The Griquas Show set to raise the bar
NOT many can claim to have seen Griquas contesting the SuperSport Rugby Challenge semifinals with traditional powerhouses Western Province, the Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday.
One man who can claim to have is their coach Peter Engledow, whose words from a few weeks ago about the expectations of his team in the tournament have proven prophetic. Speaking ahead of their second round-robin clash against the Leopards, Engledow made it clear his side weren’t in the competition to make up numbers.
“We’ve had a very good pre-season and obviously the two teams we’re talking about are [Super Rugby] franchise teams. But the reality is we’re a [full-strength] Currie Cup side and we’re playing against their next best players, without being arrogant we should be able to compete.
“So we’d be disappointed if we don’t get to the final, we’ve got to be in the semifinals or final if we’re going to compete in the Currie Cup. Not having to qualify means we can build a strong squad for the Currie Cup.”
While Engledow clearly knew something the rest of us didn’t know about his team, a few of the coaches his team has embarrassed over the course of the tournament have an idea of what makes his team such a difficult one to beat.
“Griquas are tough, especially at home,” said Sharks XV coach Paul Anthony. “You have to have your wits about you because they’re quite an experienced side. Whoever plays them have to man up defensively. They do leak tries but they’re very solid and they’re very strong on attack.”
Leopards coach Jonathan Mokuena, whose team ambushed a complacent Griquas after they were satisfied with beating the Sharks in the opening round of the competition, said they were a well-balanced side but what set them apart was their backline. “For me their backline is probably the most dangerous aspect of their play,” he explained. “When they get turnover ball they can tear you to pieces. There are a lot of good players in that backline.” — © supersport.com