VIDEO: Griquas finally reaping rewards
REACTION: Griquas’ belief is helping them grind out results this season, revealed head coach Scott Mathie.
The former Bulls and Sharks scrumhalf Mathie took over the reins at Griquas in 2020.
In his first season, the side from Northern Cape concluded the Currie Cup season in seventh place after failing to win a single match.
However, after a very challenging start to the 2021 season, Griquas now found themselves at the top of the Currie Cup table.
The side recorded a 41-31 win over the Lions during the Round six encounter at Ellis Park on Wednesday.
The bonus-point win follows their win over another Currie Cup favourite, Western Province in Cape Town.
#ICYMI: The bonus-point win – two weeks after they beat Western Province in Cape Town – shot Griquas to the top of the Currie Cup log. #LIOvGRI https://t.co/pDaJdXzC87
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 22, 2021
“I’m really proud of the guys, they believe in the team,” Mathie told reporters after the win.
“Last year we lost six or seven games and everyone thought it was downhill from there.
“However we followed processes and eventually with all the guys’ work and effort it was bound to show up somewhere
“I’m just glad for the players that we are getting the results.
“I’m really happy.”
#ICYMI: WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson chats to @King365ed about the status of the Currie Cup and suggests possible changes. https://t.co/VjyJjRcIOl
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 22, 2021
Wing Eduan Keyter scored four tries during Wednesday’s win.
Three of Keyter’s four tries came after the home team were reduced to 14 men when EW Viljoen (fullback) was red carded for a dangerous tackle in the 54th minute.
Meanwhile, the halfback pairing of Stefan Ungerer and Goerge Whitehead continues to prove to be a valuable aspect in the squad set-up.
“Ungerer and Whitehead have controlled the kicking game really well,” said Mathie, adding: “I think that’s such an important part of the game.
“We got our tactics right and defensively we have been resolute.
“We missed some one-on-one tackles which we can improve.
“Our scramble defence was very well and we have done well with the turnover ball – certainly another important part of our game.”
When quizzed about his team’s chances of making the play-offs, Mathie said: “We will always have the dream but for now our focus is not on that.
“Every week we play against tough opposition and we are just focussed on that.”
The last time Griquas have won a Currie Cup trophy was back in 1970.
Griquas have a bye this weekend before travelling to Durban to face the Sharks on July 31.
