Griquas coach Pieter Bergh is confident they know exactly what to do to topple the marauding Lions in the Currie Cup final on Saturday.
CURRIE CUP: Then there were two
Bergh and his troops are chasing their first Currie Cup title in 55 years – and came perilously close in 2022 when they hosted the final. They were ultimately pipped to the trophy by the Pumas. But Bergh says history can be a great teacher.
“It’s a final, so you always stand a chance,” Bergh told Netwerk24.
“The Lions folded under the pressure a bit in last year’s final. We need to ensure that we’re good enough to put them under pressure, and consistent pressure. If we start well and put them under pressure early, with a bit of luck here and there, we’re in with a chance. Anything can happen in a final.”
In slippery conditions at Ellis Park last year, the Lions were looking to cap an impressive Currie Cup campaign and seemed to have done enough when they scored and converted to take the lead five minutes from full-time. But Springbok Jordan Hendrikse’s 59m penalty in injury time snatched victory away from the home side.
But with a side packed with URC stars, the Lions will look to made amends this time around.
Bergh says a positive brand of rugby has got them to this stage – and they don’t plan on changing that on Saturday.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us. We just need to ensure that we don’t go into our shell. We need to play according to our strengths and not be afraid to put them under pressure.”
Photo: Danie Van Der Lith/Gallo Images