Currie Cup, Final - Teams and Prediction

PREVIEW: The Currie Cup trophy will stay in Kimberley or return to Nelspruit when Griquas and the Pumas collide in Saturday’s blockbuster final.

For Griquas, it’s an opportunity to complete a successful title defence in front of their home supporters after dominating the 2026 campaign. For the Pumas, it’s a chance to recreate one of the greatest days in the union’s history by beating the Peacock Blues in Kimberley for the second time in a Currie Cup final.

The memories of 2022 hover. The Pumas stunned a packed Griquas Stadium with a 26-19 victory to lift their first-ever Currie Cup, and Jimmy Stonehouse’s side believe they can produce another famous away triumph.

Griquas, however, arrive as deserved favourites. Pieter Bergh’s men topped the standings after losing just once all season, scoring a competition-best 47 tries while conceding only 22 as they powered into another home final.

Form team versus proven giant-killers

Griquas have been the benchmark side throughout the 2026 Currie Cup.

The Peacock Blues finished top of the table after losing just one match all season and arrive in the final on a seven-match winning streak. They have scored 47 tries in eight matches while conceding only 22, comfortably the best attacking and defensive record in the competition.

The Pumas’ route has been less dominant, but no less dangerous. Stonehouse’s side scored 32 tries and conceded 32, and have built a reputation for delivering when knockout rugby arrives.

Their Currie Cup pedigree may not match Griquas’, but their record in finals certainly commands respect.

Griquas want back-to-back history

Griquas are chasing a piece of history of their own.

Last year’s dramatic victory over the Lions at Ellis Park delivered the province’s first Currie Cup title in 55 years. Now they have the opportunity to become back-to-back champions for the first time and lift the trophy in front of their own supporters.

Bergh believes consistency has been the defining feature of his side’s campaign.

“We really were consistent in this Currie Cup.

“The last three matches we only conceded six tries. I think we scored about 20 or 21.

“I don’t think the guys will be scared to go and play. We just have to do it another week now.”

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Whitehead’s milestone on the biggest stage

If there is one player who embodies modern Griquas rugby, it is George Whitehead.

The veteran flyhalf will make his 150th appearance for the Peacock Blues in Saturday’s final – another milestone in a remarkable career.

Whitehead was the hero at Ellis Park last year, landing the decisive penalty that ended Griquas’ decades-long wait for Currie Cup glory. He also heads into the final as the competition’s leading points scorer.

Bergh says Whitehead has made it clear he wants the spotlight firmly on the team.

“George himself said this week he doesn’t want it to be bigger than the game already is.

“It’s just the man he is. He wants it to be about the team and not himself.”

The Griquas coach says Whitehead’s influence stretches far beyond his goal-kicking.

“He pushes the youngsters, drives discipline and professionalism, and drives the standards of our team culture.

“He’s such an important part of this team. Hopefully he can take all that experience onto the field on Saturday.”

Stonehouse knows where Griquas’ danger lies

Few coaches understand Whitehead’s value better than Stonehouse.

The Pumas boss described the 37-year-old as Griquas’ “general” and believes stopping him is central to his side’s hopes.

“George is their general. He plans everything.

“If their forwards struggle, he’s the one who gets them on the front foot.”

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Stonehouse said Whitehead’s tactical kicking and composure make him the heartbeat of the Griquas attack.

“George is their kingpin, that’s for sure.

“His boot is unbelievable and his tactical kicking is very good.”

He also warned that Griquas are no longer reliant on one player.

“They have a very balanced team, a good bench and they play with a lot of confidence.”

‘It’s a final. It’s history.’

The Pumas travel to Kimberley without fear.

Stonehouse believes the pressure sits squarely with the defending champions. His own squad has added motivation, with seven players leaving the union at the end of the season and eager to finish on a high.

“Every player wants to prove himself.

“Everyone is talking about physicality. Every player wants to measure himself.”

And as for motivation?

Stonehouse doesn’t think it’s needed.

“If I still have to motivate the players, then there’s a problem.

“It’s a final. It’s history.”

Saturday’s showdown has all the ingredients of a classic: the competition’s most consistent team chasing consecutive titles, the underdogs returning to the scene of their greatest triumph, and two provinces with everything to play for in Kimberley.

Prediction:

Rugby365: Griquas by 10 points

Teams:

Griquas: 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Sako Makata, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Ig Prinsloo, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Leon Lyons
Replacements: 16 Janco Uys, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Carl van der Merwe, 21 Jack Hart, 22 Liam Koen, 23 Connor Mahoney

Pumas: 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 Sango Xamashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Andre Goedhals, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Etienne Janeke
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 Fredericks

Date: Saturday, September 12
Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15.00 SAST; 13.00 GMT
Referee: Morné Ferreira