ending to the career of the man known in some circles as “Handre Pollard Lite.”

Angelo Davids v Dylan Maart

After struggling to get game time at the Stormers, where he had to compete with Leolin Zas, Seabelo Senatla, Suleiman Hartzenberg, and Ben Loader, Davids linked up with the Lions this season and has instantly lit things up.

The former Blitzbok has been lethal, showing off his blistering speed, fancy footwork, and top-class finishing ability, and heads into Saturday’s decider at full tilt after having scored no less than four tries in last weekend’s rout.

A try-scoring phenom in his own right, Maart first made a name for himself at Boland and is killing it in Kimberley. A magician out on the wing, he has a flair for the spectacular and had a major hand in last weekend’s win over the Cheetahs, scoring a try in each half.   

Henco van Wyk v Zane Bester

One of the most exciting and explosive players in the country, Van Wyk has wreaked havoc since being brought into the fold with his fellow United Rugby Championship stars.

If not for injury, “Weapon X” would’ve likely been a Springbok already, and that dream of representing South Africa at the highest level is what fuels him to go out and dominate on both sides of the ball that he so often does.

Bester is in his first full season of Currie Cup rugby and has made quite the impression with his X-factor. The former Shimlas star is extremely elusive, beating defenders left and right, and will likely have a speed advantage over Van Wyk.

On the flip side, Van Wyk is the significantly stronger ball carrier, setting up an intriguing midfield matchup.