Griquas like the taste of success
Having had their first taste of success, Griquas are determined to continue feasting on the big guns of the Currie Cup competition.
After three disappointing defeats, in two of which they held the lead for most of the first half, Griquas broke their duck with an impressive 42-32 triumph over the defending champion Golden Lions in Johannesburg last Friday.
It is a victory that finally made the men from Kimberley realise their can be more than just competitive in South Africa's premier domestic competition – they can still knock over the big guns.
"It was a good win for us … a much-needed win," coach Pote Human told this website, when asked about the first victory of the season.
The down side is a couple of injuries.
Veteran wing Jannie Boshoff is struggling with a hamstring and he is unlikely to feature in the encounter with the table-topping Sharks this coming Saturday.
Midfielder Walter Venter injured his shoulder in Johannesburg, but he should be fine.
"Jannie [Boshoff] has been playing so well, but he has struggling with the hamstring problem before and that is why we won't take a chance," Human told this website.
Sharks import Luzuko Vulindlu or stalwart Richard Lawson will take Boshoff's place on the wing.
Human said the win against the Lions was very good for his team's confidence.
"We have been playing good rugby this season, but just could not get a win in the first three rounds.
"Last Friday we pulled it off and now that we have tasted victory, hopefully it will motivate the players even more.
"We will need it for this coming Saturday, against the Sharks.
"They [the Sharks] are on top of the table and we are last, so it will be a huge challenge for us."
Asked how he managed to turn his team of almost winners into giant killers, he said the players finally realised that we are fit enough and good enough to beat the best.
"We just have to remain focussed," Human told this website, adding: "We almost lost it again … those two tries 10 minutes from the end.
"Luckily the guys remained calm and pulled off the win," he said, adding that the five points were invaluable to them.
He said they had spoken repeatedly about being good enough to compete, but now they realise it doesn't help they keep telling each other.
"We needed to produce on the field – the players took it on themselves to produce an 80-minute effort and fortunately it came off."
By Jan de Koning
