'This is the biggest win for us'
REACTION: The name George Alexander Whitehead will be written in the annals of South African rugby for his historic feats.
He ended a 55-year wait for Griquas, when he landed an injury-time penalty to secure a 27-25 win for the Kimberley-based team in the Currie Cup Final at Ellis Park on Saturday.
It is the second year in succession that the Lions choked dramatically in a Final on their home field.
However, focusing on the deficiencies of the United Rugby Championship outfit would detract somewhat from what was a deserved win for Griquas and their hero flyhalf, Whitehead.
It was their fourth win in South Africa’s premier domestic competition, the last having been when they beat Northern Transvaal 11-9 in 1970 – flank Peet Smit having kicked a penalty from inside his own half.
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, George Alexander Whitehead slotted the match-winner.
“All I had to do was kick the penalty over,” an emotional Whitehead said, playing down his role in the dramatic win.
The flyhalf, apart from his sublime game management, contributed 12 points with three conversions and two penalties – including the injury-time match winner.
“I want to thank the team for getting us in that position and getting the kick and opportunity to win at the end.”
At age 36, after 16 years and more than 200 first-class game, he has been a mainstay in the Griquas backline for the last three years.
“I am lucky to be fit enough to still play,” he said, adding that he loves playing with his Kimberley-based teammates.
“I appreciate that the coach backed me for this game,” he added.
“This is the biggest win for me, personally, and the union.”
Griquas captain Cebo Dlamini said their motto this season was ‘finding a way’ and that is exactly what they did against a heavily-fancied Lions team loaded with URC players.
That way was the boot of Whitehead.
“George Whitehead said it would have been his late dad’s birthday today,” Dlamini said of his match-winning flyhalf.
“I’m extremely proud of George Whitehead.
“He is a great leader and supported me in this [captaincy] role.
“It is fantastic to be part of this.”
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