Griffons' scores do not tell the real story
SEASON REVIEW: The Griffons will be a much more competitive outfit next season, according to coach Jacques Juries.
The Griffons concluded the Currie Cup 2023 season at the bottom of the table with 10 points.
However, the side, coached by Jacques Juries, has shown immense character, punching above its weight for the last three months.
The Purple People Eaters gave supporters more than enough to celebrate after they had to wait two decades for Currie Cup matches to be played in Welkom.
The Griffons last featured in the Premier Division back in 1999, when it was a 14-team competition.
They reached the Currie Cup semifinal, as Northern Free State, four times in the hay-day.
The class of 2023 certainly created its own little bit of magic.
Their historic 32-28 win over the Bulls in Round Four was the highlight of the season.
“The guys showed a lot of character throughout the season,” Griffons coach Jacques Juries told rugby365com.
“We went into the unknown and didn’t know what to expect, but tried to adapt from game one.
“We were weak in certain areas and tried to improve and rectify our mistakes and we are satisfied that we have shown some progress.
“We got better in the second half of the season, and the scores do not necessarily tell the true story.
“We felt that we had opportunities to win a game with a couple of narrow defeats.
“I feel that we will approach next season much better and more prepared.”
The Griffons’ mentor said their win really sparked a sense of confidence in the team.
“The win over the Bulls was the highlight,” Juries said, adding: “It was our first win in the Currie Cup and since then the team’s confidence has grown.
“The guys started to believe we could win games.
“We didn’t win any more games but we felt there were opportunities.
“Unfortunately for us, we had lapses for 15 minutes during a game where the opposition took their chances so that is certainly a focal point for next year.”
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URC ready
There were a couple of players that stood out.
Scrumhalf Jaywinn Juries concluded the league matches as the top point scorer of the season, while Hendrik van Schoor is another player who was a solid figure in the pack.
“[Jaywinn] Juries has been a stalwart for the team. We depended a lot on his kicking boot, not only for poles but also for our kicking game.
“We were quite happy with the stability he added and the resilience he has shown,” Juries said.
He added: “Van Schoor is very underrated. He brings a lot of energy to the team and adds intelligence that contributes, especially in the pack.
“Van Schoor is already ready to play URC.
“It is just a case of getting an opportunity to show what he can do.”
The coach said he is eager to add to his team’s roster in the hope of building squad depth.
“The players have played a lot of Currie Cup games and have gained a lot of experience which will help for next season.
“We have to get in a few more players to help with a depth in the squad.
“We have to get a stronger off-season and get our players fit for next season.”
*Photo Credit: Griffons
